In Afrobeats, visuals are not just about looks; it’s an announcement. Every album cover is a statement of identity, confidence, and intention. In 2025, when the genre branched out into pop, trap, and soul threads, artists turned their covers into an extension of their stories. They use colour, symbols, and typography to tell us who they are and what the music is becoming. These five covers didn’t just sit atop good albums; they joined the conversation.
Burna Boy – No Sign of Weakness
Burna Boy’s eighth studio release, No Sign of Weakness, sports a cinematic and reflective cover. Burna sits in a black room on the cover, surrounded by figures that seem to represent various sides of his personality. This setup reflects the strength and self-discovery spirit of the album. Burna himself posted the cover art on Instagram, highlighting the richness of the album’s narrative.
Davido – 5ive
Davido’s 5ive album features two covers, each capturing distinct aspects of his creative process. One features Davido in a white suit standing defiantly over an empty landscape, amidst figures clothed in colored fabrics. It symbolises his stardom and the multifaceted influences in his music. The other features Davido under a shower of pearls, with the pearls covering his face, providing an air of mystery and capturing the album’s introspective aspect.
Olamidé – Olamidé
The album Olamidé by Olamidé has a minimalist cover that focuses on the artist himself. The close-up of Olamidé on the cover exudes confidence and maturity. The sophistication of the design captures the essence of self-confidence and maturity as an artist. This is different from his other albums, showcasing a mature and introspective aspect of the artist.
Fola – Catharsis
Fola’s debut album, Catharsis, features an artistic and emotive cover. The cover photograph is handled using a collage technique, bringing together various textures and materials that represent the artist’s own journey of discovery and self-expression. The abstractness of the cover design invites listeners to experience the themes of vulnerability and self-discovery found in the album, which is reflected in the tracks within.
- Black Sherif – Iron Boy
Black Sherif’s album cover of Iron Boy is powerful and symbolic. The cover features a stylised photo of Black Sherif, projecting strength and toughness. The cover’s design features emblems that resonate with the album’s themes of grit and self. This reflects the powerful stories of the album, cementing Black Sherif as a leading artist of Afrobeats music today.
These cover art records show not only the musicians’ musical talent but also their ability to tell richer stories in visual terms. Each cover is a call to explore the themes and stories within the albums, enhancing the listening experience overall.
