WASCA Partners with Mind of the Masters and NK Art Space to Host “The Spirit of Coffee” Exhibition in Lagos

The West African Specialty Coffee Association (WASCA) is set to celebrate Africa’s deep-rooted coffee heritage through an upcoming art exhibition titled “The Spirit of Coffee.” In partnership with Mind of the Masters and NK Art Space, this event aims to blend coffee culture with artistic expression, showcasing how coffee connects tradition, creativity, and community across Africa.

The exhibition will take place from November 29 to December 12, 2025, at The Spotlight Hub, Victoria Island, Lagos. It will feature 20 curated artworks that capture the culture, history, and sensory richness of coffee through visual storytelling.

Celebrating Africa’s Coffee Heritage Through Art

Africa is widely recognized as the birthplace of coffee — a continent where the story of the world’s most beloved beverage began. Yet despite its potential, Africa’s coffee economy remains largely underexplored. Through The Spirit of Coffee exhibition, WASCA and its partners seek to change that narrative.

This collaboration underscores WASCA’s mission to promote West Africa’s specialty coffee industry, connecting farmers, roasters, baristas, and coffee enthusiasts across the value chain. By integrating art, culture, and education, the Association is amplifying the conversation around coffee appreciation, sustainability, and local empowerment.

Featured Artist: Lenrie Preks

The exhibition will feature the works of Lenrie Preks, an acclaimed Nigerian artist and graduate of Auchi Polytechnic, who has over three decades of experience and numerous national awards.

In his signature piece titled “The Spirit of Coffee,” Preks portrays a woman holding her coffee like a sacred offering. Her hat tilts low, her skin painted in ancestral blue — evoking reverence, quiet strength, and the ritual of reflection.

Another piece, “Coffee Blitz,” depicts two faceless beings whose connection is defined not by words but by the silent power of shared experience. Their geometric faces suggest life’s complexity — fractured yet reassembled with hope and awareness.

In “Flavour of Coffee,” Preks uses acrylic on canvas to explore coffee as a meditative ritual. The rising aroma, rich and dark, becomes a metaphor for memory, mindfulness, and the art of slowing down.

WASCA’s Role in Promoting Specialty Coffee in West Africa

For WASCA, The Spirit of Coffee is more than an art exhibition — it is a cultural and economic statement. The Association continues to advocate for a stronger presence of African coffee on the global stage by supporting education, quality standards, and sustainable practices.

Through initiatives like this, WASCA highlights the importance of building a thriving specialty coffee community in West Africa, empowering farmers, baristas, and entrepreneurs to achieve global competitiveness.

The exhibition also serves as a platform for dialogue, connecting artists, consumers, and coffee professionals in reimagining what coffee means — beyond the cup.

“At WASCA, we believe coffee is more than a product — it is a story of people, passion, and progress,” said a WASCA spokesperson. “Through art, we are telling that story in a way that resonates with both heart and heritage.”

Industry Insights and Global Context

In an interview, Larry Segun, CEO of Mind of the Masters, emphasized the economic relevance of promoting coffee culture in Nigeria:

“Coffee is one of the most traded commodities globally, yet Nigeria has not fully tapped into its potential. By celebrating coffee through art, we hope to spark national interest and economic participation.”

He noted that while countries like Brazil and Uganda dominate global exports, Nigeria holds untapped potential that could be unlocked through awareness, investment, and creative collaborations such as this exhibition.

Tobi Nancy Keshinro, Founder of NK Art Space and curator of the exhibition, added that the event will also showcase the health and wellness benefits of coffee — including its antioxidant properties, its role in enhancing brain function, and its ability to reduce risks of chronic diseases such as diabetes and Alzheimer’s.

Coffee, Culture, and Creativity: A New Movement

By leading this partnership, WASCA continues to champion Africa’s identity as a global leader in specialty coffee. The Spirit of Coffee exhibition represents the merging of agriculture, art, and advocacy, revealing how coffee connects livelihoods, communities, and cultures across West Africa.

From the soil where coffee beans are grown to the canvases that interpret its aroma and emotion, this initiative celebrates the artistry and authenticity behind every cup.

About WASCA

The West African Specialty Coffee Association (WASCA) is a community-driven movement dedicated to advancing the quality, sustainability, and visibility of West African coffee. By bringing together producers, processors, roasters, and coffee enthusiasts, WASCA fosters collaboration, training, and innovation within the regional coffee ecosystem.

Through initiatives like The Spirit of Coffee, WASCA continues to drive awareness, empower farmers, and ensure that African coffee earns the recognition and value it deserves on the global stage.

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