By Ayoola Ajanaku
In the heart of Africa’s evolving cultural renaissance, a new initiative is redefining the way the world views African art and storytelling. This novel initiative christened Mind of the Masters is envisioned by investment and trade egghead, Larry Segun-Lean. It’s a bold and imaginative project hinged on amplifying the celebration of artistic brilliance on the African continent. It’s a platform for rethinking and rewriting the narratives that have long shaped perceptions of the continent’s creative identity.
Launched as a multi-disciplinary showcase of African artistic heavyweights, Mind of the Masters is a medley of seasoned artistic exposition from across Africa and the diaspora. Their mission is clear: to broaden African voices, deepen the appreciation of indigenous aesthetics, and chart new courses for African artistic expression in the 21st century.
The vision of Mind of the Masters is expansive. It goes beyond conventional exhibitions or art festivals. This initiative positions itself at the intersection of tradition and innovation, where oral histories intersect with visual manifestation and more.
One of the most profound aspects of this initiative is its insistence on narrative sovereignty. It has become a recurring decimal where African stories, especially those told through art(s) have been filtered through foreign lenses. Museums, collectors, and critics from the global North have often held the power to define what is “authentic,” what is “valuable,” and what is “African enough.”
While the spotlight naturally shines on the “masters”, Artists with decades of experience and international acclaim. This novel initiative is equally focused on nurturing emerging talent. Young creatives from underrepresented regions are being mentored, commissioned, and given access to global networks that previously felt out of reach.
The success of Mind of the Masters is also due in part to its ability to be both locally grounded and globally resonant. Its exhibitions are being hosted not only in African capitals but also in cultural centres around the world from Europe to the United States. No matter where the works are shown, the heartbeat of Africa remains unmistakable.
Ultimately, Mind of the Masters is more than a project. It’s a movement. It dares to question the systems that have historically excluded African voices from the global artistic canon. It encourages critical conversations about ownership, representation, and the politics of beauty. And most importantly, it invites Africa to tell its stories on its own terms devoid of the stereotypical Western bandwidth.
As the continent continues to pulse with innovation, resilience, and hope, initiatives like this remind us that art is not just a reflection. It is a revolution. The proposed initiative seeks to launch in the third quarter of 2025 in Lagos, Nigeria before it moves to the West Coast then East and Southern Africa.
Ayoola Ajanaku is a Communications & Advocacy Specialist based in Lagos, Nigeria…
