The major hurdle to African Art in particular is lack of platform within many African nations, unable to afford the infrastructure nor the importance to be able to see their work flourish. It is always a shame that talent must be confined in this manner, but this is about to change with the Blockchain revolution.

The revolution within the revolution

Art flourishes under exposure; by taking talented artists' works and giving it platform to be seen by public and appreciated in both an artistic and financial light. It is cruel that those who's minds and spirits are bursting with such artistic talent, are often found in the least exposed, and underappreciated parts of the world. This includes African Art which even though through the late 20th century and early 21st century has found much more mainstream light, is undoubtedly restricted and under-nurtured through a lack of infrastructure as well as facilities.

However, NFTs are changing this. With rapid success of the Blockchain industry itself, many artists are taking to the internet to be able to create, expose, and distribute their talent. This is done through the minting and anti-counterfeit measures of NFTs, which ensures credibility of the art, whilst making it accessible. This levels the playing field for many- and remains the reason why this industry is booming in LEDCs across the world.

A platform for exposure

The artwork below is an NFT available at OpenSea, the world's largest NFT marketplace.

This is an example of the marvellous exposure being provided as the artwork you are looking at is highly unique: it is the cover art of the late Fela Kuti's best selling album. Created by Lemi Ghariokwu, for the estate of Fela Kuti, it is preserved in Lagos, Nigeria in the Africa Shrine of the Fela Kuti Museum.

It should immediately scream and express the ghosts of Africa's mid-20th century story of rebellion, and struggle for equality under brutal colonial conditions. It is quite fitting to the lyrics.

Some art isn't about the price tag

Rather, this NFT project in particular focuses on philanthropy as proceeds go towards the...

...preservation of the legacy of the legendary Agbami Eda, the man who captured the very essence of jazz afrobeat, and forever entrenched in our hearts the universal quest for freedom, happiness and human wellbeing.- OpenSea, 2021

This is the defining characteristic of the revolution that African Art in NFT format brings: it is just as much about dignifying and honouring the craft as it is about providing the artists some exposure.

More artists

Though getting bigger, African Art still only accounts for less than 1% of the global market. This demonstrates huge potential for marketplaces to showcase this work.

Kenyan-based, award winning photographer, Rich Allela, auctioned one of the continent's first NFT projects back in May:

It captures African culture and heritage- the theme of many artists eager to bring about recognition to the continent.

In an interview with the Nyasa Times, the artist going under the alias of the 'Prince of Malawi', reveals just how important this development is to his work as well as to his scarcely represented nation:

I think what lots of people are beginning to realise is that the art that they may have seen in popular demonstrations and museums is often mostly Eurocentric... after all from De Vinci to Andy Warhol it is hard to deny that there is little representation given to African Art in exhibition space.

Now, I'm not saying it doesn't exist but after I stumbled across this massively untapped market, in NFTs, I have come to the realisation just how much more potential there is than we are provided through physical spaces such as museums and shows.

I for one have big plans to show my work to the world on online platforms and the best part is the authenticity... some would say its even more secure and hard to counterfeit in the blockchain realm. I'm still learning and I hope that soon I will be able to take some of my work and add it to NFTs so people can see just how cool it all is- the culture, as well as the talent.

When queried about his artistic plans, the Prince of Malawi responded:

No it is not all about the culture, it is also about the people. The people that need to see their works be appreciated. Not all of my works are culturally focused but one big big thing to appreciate is that now there is a platform for every artist whether from Malawi, or any other part of the world where they may not find as much presence of the Art industry. I'm young and I know what I want to do...this, this is what I need to do to show others the way. I'll learn more and then share the gift of art...

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