Through Ibra Ake’s Eyes: The Intense Gaze of ‘Awaken My Love’s’ Cover Art

Gambino’s 3rd studio album, “Awaken, My Love!” (2016), is a mesmerizing blend of funk, soul, & psychedelic influences. But beyond the music lies an equally enchanting visual experience—the album cover

When this album first dropped, I didn’t fully appreciate it. 2016, I was deep into my emo phase, with Paramore and My Chemical Romance blasting through my headphones. But even then, something about this cover spoke to me.

The moment I saw the Awaken, My Love! cover, I was transported to the opening scene of the movie Belly. That mesmerizing blue light (even though it’s technically black) against Black skin is cosmic. Childish Gambinos' third studio album dropped the same year, “Moonlight,” hit theaters, and I couldn’t help but think of Chiron on that moonlit beach.

Blue is the common denominator here.

Ibra Ake, the New York City-based creative director, captured magic with this shot. Giannina Oteto, the model, “locks” eyes with you (her eyes are I’m assuming rolled to back of her head but you get the point lol) —intense and mysterious. That beaded headdress? It's a masterpiece by designer Laura Wass. Tribal motifs blend seamlessly with futuristic elements, hinting at a rich cultural tapestry. It’s both timeless and cutting-edge, inviting curiosity.

Giannina's mysterious portrayal raises intriguing questions. Is she a divine being, a protective guardian, or a truth-seeker? The skull-like form at the back of her head adds a haunting quality, perhaps symbolizing the delicate balance between life and death and the potential for metamorphosis and awakening.

Blue, a hue associated with depth, introspection, and spirituality, is particularly resonant. It seems as though Giannina is urging us to embark on a journey of self-discovery, perfectly reflecting the album's exploration of themes such as love, identity, and personal awakening. Childish Gambino's creation is a captivating visual symphony, inviting viewers to embrace uncertainty and uncover their profound truths.

“Awaken, My Love!” isn’t just an auditory experience; it’s a sensory journey. Like the music, the cover art invites us to question, feel, and explore. As you delve into the album, remember Giannina Oteto's haunting gaze on the cover!!!