EBUBAY WEEKLY NEWS - Slawn Breaks Boundaries with Formula One Design F

The African art world is buzzing with announcements that are setting the tone for the second half of 2025. From major biennial appointments and groundbreaking exhibitions to historic repatriation victories and headline-making collaborations, these are the stories that matter right now which were curated for our community at Ebubay.

African Futurism on the Rise: Chizi Wigwe Prize Announces 2025 Shortlist

This year’s 1952 Africa Chizi Wigwe Prize shortlist has landed, and the vision is unmistakably forward-looking. Focused on African Futurism, a genre where history, innovation, and imagination converge. The prize recognizes writers and artists whose works challenge linear narratives and center African perspectives on technology, identity, and progress. As the movement continues to gain international recognition, this shortlist reflects the continent’s creative pulse and its determination to shape the future on its own terms.

All Eyes on Benin: MOWAA Sets Opening Date

The Museum of West African Art (MOWAA) in Benin City has officially announced its opening date: November 2025. Positioned as a cultural and research hub in the heart of Nigeria, the museum promises to spotlight both ancient heritage and contemporary artistic practices. With a focus on education, conservation, and digital innovation, MOWAA aims to be more than a museum, it will be a center for dialogue and exchange across generations.

Sharjah Biennial 17 Taps Angola’s Paula Nascimento as Co-Curator

Angolan architect and curator Paula Nascimento has been appointed co-curator of the upcoming Sharjah Biennial 17, scheduled for 2026. Known for her thoughtful approach to space, design, and postcolonial narratives, Nascimento brings a distinct voice to one of the Middle East’s most respected contemporary art platforms. Her curatorial presence signals a continuing shift toward a more inclusive global art dialogue, rooted in Africa’s diverse creative philosophies.

Art Basel Qatar Names Wael Shawky as Artistic Director

Egyptian artist and filmmaker Wael Shawky has been selected as the inaugural Artistic Director of Art Basel Qatar, set to debut in 2025. Known for his cinematic storytelling and multidisciplinary approach, Shawky is expected to shape a curatorial vision that bridges Arab and African narratives. His appointment marks a powerful recognition of voices that blur borders while staying grounded in complex cultural histories.

France Approves Repatriation of Stolen Ivorian Drum

In a landmark decision, France has passed a law approving the return of a sacred Djidji Ayokwe drum to Côte d’Ivoire. Looted during colonial occupation in 1916, the drum holds immense cultural and spiritual significance. This move reflects growing momentum across Europe for restitution and ethical museum practices, an ongoing conversation that continues to shape museum collections and public accountability.

Slawn Breaks Boundaries with Formula One Design First

British-Nigerian artist Olaolu Slawn just made history as the first artist to design a Formula One race car. His striking work, unveiled through a collaboration between HUGO and RB’s VCARB Formula One team, brings streetwear sensibility and Afro-diasporic flair to the world of high-speed motorsport. The project includes a limited-edition capsule collection and cements Slawn’s role as a boundary-pushing cultural figure at the intersection of art, fashion, and performance.

Yale Declines Government Support, Self-Funds African Art Exhibition

In a bold move, Yale University has turned down U.S. government funding in favor of independently financing its upcoming African art exhibition. The decision, framed as a commitment to intellectual and curatorial independence, reflects growing institutional awareness of how funding sources can shape narrative authority. The exhibition will feature works spanning precolonial, modern, and contemporary African art, and is expected to draw critical attention when it opens later this year.

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