Well known as the man behind the album covers for the biggest names in American hip hop industry such as Lauryn Hill, Nicki Minaj, Drake, Lil Wayne, S
Well known as the man behind the album covers for the biggest names in American hip hop industry such as Lauryn Hill, Nicki Minaj, Drake, Lil Wayne, Snoop Dogg, late Biggie as well as the album cover of Jay Z’s debut album ‘Reasonable Doubt’, in his over two decades as professional, the man, Jonathan Mannion was recently in the country on the invitation of premium brand, Hennessy for a one of a kind project which kicked off on the 25th of October and ended on 31st, October 2016. This project saw Jonathan Mannion touring symbolic places and meeting influential people in the Visual and Hip Hop industries in Lagos. The week kicked off with Mannion shooting the Hennessy VS Class Alumni, winners of the annual hip hop initiative created by Hennesy, at Studio 24. The next day, Jonathan had a private ‘meet and greet’ with some key representatives of the media, during which he conveyed the aim of his tour to Lagos which was to authenticate and celebrate the Nigerian hip hop culture. He also shared his works, experiences and ideas with them.
Meet and greet with the media
Up next was the official opening ceremony at Red Door Art gallery where the energetic Jonathan walked a selected guests of 100 through a collection of his most iconic works which were curated in collaboration with Lagos Photo Festival’s Azu Nwagbogu and Wunika Mukan. The exhibition was thereafter opened to the public and featured musical performances and cocktails by Hennessy.
At the Red Door Art Gallery
On Friday, 28th October, Mannion had a private lunch with four top Photographers in Nigeria to include Lemi Gahriokwu; the album cover artiste for Late Fela Anikulapo Kuti, Yetunde Babaeko; an established photographer, Jenevieve Akeni; popularly known for her thought provoking photography exhibition in various photo festivals, and Nigeria’s leading album cover photographer; August Udoh. A selected work of Jonathan Mannion was also auctioned at Lagos Photo Festival to raise funds to encourage the photography industry in Nigeria.
Lunch with professional photographers
These activities were followed by Jonathan Mannion and Nigeria’s hip hop star Olamide, kicking off Hennessy Artistry Club Tour at Club 57 to celebrate Jonathan’s 20th anniversary in the business.
Having fun at Club 57
On Saturday, 29th October, at Red Door Art gallery, Jonathan had a talk presentation with a cross section of Nigeria’s hip hop/music and photography influencers. Issues such as the history of Nigerian hip hop, the quality of the musical content produced, as well as the way forward in the Nigerian music industry, were some of the things discussed during the presentation. On the panel of discussion were, Obi Asika, Show Dem Camp, Azu Nwagbogu and Classic FM’s Buki Izeogu moderating. Other guests in attendance were Naeto C, RuggedMan, Osagie Alonge, B Elect, Sasha, Ill Bliss, Jesse Jagz, Leriq, Ajebutter.
The next day, Sunday, 30th October, in conjunction with Lagos Photo Festival, he held a photography workshop for young and upcoming Professional photographers at the Red Door Art gallery where he shared his works, knowledge and upcoming projects with the enthusiastic minds. The same day, Jonathan Mannion shot Nigerian leading rap duo, Show Dem Camp.
Shooting with Hip Hop duo, Show Dem Camp
Prior to his departure, which was Monday, 31st, October, Jonathan shot top A-list artiste Olamide for his upcoming album cover at Studio 24, Allen Avenue Ikeja. Styled by Zed Eye, the artiste witnessed hundreds of fans who trooped out to support him. It was the most breathtaking experience for all who witnessed Jonathan Mannion bring his immense depth of experience and professionalism into play as he manipulated the scene to create the most unexpected results.
Sharing his wealth of knowledge
In the history of hip-hop, no photographer has created more memorable images of the culture than Jonathan Mannion. Since stepping onto the New York rap scene in 1993, the Cleveland native has produced iconic visuals that indelibly defined a generation of rap, R&B, and reggae artists. Mannion first established himself as a cultural force through his work with the recording industry, documenting over twenty years of hip-hop music.
