Cape Town, South Africa – Norval Foundation and The Sovereign Art Foundation (SAF) announce Gadi Ramadhani (b. 1986, Tanzania) as the Public Vote Prize Winner of The Norval Sovereign African Art Prize 2025, sponsored by Schroders. Ramadhani will receive a cash prize of US$2,000 for his work ‘If I Knew | Laiti Ningejua’.
The artwork, which received the largest proportion of votes from the public, both online and in-person at the Norval Foundation, is a figurative painting that reflects on marriage and society in Tanzania, resonating across Africa and beyond. It examines the contrast between women’s marital expectations and reality, portraying marriage as an empty box requiring mutual effort. As a metaphor, it addresses leadership, family dynamics, and Africa’s broader struggles. The colours—blue, grey, and brown—symbolize land, sky, and global context, while charcoal evokes Tanzania’s cultural essence and the Black African experience. Titled If I Knew (Laiti Ningejua), it explores post-decision doubts. The octopus, symbolizing the male figure, represents the unfulfilled social contract, highlighting the complexities of negotiation and disillusionment.
Ramadhani was nominated for the fourth edition of this annual Prize by Haikaeli Gilliberte, who participated as a member of the board of independent nominators. On hearing of his win, Ramadhani said: “This recognition is not just a personal achievement, but a reflection of the power of art to connect, communicate, and heal. I am grateful to all those who supported me, and I look forward to continuing to contribute to the global art conversation from Tanzania.”
The public vote winner announcement marks the final prize awarded in the fourth edition of The Norval Sovereign African Art Prize, which includes a finalists’ exhibition hosted at Norval Foundation from January to April 2025. Other prizes awarded include the Grand Prize, which includes a cash prize of US$35,000, a solo exhibition at Norval Foundation, and a two-week cultural residency at Outset Contemporary Art Fund in the UK, awarded to Modupeola Fadugba (Nigeria), for her work Portrait of an Artist at Ease; and the FAMM Women’s Prize of US$5000 awarded to DuduBloom More (South Africa) for her work Contending with Control.
Over the course of the prize, 28 finalists had been identified, and these artists’ works were put on display for the public to view and enable them to vote for the Public Vote Prize. All 28 works, including the three-winning works, will be auctioned off online in a benefit auction hosted by Strauss & Co. The auction is open for bidding until 13 March 2025 14h00 SAST: offering the public the chance to own their favourite works. The funds raised by the benefit auction will be split between the artists and the art education mission of the Norval Foundation’s Learning Centre. Registrations and bids are facilitated via the Strauss & Co Auction webpage.
The Norval Sovereign African Art Prize 2025 sponsored by Schroders, is curated by Carmen Joubert and is open for viewing in Gallery 9 at Norval Foundation until 20 April 2025. Previous winners of the NSAAP Public Vote include Weaam El Masry (b. 1976, Egypt), Alioune Diagne (b. 1985, Senegal), and Rene Tavares (b. 1983, São Tomé and Príncipe).
