2024: A year of artistic triumphs, cultural milestones and farewells in Africa

South African artist Tyla has been one of Africa’s most prominent figures over the past year, closing 2024 as she began it – with global accolades.

In February, she won a Grammy Award in the US, followed by two BET Awards, and later made history as the first African artist to be honored in three categories at the MTV Europe Music Awards.

Adding to South Africa’s triumphs, comedian and host Trevor Noah received the Emmy Award for Outstanding Entertainment Program for his show at the 75th Emmy Awards in the US

African Cinema and Cultural Restitution

The 2024 Berlinale Film Festival showcased strong social narratives. French-Senegalese filmmaker Mati Diop received the festival’s highest honor, The Golden Bear, for his documentary Dahomey. The film highlights the return of 26 royal treasures to Benin, looted by French colonial forces in 1892.

This sparked wider discussions about restitution. Ghana succeeded in recovering royal artifacts from the former Asante kingdom, stolen 150 years ago by British colonial forces. Meanwhile, Uganda remains in negotiations as Cambridge University has only lent – not returned – items that the country hoped to recover permanently.

Architectural wonders and literary achievements

Africa’s largest mosque was inaugurated in Algeria after years of construction. It costs almost 900 million dollars and can host 120,000 worshippers.

In the literary world, Morocco’s capital, Rabat, was named UNESCO World Book Capital for 2026, in recognition of the city’s efforts to promote accessibility of knowledge. Hosting 54 publishers and one of Africa’s largest international book fairs, Rabat has become the 26th city to hold this title since 2001.

Celebrating African art and beauty

Dakar’s streets came alive during the Biennale of Contemporary African Art, Dak’Art, spotlighting the continent’s creative spirit and attracting global art enthusiasts.

In the realm of beauty, Miss Nigeria, Chidimma Adetshina emerged as the first runner-up at the Miss Universe pageant in Mexico. Born in Soweto, she withdrew from Miss South Africa due to xenophobic backlash online and instead represented her father’s native Nigeria, making her the only African to place in the top five.

Goodbye to icons

Africa and the world say goodbye to several luminaries in 2024:

• Toumani Diabatethe Malian kora maestro, died aged 58.
• Breyten BreytenbachSouth African writer and anti-apartheid activist.
• Quincy Jonesthe American music legend behind We are the world.
• John Amosis known for his role as Kunta Kinte in the iconic mini-series Roots.

2024 was a year of remarkable achievements, profound cultural contributions and poignant farewells, confirming Africa’s enduring influence on the global stage.