Laolu Senbanjo to Grace the Cover of Rolling Stone Africa's Debut Issue

Nigerian artist Laolu Senbanjo, also known as Laolu NYC, is set to be the cover star for the historic first edition of Rolling Stone Africa magazine, launching this August. The announcement comes amidst a flurry of excitement surrounding the arrival of the iconic music and pop culture publication on the African continent.

Senbanjo, a visual artist, musician, singer-songwriter, and former human rights lawyer, shared his enthusiasm on social media, writing, "Excited to announce my first Rolling Stone magazine cover! Stay tuned for the August issue."

Rolling Stone Africa's Arrival Heralded as a Milestone

The news of Rolling Stone Africa's debut was first announced by media personality Toyosi Etim-Effiong in July. Etim-Effiong, who sits on the board of Mwankom, the company behind the magazine's launch in Africa, expressed her pride in the project, stating, "It's important to me that our stories retain their authenticity... Rolling Stone Africa captures that!"

In a statement, Rolling Stone itself acknowledged the significance of this expansion, highlighting its commitment to celebrating "exceptional voices" and shaping African culture. Gus Wenner, CEO of Rolling Stone, remarked, "Expanding Rolling Stone's presence in Africa has been a long-term goal of ours... We look forward to working with Mwankom and fostering global connections through the universal language of music."

Mwankom, through its management, echoed this sentiment, emphasizing its dedication to providing inclusive coverage across Africa's cultural, business, and technological landscapes. D. Romuald Bellegarde-Smeralda, CEO & Founder of Mwankom, stated, "Rooted in a rich multicultural heritage, our journey has been defined by a strong commitment to collaborating with trailblazing entrepreneurs from Africa and its global diaspora."

Laolu Senbanjo: A Fusion of Artistic Expression and Heritage

Senbanjo's journey began in earnest when he relocated to Brooklyn, New York, in 2013. His unique style, which he terms "Afromysterics," draws heavily on his Yoruba roots and features intricate patterns and ancient Nigerian symbols.

Described as sharing affinities with the works of Jean-Michel Basquiat and Keith Haring, Senbanjo's work has garnered widespread recognition. He has collaborated with a range of celebrities and brands, including Nike, Beyoncé, the Grammy Museum, and the Smithsonian Institution.

Senbanjo's philosophy extends beyond canvas, as evidenced by his mantra, "everything is my canvas," which led him to explore painting on various mediums, including shoes, jackets, and even human bodies.

Laolu Senbanjo

His work, "The Sacred Art of the Ori Ritual," reflects his experiences as a human rights attorney and grapples with themes of social injustice. Another notable piece, "Dreamscape," showcased in Beyoncé's Lemonade, is a visual exploration of life's journey, incorporating elements of religion, war, politics, and human nature.

Senbanjo's selection as the cover star for Rolling Stone Africa's debut is a fitting celebration of his work in the Art market and his role in shaping contemporary African culture.