What's Happening?
The Museum of West African Art (MOWAA) has launched a new curatorial project titled 'DRUM Cover Stories,' which brings the pages and covers of DRUM Magazine to the streets of Lagos. Starting November 2, 2026, historical DRUM Magazine covers will be displayed
as posters along various routes throughout Lagos. This initiative aims to reintroduce the magazine's content, which historically covered a blend of politics, glamour, crime, football, prophecy, and fashion, back into the public sphere where it originally thrived. The project seeks to engage everyday people in considering how much has changed, and how much has remained the same, by re-evaluating the historical narratives and ideas embedded within these images. The poster displays will compete for attention alongside contemporary advertisements and campaign materials, mirroring DRUM's original presence at newsstands.
Why It's Important?
The 'DRUM Cover Stories' project is significant for its role in public history and cultural engagement. By placing historical magazine covers in public spaces, MOWAA is democratizing access to archival material and encouraging a broader public dialogue about Nigeria's past. This initiative allows residents to reflect on the social, political, and cultural evolution of Lagos and Nigeria, particularly concerning themes like fashion, art, music, sport, politics, nationhood, and city life. The project highlights the enduring power of visual media as a tool for campaign and protest, and its ability to shape public discourse. For the U.S., this project offers a valuable case study in how cultural institutions can use innovative methods to connect historical narratives with contemporary urban life, fostering a deeper understanding of global cultural heritage and its relevance today.
What's Next?
The 'DRUM Cover Stories' project will continue with the display of DRUM Magazine covers across Lagos from November 2, 2026. In conjunction with the poster campaign, MOWAA plans to activate the DRUM archive through a series of events and showcases. These accompanying public talks, supported by the Ford Foundation, are designed to open up new readings of the region's histories. The project is presented in partnership with the DRUM Archive, ensuring authenticity and depth in its historical representation. These events will provide platforms for deeper engagement and discussion, allowing the public to explore the themes presented by the posters in a more structured and interactive setting.
Beyond the Headlines
This project delves into the less obvious implications of public art and historical archives. By recontextualizing historical magazine covers as street art, MOWAA challenges traditional notions of where and how history is consumed. It transforms the urban landscape into an open-air museum, making history accessible to those who might not visit conventional institutions. This approach also underscores the political nature of posters in Lagos, historically used for campaigns and protests, and invites a critical reassessment of how images influence public perception and memory. The initiative highlights the ethical responsibility of cultural institutions to engage with their communities and to use their collections to stimulate dialogue about complex historical and societal issues, fostering a sense of collective memory and identity.
