Africa made significant strides in 2024, as the continent celebrated artistic triumphs, reclaimed cultural heritage, and witnessed landmark achievements in architecture and literature. From global recognition of African talent in music and cinema to the return of looted cultural treasures, this year underscored Africa’s dynamic cultural and historical significance. At the same time, the continent said goodbye to icons whose contributions shaped global music, literature, and social justice.
A Year of Global Recognition for African Talent
South African artist Tyla dominated the global stage in 2024, cementing her status as one of the continent’s brightest stars. Her achievements began with a Grammy win in February, followed by two BET Awards, before she made history as the first African artist to receive three accolades at the MTV Europe Music Awards. Tyla’s success symbolized Africa’s growing influence in the global music industry.
Meanwhile, Trevor Noah, the South African comedian and television host, further showcased the continent’s entertainment prowess by winning the Emmy Award for Best Entertainment Program at the 75th Emmy Awards. This victory highlighted South Africa’s continued prominence in international media.
African Cinema and the Call for Restitution
African cinema was also in the spotlight, with Franco-Senegalese filmmaker Mati Diop receiving the prestigious Golden Bear at the Berlinale Film Festival. Diop’s documentary Dahomey, which focuses on the restitution of royal treasures looted from Benin by French colonial forces in 1892, sparked wider conversations about cultural restitution across the continent.
In a significant development, Ghana achieved the return of royal artifacts looted from the Asante kingdom by British colonial forces over 150 years ago. However, Uganda’s struggle continues, as Cambridge University has only agreed to loan, rather than return, significant cultural items.
Architectural Marvels and Literary Recognition
Africa’s architectural scene saw a major milestone with the inauguration of the continent’s largest mosque in Algeria. With a construction cost of nearly $900 million, the mosque can accommodate up to 120,000 worshippers and stands as a symbol of both spiritual and architectural achievement.
In literature, Morocco’s capital, Rabat, was named UNESCO’s World Book Capital for 2026, in recognition of the city’s commitment to promoting literacy and access to knowledge. Rabat’s role in hosting one of Africa’s largest international book fairs and supporting dozens of publishing houses further solidified its status as a cultural hub.
African Art and Beauty Shine on the World Stage
Dakar’s Dak’Art Biennale served as a vibrant celebration of African contemporary art, attracting artists, collectors, and enthusiasts from across the globe. The event highlighted the continent’s rich artistic diversity and underscored Africa’s vital role in the global art scene.
Meanwhile, Nigeria’s Chidimma Adetshina made history as the first runner-up at the Miss Universe pageant in Mexico. Born in South Africa, Adetshina represented Nigeria after facing xenophobic backlash in her home country. Her achievement made her the only African to place in the top five, showcasing the beauty and resilience of the continent.
Saying Goodbye to Cultural Icons
2024 also marked the passing of several influential figures whose contributions left an indelible mark on Africa and the world. The death of Toumani Diabaté, the legendary Malian kora player, at the age of 58, was a great loss to world music. South African writer and anti-apartheid activist Breyten Breytenbach also passed away, leaving behind a powerful legacy of literature and activism. Additionally, the global music community mourned the loss of Quincy Jones, the legendary American producer who played a key role in shaping African music. John Amos, known for his portrayal of Kunta Kinte in the iconic miniseries Roots, also passed away, leaving a lasting impact on global entertainment.
A Year of Reflection and Progress
As Africa celebrates its cultural and artistic triumphs, the year 2024 also served as a moment of reflection. From reclaiming cultural heritage to the loss of beloved icons, the continent has continued to assert its presence on the global stage. As these milestones unfold, Africa’s cultural legacy remains stronger than ever, with an enduring influence on the world’s artistic, social, and political landscapes.