Fatshimetrie, a news site dedicated to celebrating African art, culture and history, witnessed many successes and milestones during the year 2024. This year was marked by exceptional moments that highlighted the talent and diversity of the African art scene.
South African artist, Tyla, was the leading figure of the African music scene in 2024. Winning a Grammy Award, two BET Awards and being honored in three categories at the MTV Europe Music Awards, she marked the year with her talent and international success. Her achievements recognized the hard work and creativity of African artists on the world stage.
African cinema also shone in 2024, with powerful and committed films. The Berlin Film Festival crowned French-Senegalese director Mati Diop with the Golden Bear for her documentary “Dahomey”, highlighting the issue of cultural restitution. The film sparked discussions on the restitution of African cultural treasures, stolen during the colonial period, and highlighted the importance of preserving African heritage.
On the architectural level, the inauguration of Africa’s largest mosque in Algeria marked a milestone in the continent’s urban landscape. This imposing mosque, capable of accommodating 120,000 worshipers, symbolises Africa’s cultural and spiritual wealth.
In the literary field, Rabat, the capital of Morocco, was designated World Book Capital by UNESCO for the year 2026. This recognition highlights the city’s efforts to promote access to knowledge and promote African literature. Rabat, with its many publishing houses and its international book fair, was praised for its commitment to promoting reading and culture.
The African art scene also shone at the Biennale of Contemporary African Art in Dakar, Dak’Art, which attracted art enthusiasts from around the world. This event highlighted the creativity and diversity of African artists, confirming the influence of African art on the international stage.
Finally, the year 2024 was also marked by poignant farewells to emblematic figures. Toumani Diabaté, Breyten Breytenbach, Quincy Jones and John Amos all left their mark in their respective fields, leaving behind an invaluable cultural and artistic legacy.
In conclusion, the year 2024 will be remembered as a year of exceptional achievements, cultural engagement and celebration of African art in all its forms. These achievements highlighted the creativity, diversity and vitality of the African art scene, confirming once again the essential role of Africa on the world stage.