Christopher Moss: The Illustrator Behind Rema’s Recent Cover Artworks

Bryan Christopher Moss and Nigerian music sensation Rema joining forces is like a scientist’s alchemic dream. Their collaboration has birthed a unique visual narrative that perfectly complements Rema’s musical journey. As a painter, muralist, illustrator, and cartoonist, Moss has dedicated over two decades to his craft. His impressive portfolio includes the release of his graphic novel, The Eightfold Path through Abrams. Moss maintains an active presence on Instagram @strangethingsmoss, where he connects with fans and fellow artists alike.

NTS: How did you meet Rema and how long have you been working with him?

Moss: I met Rema in the summer of 2023 through a mutual artist friend. Rema was looking for an artist with a certain style, and our friend connected us. From there, we just clicked.

NTS: The first job I saw you did for Rema was the Ravage EP cover. Was that actually your first work with Rema as an artist?

Moss: Yes. We worked really hard on that cover and developed a bond through that process. It was the beginning of a great partnership.

NTS: You also did a couple of single covers before the HEIS album dropped, specifically for “Benin Boys” and “Hehehe.” How was that experience? And which one was faster to make among the two?

Moss: Rema is really visual—he knows what he likes in terms of the artwork. We went through about 200 versions of different sketches to get the right concept for the singles. It feels like we’re always on the same wavelength, and I’m grateful I can bring his visions to life. “Hehehe” was actually faster to make. I completed that one on my birthday.

The culmination of Moss and Rema’s collaboration can be seen in the cover art for Rema’s sophomore album, HEIS. The design process was intensive, involving over 250 sketches to perfect the pose and visual elements.

NTS: What inspired the design for the ‘HEIS’ album cover?

Moss: That was entirely Rema’s vision. He showed me the jewelry he was interested in designing and the paintings he was inspired by. The pose was very important to him. When you work with someone with such a clear vision like Rema, it’s really exciting.

NTS: How long have you been doing art?

Moss: I’ve been an artist since I was a kid. I’ve been in the game my whole life—over 35 years now.

Rema’s impact on Moss extends beyond their collaboration, inspiring him to explore further connections within the Afrobeats genre.

NTS: Have you always been in tune with Afrobeats acts like Rema?

Moss: I knew Rema from the Obama Summer 2019 Playlist, when he put “Iron Man” on his list. I was immediately drawn to his vision for music because you can track a lot of the Afrobeat influence in American pop music all the way back to the 80s. I’m an 80s kid, so what Rema is doing by advancing the Afrobeat style and pushing its innovation is very profound.

NTS: Rema has always been credited for his active consciousness in his art, which includes his covers. Working with you was a remarkable collaboration. Do you see yourself working with more Afrobeats acts in the future as an artist?

Moss: Absolutely. I am so inspired by Africa and how much love they’ve shown me in receiving this artwork. Rema has a worldwide vision based out of his home community in Nigeria, and I approach art the same way. To be able to connect Black talent here in America with creatives like Rema in Africa is truly inspiring and powerful to me. I was actually able to collaborate with a good friend to create the animations for this project, and he immigrated here from Nigeria. So to draw those connections and see the magic that can come out of the art and music of the Afrobeats wave—it makes me only want to work with Afrobeats artists moving forward!