Nsukka celebrates contemporary African artist, El Anatsui, unveils landmark book
* Scholars, traditional rulers, cultural icons, public leaders to gather in honour of global art legend
By Editor
THE University of Nigeria, Nsukka (UNN), in collaboration with the University Senior Staff Club, has invited members of the academic community, the media, cultural institutions, art enthusiasts, alumni, traditional rulers and the general public to the formal unveiling of the landmark book: El Anatsui: The Man, the Myth, the Legend at 80 and Counting. The historic event will hold on Wednesday, July 1, 2026, at the Princess Alexandra Auditorium, University of Nigeria, Nsukka.
The book, a monumental 411-page compendium edited by Associate Professor Greg Mbajiorgu and Chikaogwu Kanu, celebrates the extraordinary life, scholarship, humanity, and artistic genius of the Ghanaian-born artist, Emeritus Professor El Anatsui, who lived and worked in Nsukka for 47 years. From that modest university town. he rose to become arguably one of the most influential Black visual artists of the contemporary era.
More than a book launch, the event represents a celebration of a remarkable global phenomenon. From his creative base in Nsukka, El Anatsui transformed discarded materials into masterpieces that now adorn the world’s most prestigious museums, galleries, and cultural institutions. His artistic innovations have earned him international acclaim, culminating in his recognition as the greatest black African artist on earth and his elevation as one of Times International’s 100 Most Influential Men in the World. Indeed, few individuals have done more to project the name of Nsukka onto the global cultural map than El Anatsui. Through his work, the town has become a destination for scholars, artists, researchers, curators, collectors, and tourists from across the world. His story demonstrates how creativity can transform geography into destiny and how a university town can become a global cultural landmark.
According to the lead editor and member, El Anatsui Book Unveiling Planning Committee, Mbajiorgu, the event will feature a review of the book by renowned linguist, literary scholar, newspaper columnist, and public affairs analyst, Professor Chris Uchenna Agbedo. His review is expected to provide penetrating insights into the significance of the volume as a cultural archive, intellectual monument, and historical document.
The unveiling ceremony will bring together an impressive constellation of distinguished personalities from the academia, government, traditional institutions, the arts, and the media. The Vice-Chancellor of the University of Nigeria, Professor Simon Uchenna Ortuanya, will serve as the chief host, while the President of the University Senior Staff Club, Professor Chukwudi Nnamchi, is host and the Chairman of the Planning Committee, Professor Lazarus Ogenyi, will co-host the event. Presiding over the ceremony as chairman is the revered Obi of Onitsha, His Majesty Nnaemeka Alfred Achebe, whose enduring commitment to culture, scholarship, and nation-building continues to inspire generations.
Among the eminent personalities expected as special guests of honour are Member, House of RRepresentative, Rt. Hon. Chidi Obeta, Justice Professor Peter Umeadi, Director-General, National Council for Arts and Culture, Abuja, Dr. Obi Asika, Dr. Mrs. Virgy Anohu (Adadioramma), HRH Igwe George Asadu (Okpudo, Ihe n’Owerre); HRH Eze Ifeanyi Ekeh (Udumeze III of Lokpanta) and Director, FIT Consult Group of Companies, Chief Loretta Aniagolu.
El Anatsui: The Man, the Myth, the Legend at 80 and Counting is unprecedented in scope and ambition. Featuring contributions from over 100 distinguished scholars, artists, intellectuals, administrators, journalists, traditional rulers, scientists and cultural practitioners from Nigeria, Ghana, Cameroon, South Africa, Europe, and North America, the book stands as one of the most comprehensive tributes ever dedicated to an African artist. Its contributors include eminent academics, serving and former university administrators, internationally acclaimed artists, literary figures, historians, linguists, musicologists, philosophers, journalists, and cultural commentators. The collection captures not only the artistic achievements of El Anatsui but also his influence as mentor, teacher, intellectual, philanthropist, institution-builder, and global cultural icon.
The significance of this publication extends far beyond the celebration of an individual, as it is simultaneously a documentation of the intellectual history of the University of Nigeria, a chronicle of the emergence of the Nsukka School of Art, and a testimony to Africa’s growing contribution to global artistic discourse. As Emeritus Professor El Anatsui continues to inspire generations at 82, the unveiling offers a rare opportunity for the people of Nsukka, the university community, the nation, and the international cultural fraternity to collectively honour a man whose life and work have expanded the possibilities of African creativity.
The organizers therefore invite all lovers of art, culture, scholarship, and human excellence to participate in this historic occasion and join in celebrating a figure whose legacy has transcended borders, disciplines, and generations.
