This year’s ArtReview Power 100 list is a powerful acknowledgment of the transformative influence of African artists, curators, and thinkers on the global art landscape. From shaping postcolonial discourse to fostering thriving art ecosystems and influencing future generations, these individuals have left indelible marks on contemporary art and culture in 2024. Below, we spotlight the Africans who made it to this prestigious list, delving into their achievements, projects, and ongoing impact.

Wael Shawky (Egyptian)
Ranked at 6, Wael Shawky has solidified his position as one of the most prominent figures in contemporary art. The Egyptian artist was a star of the 2024 Venice Biennale, where his evocative works explored the intersection of history, mythology, and the present. His use of puppetry and video installations captivated audiences, breathing new life into narratives of cultural exchange and conflict.
In 2024, Shawky also premiered a new film series delving into the Crusades from an Arab perspective, further enriching the discourse on historical storytelling. His upcoming projects include a large-scale solo exhibition at the Centre Pompidou in Paris, slated for early 2025, promising to continue his trailblazing artistic journey.

Achille Mbembe (Cameroonian)
As a philosopher and thinker, Achille Mbembe ranks 12th on the list for his profound contributions to postcolonial studies. The Cameroonian intellectual’s work has reshaped global understandings of power, colonialism, and identity. In 2024, Mbembe’s lecture series on “Decolonial Ecologies” at major universities worldwide challenged audiences to rethink humanity’s relationship with nature and the enduring impacts of colonial exploitation.
Mbembe also published a seminal book this year, offering fresh perspectives on climate justice through a decolonial lens. His influence extends to curatorial work, as he collaborates on an upcoming exhibition at the Haus der Kulturen der Welt in Berlin, exploring Africa’s role in global ecological histories.

Ibrahim Mahama (Ghanaian)
Securing the 14th spot, Ibrahim Mahama continues to redefine the possibilities of art in Ghana and beyond. Renowned for his large-scale installations using repurposed materials, the Ghanaian artist has been pivotal in building infrastructure for his country’s burgeoning art scene. In 2024, his Savannah Centre for Contemporary Art in Tamale hosted groundbreaking exhibitions that showcased emerging African artists alongside international names.
Mahama’s influence also extended internationally with his participation in major exhibitions, including the Istanbul Biennial. He is currently working on a new public art project that will transform a former colonial site into a space for community engagement and cultural exchange, solidifying his reputation as both an artist and cultural visionary.

Koyo Kouoh (Cameroonian)
At 16th, Koyo Kouoh’s dual roles as the director of Cape Town’s Zeitz MOCAA and founder of RAW Material Company in Dakar underscore her commitment to reimagining art institutions. In 2024, Kouoh oversaw a transformative year at Zeitz MOCAA, introducing initiatives that prioritized accessibility and community involvement, including free public programming and artist residencies.
Kouoh also curated an acclaimed exhibition exploring African textiles and their global influence, attracting record attendance. Looking ahead, she is collaborating on a pan-African research project that investigates the role of women in shaping the continent’s cultural histories, set to debut as a publication and exhibition in 2025.

Sammy Baloji (Congolese)
Ranked 17th, Congolese artist Sammy Baloji continues to push the boundaries of photography and installation art. As cofounder of the Lubumbashi Biennale, Baloji has created platforms for Congolese and African artists to gain global recognition. His 2024 exhibition at the Tate Modern in London delved into the legacies of colonial mining industries, intertwining archival materials with contemporary art.
Baloji’s influence extends to academia, as he led workshops in partnership with universities to discuss decolonizing art practices. His upcoming projects include a solo exhibition at the Museum of Contemporary Art in Chicago and a new book reflecting on his two-decade-long practice.

Bonaventure Soh Bejeng Ndikung (Cameroonian)
Coming in at 20th, Bonaventure Soh Bejeng Ndikung’s leadership as director of Berlin’s Haus der Kulturen der Welt (HKW) has redefined the institution’s global outlook. The Cameroonian curator also took on the role of artistic director for the 2024 Bienal de São Paulo, where his theme, “Weaving Histories,” celebrated interconnected cultural narratives.
Ndikung’s vision for HKW has emphasized interdisciplinary collaborations, such as partnerships with African scientists and writers to explore new knowledge systems. His upcoming book on curatorial practice promises to be a must-read for art professionals worldwide.

Julie Mehretu (Ethiopian-American)
At 26th, Julie Mehretu remains a powerhouse in gestural abstraction. The Ethiopian-American artist’s 2024 retrospective at the Whitney Museum of American Art solidified her status as a key influence on younger generations of painters. Her layered canvases, which grapple with themes of migration, displacement, and resilience, resonated deeply with audiences.
Mehretu also collaborated on a public mural project in New York City, emphasizing community engagement through art. Her forthcoming solo exhibition in Berlin will introduce a new series of works inspired by African cartographic histories.

Yinka Shonibare (British-Nigerian)
Ranked 36th, Yinka Shonibare’s contributions to contemporary art extend beyond his celebrated sculptures and installations. The British-Nigerian artist’s foundation provided residencies for emerging African artists in 2024, fostering cross-cultural dialogues and artistic growth. His exhibition at the Royal Academy of Arts in London explored themes of identity and colonial legacies.
Shonibare is also developing a major public artwork for the 2025 Venice Biennale, reflecting on Britain’s role in the transatlantic slave trade. This project underscores his enduring commitment to addressing historical injustices through art.

Manthia Diawara (Malian-American)
At 46th, Manthia Diawara’s interdisciplinary approach combines art, philosophy, and journalism. The Malian-American thinker’s 2024 film, exploring the lives of African intellectuals in the diaspora, premiered at the Toronto International Film Festival to critical acclaim. Diawara’s writings this year focused on the intersections of African art and global politics.
Diawara is currently working on a multimedia project that examines the cultural exchanges between Africa and the Americas, set to debut in 2025. His contributions continue to bridge diverse fields of knowledge and artistic expression.

Liza Essers (South African)
Ranked 61st, Liza Essers has been instrumental in promoting African art through her role as director of Goodman Gallery. The South African gallerist’s 2024 programming included groundbreaking exhibitions by African women artists, spotlighting themes of gender and social justice. Her efforts have elevated the gallery’s global profile.
Essers is also collaborating with international institutions to launch a major touring exhibition on African modernism, scheduled to debut in 2025. Her vision continues to shape how African art is represented and received worldwide.

Azu Nwagbogu (Nigerian)
At 73rd, Azu Nwagbogu’s leadership as founder and director of the African Artists’ Foundation and LagosPhoto Festival has been transformative. In 2024, he curated an acclaimed exhibition on contemporary African photography, which toured several European cities. His commitment to nurturing emerging talent remains unwavering.
Nwagbogu is working on a new book chronicling the history of African photography and its global impact, due for release in 2025. His initiatives continue to place African artists at the forefront of the global cultural scene.

Gabi Ngcobo (South African)
Ranked 76th, Gabi Ngcobo’s directorship at Kunstinstituut Melly in Rotterdam has redefined institutional practices. The South African curator’s 2024 programming emphasized collective curatorial models, featuring collaborations with artists and thinkers from the Global South. Her work has challenged traditional hierarchies in the art world.
Ngcobo is also curating a major exhibition on queer African identities, set to open in Amsterdam next year. Her curatorial approach continues to expand the boundaries of what contemporary art institutions can achieve.

blaxTARLINES (Ghanaian Artist Collective)
At 81st, blaxTARLINES, a Ghanaian artist collective, has become a vital incubator for emerging talent. Their 2024 programming included exhibitions that explored themes of memory, resilience, and community-building. Their role in nurturing young artists in Ghana has been widely celebrated.
The collective is set to expand its activities with the opening of a new art space in Kumasi, aiming to provide resources and mentorship for the next generation of artists. Their grassroots approach continues to inspire transformative change.

Cercle d’Art des Travailleurs de Plantation Congolaise (Congolese Artist Collective)
Ranked 91st, this Congolese artist collective has been recognized for its commitment to pursuing practical, real-world change through art. In 2024, their projects highlighted the exploitation of plantation workers and environmental degradation, blending activism with artistic practice.
The collective’s upcoming initiatives include a documentary film and a series of workshops aimed at empowering local communities. Their work remains a powerful example of art’s potential to drive social and environmental justice.
The Africans featured in the 2024 ArtReview Power 100 exemplify the dynamism and innovation emanating from the continent. Their influence extends far beyond the art world, shaping global conversations about identity, culture, and the role of creativity in society. As these individuals and collectives continue to push boundaries, their impact will undoubtedly resonate for years to come.