In February 2025, the Zeitz Museum of Contemporary Art Africa (Zeitz MOCAA) honoured artist Otobong Nkanga with the Honourary Award for Artistic Excellence. This award celebrates individuals who have made contributions to the art world and the museum itself.
The Zeitz MOCAA Honourary Awards aim to recognize visionaries who play a vital role in the contemporary art scene in Africa. Their work goes beyond art, inspiring positive change and encouraging cultural conversations. The annual Gala, where the award is presented, helps raise funds for the museum’s educational and curatorial programs.
The Gala is a highlight of the Cape Town art calendar. The funds raised during this elegant event help the museum in various ways. They support international exhibitions, educational programs, and initiatives that promote understanding and access to art for everyone.
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Koyo Kouoh, the Executive Director and Chief Curator of Zeitz MOCAA, expressed her admiration for Nkanga during the awards ceremony. She stated, “The Honorary Award for Artistic Excellence recognizes an exceptional individual who has forged an indelible impression on the contemporary art landscape in Africa and the Diaspora.” Kouoh emphasized the privilege of presenting this award to such an artist.
Otobong Nkanga is known for her multidisciplinary approach to art. She looks into the connections between people, land, materials, and the environment. Her work combines drawing, installation, performance, photography, textiles, and sculpture. Through her art, Nkanga calls viewers to think about memory, labour, care, and the natural world.
Nkanga’s art often reflects on the relationships between humans and their surroundings, using insights from various fields like geology and botany. She encourages us to consider how we can connect with each other and the earth in meaningful ways. Her work highlights the potential for creating a better future through these connections.
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Koyo Kouoh has been leading Zeitz MOCAA since May 2019 and has played a key role in showcasing African artists. Before joining Zeitz MOCAA, she founded the RAW Material Company in Dakar, Senegal. Kouoh has also been chosen to curate the 61st International Art Exhibition at La Biennale di Venezia in 2026.
The Zeitz MOCAA Gala in 2025 is supported by several sponsors, including BMW South Africa, Don Julio, Hazendal Wines, YourLuxury Africa, and The Aleit Group. This support helps ensure that the museum can continue its important work in the art community.
