Latest news with #AfricanArtists
The Guardian
13-05-2025
- Entertainment
- The Guardian
Koyo Kouoh 1967-2025 : ‘ensuring the door remains wide open for those who come next'
The pioneering art curator Koyo Kouoh has died at the age of 57. Kouoh, the first African woman to be named artistic director of the Venice Biennale, died on 10 May – just days before the title and theme of the 61st edition of the art biennale were due to be revealed. A statement on the organisation's website said her death leaves 'an immense void in the world of contemporary art' and that she had worked 'with passion, intellectual rigour and vision on the conception and development of the Biennale Arte 2026'. Born in Cameroon, Kouoh gained global attention for her role in championing African artists, most recently as the executive director and chief curator of Zeitz Museum of Contemporary Art in Cape Town (Zeitz MOCAA). In a piece she wrote for the Guardian soon after she was announced as curator of the biennale – published for the first time below – Kouoh said that the most important aspect of the role was in opening the door for other women. 'My vision is for a future where such milestones are no longer remarkable, simply because so many others have followed.' Below is her piece in full. 'For too long, the global art world – and the world at large – has been dominated and shaped by Euro-American perspectives, often at the expense of a more complete and nuanced understanding of art movements from the rest of the world. The increasing presence of African and Afro-diasporic artists at leading biennales and institutions – including Tate Modern's growing African art collection – signals a recent but long-overdue shift. When We See Us: A Century of Black Figuration in Painting, originally conceived and exhibited by MOCAA in Cape Town before travelling internationally, is the most comprehensive exhibition dedicated to Black self-representation yet. But while moments like this mark progress, true equity requires more than visibility: it demands engagement that reflects the full depth and complexity of artists and their work. As I prepare to curate the 61st Venice Biennale in 2026, these questions of equity, visibility, interconnections and artistic vision will undoubtedly colour my approach. The stories I want to highlight go beyond art – they are about people, societies, and the ways in which our histories and futures are intertwined. What happens in Dakar resonates in Kuala Lumpur, just as shifts in Kuala Lumpur will echo in Seoul. The biennale offers a rare platform to explore these connections, dismantle barriers, and illuminate the cultural threads that bind us. Throughout my time as executive director and chief curator of Zeitz MOCAA, I have worked to ensure the museum remains a space for meaningful engagement – a platform that not only celebrates African and Afro-diasporic voices but also challenges reductive narratives about the continent and its art. Exhibitions such as Home Is Where the Art Is (2020) exemplify this approach. By inviting artists and community members from Cape Town to contribute their works to it, we redefined the relationship between the museum and its local context, breaking down barriers to access and fostering a sense of shared ownership. Also at the heart of my work is a commitment to amplifying under-represented practices, particularly those of African women. Much of my curatorial approach is rooted in a feminist perspective that is informed by Black ancestral feminism. This has guided me to develop strong, meaningful relationships with female artists and collaborators, whose voices and visions resonate with my philosophies. I deeply appreciate figures such as Nigerian-born Otobong Nkanga, whose work invites dialogue around the relationships between people and nature, and Kenyan-American visual artist Wangechi Mutu, who reimagines African femininity through a futuristic, mythological lens. They exemplify the richness and complexity of African women's artistic contributions. I admire Ethiopian-American contemporary visual artist Julie Mehretu's monumental, multilayered abstract paintings. Rich with historical references, they provide powerful commentaries on migration, displacement and global interconnectedness. These artists don't just reflect the world as it is; they reshape how we perceive it. Sign up to Her Stage Hear directly from incredible women from around the world on the issues that matter most to them – from the climate crisis to the arts to sport after newsletter promotion Beyond these established figures, I am just as inspired by a younger generation of women artists pushing the boundaries of contemporary art from African and Afro-diasporic perspectives. Tabita Rezaire fuses spirituality, technology and healing practices to defy conventional artistic categories; Tiona Nekkia McClodden's deeply personal explorations of identity, race and queerness push against the limitations of institutional frameworks; Sandra Mujinga's sculptures and video-based work challenge our understanding of presence and absence; while Precious Okoyomon's installations bridge poetry, nature and historical reflection to create new perceptions. These artists remind us that the future of art is not just about visibility – it's about transformation. My role curating the biennale is about reshaping how we engage with artists and their work. Who gets to shape the narrative of contemporary art? Who defines its value? And how do we build systems that support artists beyond the fleeting moment of a biennale? These are just a few of the questions that will guide me. Mentorship is also key to this process. Not in a hierarchical sense, but in fostering environments where younger professionals feel seen, supported and empowered. Whether curators, writers or artists, the next generation must not only inherit a more inclusive and nuanced art industry but also have the agency to shape it on their terms. Ultimately, my role as the first African woman to curate the biennale is not about personal legacy. While I recognise the significance of being the first African woman to hold this position, I hope my appointment sets a precedent rather than becoming an exception. My vision is for a future where such milestones are no longer remarkable, simply because so many others have followed. The real measure of progress is not in being first but in ensuring the door remains wide open for those who come next.'
News24
09-05-2025
- Entertainment
- News24
SA's Tyla, Maglera Doe Boy and Dlala Thukzin strike a chord with 2025 BET nods
South Africa's Tyla, Maglera Doe Boy, and Dlala Thukzin earned nods in the Best International Act and Best New International Act categories at the upcoming BET Awards. 'Culture's biggest night' will take place on 10 June, streaming live from Los Angeles on BET Africa. International stars like Kendrick Lamar, SZA, and Drake lead with multiple nominations. South African superstars Tyla, Maglera Doe Boy, and Dlala Thukzin proudly flew the South African flag high after receiving nominations in the Best International Act and Best New International Act categories at the upcoming 2025 BET Awards. Dubbed 'culture's biggest night', the awards are slated for Tuesday, 10 June, at the Peacock Theatre in Los Angeles. They will also air live on BET Africa (DStv 129) at 02:00. View this post on Instagram A post shared by BET (@bet) Other local talents who received nominations were South Africa's TxC, also in the Best New International Act category, Nigeria's Shallipopi, and Tanzania's Abigail Chams. Nigeria's Ayra Starr and Rema received nominations in the Best International Act category, along with Ghana's Black Sherif and Eswatini's Uncle Waffles. Internationally acclaimed Burna Boy was added to those flying the Nigerian flag high with a nomination in the Best Male Hip-Hop Artist category. 'At BET, we are proud to continue elevating and celebrating black excellence on a global scale. The 2025 nominations reflect the incredible creativity, influence and impact of African artists who are shaping culture and pushing boundaries,' Monde Twala, senior vice president and co-general manager of Paramount Africa and Lead, said. 'From Ayra Starr, Burna Boy, Tems, Tyla, Odeal, Shallipopi, Maglera Doe Boy, Black Sherif, Uncle Waffles – these talents represent the diversity and heartbeat of a new generation and the global resonance of our sounds. I'd also like to take this opportunity to congratulate the nominees from Brazil, the UK and France. BET remains committed to showcasing the voices and visions of African creatives on the world stage.' Internationally, rapper Kendrick Lamar led the 2025 BET Award nominations with a whopping 10 nods in categories including Album of the Year, Video of the Year and Viewer's Choice Award. View this post on Instagram A post shared by BET (@bet) Fellow rappers Drake, Future, GloRilla and Doechii received six nominations, with Metro Boomin earning five nominations and SZA and The Weeknd tying at four nominations. See the full list of nominees here: Album of the year: $OME $EXY $ONGS 4 U - Drake & Partynextdoor 11:11 DELUXE - Chris Brown ALLIGATOR BITES NEVER HEAL - Doechii COWBOY CARTER - Beyoncé GLORIOUS - GloRilla GNX - Kendrick Lamar HURRY UP TOMORROW - The Weeknd WE DON'T TRUST YOU - Future & Metro Boomin Best Female R&B/Pop Artist: Ari Lennox Ayra Starr Coco Jones Kehlani Muni Long Summer Walker SZA Victoria Monét Best Male R&B/Pop Artist: Bruno Mars Chris Brown Drake Fridayy Leon Thomas Teddy Swims The Weeknd Usher Best Group: 41 Common & Pete Rock Drake & Partynextdoor Flo Future & Metro Boomin Jacques & Dej Loaf Larry June, 2Chainz, The Alchemist Maverick City Music Best Collaboration: 30 for 30- SZA feat. Kendrick Lamar Alter Ego - Doechii feat. JT Are You Even Real - Teddy Swims feat. Givēon Beckham- Dee Billz feat. Kyle Richh, Kai Swervo, KJ swervo Bless - Lil Wayne, Wheezy & Young Thug Like That - Future & Metro Boomin & Kendrick Lamar Luther - Kendrick Lamar & SZA Sticky - Tyler, The Creator feat. GloRilla, Sexyy Red & Lil Wayne Timeless - The Weeknd feat. Playboi Carti Best Female Hip-Hop Artist: Cardi B Doechii Doja Cat GloRilla Latto Megan Thee Stallion Nicki Minaj Rapsody Sexyy Red Best Male Hip-Hop Artist: Bigxthaplug Bossman Dlow Burna Boy Drake Future Kendrick Lamar Key Glock Lil Wayne Tyler, The Creator Video of the Year: 3am in Tokeyo - Key Glock A Bar Song (tipsy) - Shaboozey After Hours - Kehlani Denial Is A River - Doechii Family Matters - Drake Not Like Us - Kendrick Lamar Timeless - The Weeknd feat. Playboi Carti Type Shit - Future, Metro Boomin, Travis Scott & Playboy Carti Video Director of the Year: Anderson Paak B Pace Productions & Jacquees Benny Boom Cactus Jack Cole Bennett Dave Free & Kendrick Lamar Dave Meyers Foggieraw Tyler, The Creator Best New Artist: 41 Ayra Starr Bigxthaplug Bossman Dlow Dee Billz Leon Thomas October London Shaboozey Teddy Swims Dr Bobby Jones Best Gospel/Inspirational Award: A god (There Is) - Common & Pete Rock feat. Jennifer Hudson Amen - Pastor Mike Jr. Better Days - Fridayy Church Doors - Yolanda Adams feat. Sir The Baptist & Donald Lawrence (Terry Hunter remix) Constant - Maverick City Music, Jordin Sparks, Chandler Moore & Anthony Gargiula Deserve To Win - Tamela Mann Faith - Rapsody Rain Down On Me - GloRilla feat. Kirk Franklin, Maverick City Music Viewer's Choice Award: Residuals - Chris Brown Denial Is A River - Doechii Nokia - Drake Like That - Future & Metro Boomin feat. Kendrick Lamar TGIF - GloRilla Not Like Us - Kendrick Lamar Luther - Kendrick Lamar & SZA Brokey - Latto Best International Act: Any Gabrielly (Brazil) Ayra Starr (Nigeria) Bashy (United Kingdom) Black Sherif (Ghana) Ezra Collective (United Kingdom) Joé Dwèt filé (france) Mc Luanna (Brazil) Rema (Nigeria) SDM (France) Tyla (South Africa) Uncle Waffles (Swaziland) Best New International Act: Abigail Chams (Tanzania) Ajuliacosta (Brazil) Amabbi (Brazil) Dlala Thukzin (South Africa) Dr Yaro (France) KWN (United Kingdom) Maglera Doe Boy (South Africa) Merveille (France) Odeal (United Kingdom) Shallipopi (Nigeria) Txc (South Africa) BET Her: Beautiful People - Mary J. Blige Blackbiird - Beyoncé feat. Tanner Adell, Brittney Spencer, Tiera Kennedy & Reyna Roberts Bloom - Doechii Burning - Tems Defying Gravity - Cynthia Erivo feat. Ariana Grande Heart of a Woman - Summer Walker Hold On - Tems In My Bag - Flo & GloRilla Best Movie: Bad Boys: Ride or Die Beverly Hills Cop: Axel F Luther: Never Too Much Mufasa: The Lion King One Of Them Days Rebel Ridge The Piano Lesson The Six Triple Eight Best Actor: Aaron Pierre Aldis Hodge Anthony Mackie Colman Domingo Denzel Washington Jamie Foxx Joey Bada$$ Kevin Hart Sterling K. Brown Will Smith Best Actress: Andra Day Angela Bassett Coco Jones Cynthia Erivo Keke Palmer Kerry Washington Quinta Brunson Viola Davis Zendaya Youngsters Award: Akira Akbar Blue Ivy Carter Graceyn 'Gracie' Hollingsworth Heiress Harris Melody Hurd Thaddeus J. Mixson Tyrik Johnson Vanvan Sportswoman of the Year: A'ja Wilson Angel Reese Claressa Shields Coco Gauff Dawn Staley Flau'jae Johnson Juju Watkins Sha'carri Richardson Simone Biles Sportsman of the Year: Aaron Judge Anthon Edwards Deion Sanders Jalen Hurts Jayson Tatum Lebron James Saquon Barkley Stephen Curry
