Members of AKA, Nigeria’s prominent arts group, are organizing a new exhibition set to take place across Nigeria and Ghana. This event will feature artworks from some of the group’s members, now in their late 60s, 70s, and 80s, in Lagos, Abuja, Enugu, and Ghana.

According to Bona Ezeudu, a founding member and respected artist, the exhibition, scheduled for October 2024, aims to “honour our late members and celebrate El Anatsui, who has recently turned 80 and is celebrated as one of the 100 most influential people in the world.”

The late members to be honoured include Ifedioramma Dike, Samson Uchendu, Boniface Okafor, Chike Ebebe, and Nsikak Essien.

Ezeudu, who established one of the first art galleries in Enugu at 27, shared that AKA was originally formed with 13 members, five of whom have since passed away. He recalled how esteemed artists like Chike Aniakor, Obiora Udechukwu, and El Anatsui collaborated to create the AKA group, bringing together talented artists who had previously held exhibitions.

Since its founding in 1985 and its first exhibition in 1986, AKA has showcased its work in Enugu, Lagos, Port Harcourt, Abuja, and France. Ezeudu has yet to reveal the specific venues and artworks for the upcoming exhibition, which will be announced in due course.

Current AKA members include:

Bona Ezeudu
Obiora Anidi
Chike Aniakor
Chris Afuba
Tayo Adenaike
Obiora Udechukwu
El Anatsui
Chris Echeta
AKA has also recently welcomed Chika Okeke and Tony Umunna into the fold.

By Fred Iwenjora