May 12, 2025 | AfroRadar.com

The global art community is reeling from the sudden loss of Koyo Kouoh, the visionary Cameroonian-Swiss curator whose transformative work elevated African contemporary art to new heights. Kouoh, who passed away on May 10, 2025, in Basel, Switzerland, at the age of 57, was a towering figure in the art world, celebrated for her intellectual rigor, passion, and unwavering commitment to amplifying African voices. Her death, attributed to a recently diagnosed cancer, comes just months after her historic appointment as the first African woman to curate the 2026 Venice Biennale, a milestone that underscored her profound influence.

Born in Douala, Cameroon, in 1967, Kouoh’s journey was one of resilience and reinvention. Raised in Cameroon before moving to Zurich, Switzerland, at age 13, she initially studied banking and business administration. However, frustrated by anti-Black racism in Europe, she returned to Africa in 1996, settling in Dakar, Senegal, where she found her calling in the vibrant art scene. There, she founded RAW Material Company in 2008, a groundbreaking art center that became a beacon for contemporary African art, fostering exhibitions, residencies, and critical discourse.

Kouoh’s impact extended far beyond Dakar. In 2019, she took the helm of the Zeitz Museum of Contemporary Art Africa (Zeitz MOCAA) in Cape Town, South Africa, during a period of institutional crisis. Under her leadership, the museum emerged as a global platform for African artists, with landmark exhibitions like When We See Us: A Century of Black Figuration in Painting (2022), which showcased 156 artists from Africa and its diaspora and is currently on view in Brussels. Her curatorial approach, which emphasized solo retrospectives and Pan-African narratives, redefined how African art is perceived, challenging Western-centric frameworks and celebrating Black self-expression.

“Koyo was not just a curator; she was an institution builder,” said Oluremi C. Onabanjo, associate curator of photography at the Museum of Modern Art. “She enlivened a sense of possibility for a generation of African curators across the globe.” Kouoh’s global reach was evident in her contributions to prestigious events like Documenta (2007, 2012), EVA International (2016), and the Carnegie International (2018), as well as her role in shaping the 1:54 Contemporary African Art Fair’s educational program.

Her appointment to curate the 2026 Venice Biennale, announced in December 2024, was a historic moment. As the second African-born curator to lead the world’s most prestigious art exhibition, following Okwui Enwezor in 2015, Kouoh was poised to bring her bold vision to a global stage. She was set to unveil the exhibition’s title and theme on May 20, 2025, a presentation now shrouded in uncertainty following her passing. The Biennale’s organizers expressed their grief, stating, “Her passing leaves an immense void in the world of contemporary art and in the international community of artists, curators, and scholars who had the privilege of knowing and admiring her extraordinary human and intellectual commitment.”

Kouoh’s legacy is also deeply personal. A mother of four—having given birth to one son and adopted three other children—she spoke of her transformative experiences in Switzerland and her spiritual beliefs rooted in African ancestral traditions. In a recent Financial Times interview, she reflected, “I do believe in life after death, because I come from an ancestral Black education where we believe in parallel lives and realities… I believe in energies—living or dead—and in cosmic strength.” Her love for Dakar remained unwavering, a city she credited with shaping her professional identity. “Dakar made me who I am today,” she said.

Tributes have poured in from across the globe. South African artist Candice Breitz called Kouoh “magnificently intelligent, endlessly energetic, and formidably elegant,” while Nigerian artist Otobong Nkanga described her as a source of “warmth, generosity, and brilliance.” Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni noted that her death “leaves a void in the world of contemporary art.” On X, users expressed shock and sorrow, with one post stating, “A visionary curator, cultural leader, and unwavering advocate for contemporary African art. Her legacy reshaped the global art world.”

As the art world mourns, Kouoh’s contributions endure through the institutions she built, the artists she championed, and the narratives she reshaped. Zeitz MOCAA has announced a temporary closure out of respect, and the future of the 2026 Venice Biennale remains uncertain. Yet, as Kouoh herself believed, her energy will continue to resonate, inspiring generations to come.

Rest in power, Koyo Kouoh.

AfroRadar.com is dedicated to celebrating African excellence and amplifying stories that shape the continent’s cultural landscape. For more follow us on X @AfroRadar.

A Milestone for African Representation in Hollywood.

The forthcoming film adaptation of Tomi Adeyemi’s acclaimed novel, “Children of Blood and Bone,” has recently expanded its ensemble with the inclusion of Nigerian talents Ayra Starr and Richard Mofe-Damijo (RMD). This development underscores the production’s dedication to authentic representation, reflecting the story’s rich cultural origins.

Ayra Starr’s Cinematic Debut

Ayra Starr, celebrated for her dynamic presence in the Afrobeats music scene, is set to make her cinematic debut with this project. Her transition from music to film signifies a notable expansion of her artistic repertoire. Starr’s involvement not only highlights her versatility but also brings a fresh perspective to the film, potentially attracting a broader audience. 

Richard Mofe-Damijo’s Esteemed Participation

Joining the cast is Richard Mofe-Damijo, affectionately known as RMD, a stalwart of Nigerian cinema with a career spanning several decades. His participation adds depth to the film, given his extensive experience and esteemed status in Nollywood. RMD’s involvement is anticipated to enrich the narrative with authenticity and gravitas. 

A Stellar Ensemble Cast

The film boasts an impressive array of talent, including:

• Thuso Mbedu as Zélie

• Tosin Cole as Tzain

• Amandla Stenberg as Princess Amari

• Damson Idris as Prince Inan

• Chiwetel Ejiofor as King Saran

• Viola Davis as Mama Agba

• Idris Elba as Lekan

• Cynthia Erivo as Admiral Kaea

• Lashana Lynch as Jumoke

• Regina King as Queen Nehanda

This ensemble reflects a concerted effort to assemble a diverse and talented group of actors, enhancing the film’s potential to resonate with audiences globally. 

Narrative and Cultural Significance

“Children of Blood and Bone” is set in the mythical land of Orïsha and follows Zélie’s quest to restore magic to her people following its eradication by a tyrannical king. The narrative draws heavily from West African mythology, offering a rich tapestry of cultural references that are integral to the story’s depth. The inclusion of Nigerian actors like Starr and Mofe-Damijo is a strategic move to honor these cultural roots, providing authenticity to the portrayal of Orïsha’s world.

Production Timeline

Directed by Gina Prince-Bythewood, known for her work on “The Woman King,” the film is currently in pre-production, with principal photography slated to commence later this year. The release is tentatively scheduled for early 2027, with filming locations spanning various regions to capture the diverse landscapes envisioned in the novel. 

Implications for Representation in Cinema

The casting choices in “Children of Blood and Bone” signify a progressive shift in Hollywood’s approach to storytelling, emphasizing the importance of cultural authenticity and representation. By integrating actors who share a cultural lineage with the source material, the film aims to deliver a narrative that is both genuine and resonant. This approach not only enriches the storytelling but also sets a precedent for future adaptations of culturally significant works.

In summary, the addition of Ayra Starr and Richard Mofe-Damijo to the “Children of Blood and Bone” cast enhances the film’s commitment to authenticity and diversity. Their involvement, alongside a stellar ensemble, positions the adaptation to be a landmark in cinematic representation, offering audiences a richly woven tale that honors its cultural origins.

Agacés par la surpopulation carcérale, les deux rappeurs ont décidé de venir en aide aux prisonniers incarcérés pour des charges mineures.

Young Thug et Gunna se sont mobilisés pour venir en aide à des détenus. Ces derniers étaient enfermés dans une des pires prisons de l’État de Géorgie. Ils ont donc décidé de payer les cautions de 30 d’entre eux pour qu’ils recouvrent leur liberté, rapportait WSB-TV le 26 avril.

La prison du comté de Fulton, dans l’État de Géorgie, est tristement célèbre pour sa surpopulation. L’établissement est tellement plein qu’il comptait 400 détenus en trop au début de l’année. Plusieurs prisonniers ayant écopé de peines mineures auraient pu ne pas finir derrière les barreaux si seulement ils avaient l’argent nécessaire pour payer leur caution. C’est là que Thugger et Gunna sont intervenus.ADVERTISING

« On s’est juste réveillés et on est allés à la prison avec l’avocat et les sociétés qui gèrent les cautions, et nous avons fait sortir autant de personnes que possible », a raconté Jeffery Williams, aka Young Thug. Il en a profité pour exprimer son dégoût face aux montants anormalement élevés fixés à l’encontre de certains prisonniers.

Le soir-même, les détenus libérés ont pu profiter d’un repas en famille. Les images de leur sortie serviront peut-être à réaliser un prochain clip vidéo. Les deux artistes ont aussi précisé qu’ils comptent répéter l’opération à l’avenir. Ils espèrent inspirer d’autres personnes ayant les moyens de faire de même.

Source : WSB-TV