Ian’s photographs have appeared on album covers and promotional materials for a range of soul, reggae, and African music stars, including Stevie Wonder, Fela Kuti, Kintone and Revelation.
Fela Kuti Box Set #5
Several of Ian’s photographs of the late Afrobeat musician Fela Kuti, were used on the vinyl record album Fela Box Set #5, which was co-curated by Fela’s son, Femi, alongside Chris Martin of Coldplay. It’s an impressive collection of 7 great albums from his back catalogue, including Kalakuta Show, and Original Sufferhead. Ian’s photos were used on the front and back covers of the large accompanying 20-page booklet, plus used inside as a double page spread.
Included in the box set are 7 Vinyl LPs, and the artwork for each album has been meticulously recreated from the original vinyl pressings, alongside vintage vinyl label artwork, plus the full-colour booklet. The poster was designed by Nigerian artist Lemi Ghariokwu, the creative force behind 29 of Fela‘s album covers. The box set was released in December 2021 in a limited edition of 4000 copies worldwide.
Stevie Wonder Single I Ain’t Gonna Stand For It
Motown Records used Ian’s photos on the Stevie Wonder single I Ain’t Gonna Stand For It, which was included on Wonder’s platinum selling Hotter Than July album. Motown also used his photographs for publicity of three Motown superstars; Stevie Wonder, Marvin Gaye and Diana Ross.
