Norval Sovereign African Art Prize 2025 Announces Shortlist

The Norval Sovereign African Art Prize (NSAAP) 2025, sponsored by Schroders, and presented by Norval Foundation and The Sovereign Art Foundation (SAF), has announced its 29 finalist artists. These contemporary artists, hailing from 18 different nationalities across Africa and its diaspora, were selected from a pool of nominees put forward by a board of independent arts professionals.

Here And There by Gerald Chukwuma, Image Courtesy of The Sovereign Art Foundation

The esteemed panel of nominators includes curators, collectors, writers, and academics with close ties to artists in their respective regions. The final shortlist was then determined by a panel of five globally recognized art specialists: Raphael Chikukwa, Executive Director of the National Gallery of Zimbabwe; Tim Marlow, Chief Executive and Director, Design Museum, UK; Same Mdluli, Artist, Art Historian, curator and writer; Thato Mogotsi, Curator of Contemporary Art at Zeitz MOCAA; and Simon Njami, Independent Curator, Lecturer, Art Critic and Novelist.

Transit by Lizette Chirrime, Image Courtesy of The Sovereign Art Foundation

The shortlisted artists for 2025 include Addis Gezehagn, Adébayo Bolaji, Afi Nayo, Alioune Diouf, Amine El Gotaibi, Chukwudubem Ukaigwe, Collin Sekajugo, DuduBloom More, Eva Obodo, Gadi Ramadhani, Gerald Chukwuma, Hako Hankson, Ibrahim Ballo, Lizette Chirrime, Malaika Temba, Marcellina Akpojotor, Mikhael Subotzky, Modupeola Fadugba, Mohau Modisakeng, Nandipha Mntambo, Nirveda Alleck, Ozioma Onuzulike, Patrick Tagoe-Turkson, Priscilla Kennedy, Shabu Mwangi, Simphiwe Buthelezi, Yacine Tilala Fall, Yadichinma Ukoha-Kalu, and Yannick Ackah.

The Norval Sovereign African Art Prize aims to elevate leading contemporary artists by providing them with greater international exposure. The prize consists of a Grand Prize, awarded by a panel of judges, and the new FAMM Women's Prize, created to celebrate and support female artists. The Grand Prize winner receives US$35,000 and a solo exhibition at the Norval Foundation in Cape Town. The FAMM Women's Prize, sponsored by Femmes Artistes du Musée de Mougins (FAMM), is awarded to the highest-rated female artist (excluding the Grand Prize winner) and includes a $5,000 cash prize.

Commitment Day by Hako Hankson, Image Courtesy of The Sovereign Art Foundation

Christian Levett of FAMM said of this inaugural element of the prize: “At FAMM, our mission is to restore the place that women artists deserve in art history, while championing the work of contemporary female creators. We aim to build an inclusive art history that celebrates cultural diversity and enriches the global narrative. Supporting the FAMM Women’s Prize within the Norval Sovereign African Art Prize embodies this commitment, allowing us to honour and elevate female artists in Africa whose work tells compelling stories of resilience, identity, and innovation. In partnership with Norval and SAF, whose mission is to foster opportunities for African artists and support arts education, we’re proud to help create a more equitable and vibrant future for women in art.”

Yellow Sisi Hooked Up by Eva Obodo, Image Courtesy of The Sovereign Art Foundation

The shortlisted artworks will be showcased in a Finalists Exhibition at the Norval Foundation from February 4 to April 20, 2025. During this time, visitors will have the opportunity to vote for their favourite artist. Combined with online votes, the artist with the most support will receive the Public Vote Prize of $2,000.