Celebrating Trailblazing Female African Artists

Guess what? We're still basking in the glow of March, and that means International Women's History Month is still in full swing! Yes, we're celebrating the extraordinary contributions of women all month long—and, let's be real, all year round! But let's just say this month gives us that extra push to shine a spotlight on the incredible women who've shaped our world. Women who have challenged stereotypes, broken down barriers, and paved the way for future generations. And let's be clear, when we say 'artists,' we're not just picturing canvases and clay. We're talking about the power of words, the language of movement, the expression of culture in every form imaginable.

So let’s go on a trip, a journey through the nooks and crannies of the beautiful continent of Africa, to highlight some of these extraordinary women, and we'd love for you to join us!

Far Left: wearable art created by Oumou Sy. Far Right: Abisola standing in front of one of her paintings.

West Africa

Let’s begin our journey in West Africa, a land of bustling cities and stories that have travelled through generations. First stop, Nigeria, home to Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie, whose words and impeccable storytelling has echoed around the globe. Her novels give such an immersive experience, making you feel as though you were present when everything was happening. They are a mirror to society, showing vividly the struggles and triumphs of the characters in a manner most of us can relate to. You close her books, and you carry those characters with you, their voices still whispering in your ear.

Speaking of powerful Nigerian voices, we at Sokari London are incredibly proud to highlight Abisola Gbadamosi, another insanely talented artist from Nigeria. Her art explores the spirituality of life, embodying the electrifying connection between the spiritual and physical realms. She's definitely an artist to watch.

Just across the border in Benin Republic, you are serenaded by the beautiful, almost heaven-like voice of Angelique Kidjo, whose music is a reminder that stories aren’t just confined to pages of books. She not only brings together melodies and tunes, but she weave stories, stories of her people, carrying them across oceans and borders.

Still in West Africa, we journey to Senegal – the gateway to Africa. Here we see Oumou Sy, a fashion designer who creates more than just clothes, she creates wearable art. Clothes created from fabrics that tell the history and story of a people.

Julie Mehretu's Painting "TRANSpaintings" (reccurence) - Image from Britannica.

East Africa

We move eastward, where the landscapes are as breathtaking as the art they inspire. In Ethiopia, we find Julie Mehretu, a visual artist whose gorgeous large-scale abstract paintings are layered with history and tradition. Her paintings invite the viewers to do some introspection and think about the ways in which we construct and live in the world.

Left to right: Esther Malangu's Painting on BMW (image from BMW group press club), Samantha Rumbidzai's 'Energy Exchange" and Lindo Mahamba's "The Joy of Being".

Southern Africa

Finally, in the southern part of Africa, we are met with Esther Malangu, whose beautiful Ndebele designs are a literal living museum. From the patterns, to the colors, a celebration of the rich culture and history of the South African people.

Continuing this legacy of artistic excellence within Southern Africa, we at Sokari London are thrilled to showcase Samantha Rumidzai from Zimbabwe and Lindo Mahamba from South Africa. These are artists who defy categorization, whose works possess an extraordinary ability to evoke profound emotions and forge deep connections with the viewer.

These women, and countless others across the continent, are more than artists. They are storytellers, activists, and cultural ambassadors. They are shaping the narrative of Africa, challenging stereotypes, and paving the way for future generations. Their art is a testament to the power of creativity, a force that transcends borders and unites us all.

Let’s carry their stories with us, not just this month, but always. Let their art inspire us to see the world with fresh eyes, to celebrate the diversity of human expression, and to embrace the power of creativity to transform lives.

Inspired by the incredible women we've highlighted on this journey? At Sokari London, we're proud to showcase the exceptional talent of our very own female African artists. We invite you to explore their unique collections and discover the powerful stories and stunning works they create. See their art, hear their voices, and join us in celebrating their impact.