Universal Music is collaborating with the London-based artist Lakwena Maciver for this year’s Brit Awards. Maciver’s artwork TIL THE SUN COMES UP (2024) will feature as a keepsake for guests at Universal’s Brits after-party, known as one of the hottest tickets on the U.K. entertainment calendar. Her geometric designs will also adorn the venue and act as the background for the evening’s red carpet.
The Brits were first held in 1977 as the British Phonographic Awards, becoming the Brit Awards in 1989. Universal Music’s after-party has become known for its star-studded guest list and its transformation of some of the most exclusive venues in London. Artists who have previously collaborated with Universal Music for the after-party include Yinka Ilori, Ashton Attzs, and Matt Dosa.
Lakwena Maciver. Photo: Danika Magdalena.
Lawkena Maciver studied graphic design at London College of Communication and her work has been seen in the courtyard of Somerset House, as flags above Covent Garden, and wrapped around Brent Cross Town. Last year, her work TENDER LOVING CARE (2023) took over the floor and staircase of London’s Christies auction house for Frieze Week 2023. Her designs have featured on clothing by H&M, Uniqlo, and Fiorucci, and on the bottles of Beefeater Gin. Her artworks incorporate words in both English and Acholi, the spoken language of northern Uganda where Maciver’s father is from.
“The artwork is about how music brings us together, and how it can lift us and take us out of our present situation and ultimately bring joy and hope. It’s polychromatic and euphoric, reflecting that feeling we get from coming together to make, celebrate and listen to music,” said the artist of her design, which features two hands and the words “TIL THE SUN COMES UP.” The phrase comes from a song written by her sister Abimaro, someone who Maciver refers to as a “long-time collaborator.” Using the uplifting words as a starting point, Maciver then searched for “images that would convey something hopeful and joyful, but also meaningful and hopefully iconic.”
Regarding the collaboration with Universal Music, Maciver added: “I’m very grateful to be part of the creative community in the U.K. right now, and collaborating with Universal Music on this project feels like a really meaningful expression of the relationship between art and music.”
Universal Music U.K.’s Director of Artist Relations and Events, Claire Haffenden, said: “Lakwena is somebody we’ve long wanted to collaborate with. She’s one of the most in-demand visual artists in the world right now so we were thrilled when she agreed to do this for us. The work she has created perfectly captures the essence of our event and I can’t wait for our guests to open their invites and enter Lakwena’s joyful world.”
The 2024 Brit Awards will be aired on ITV1 on March 2, at 20:30, hosted by Clara Amfo, Maya Jama, and Roman Kemp.
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