Sotheby’s hosted its highly anticipated Modern & Contemporary African Art auction in London, where it raised a remarkable £2.4 million (approximately $2.9 million).
This success marked the sixth dedicated sale in this category, further affirming the increasing global demand for African art. Notably, the auction saw a 46% rise in the number of bidders compared to the previous year, demonstrating a growing international interest in the unique expressions of African artists.
A key highlight of the auction was the strong representation of female artists, who collectively accounted for 41% of the total sale value. This significant contribution from women underscores their growing influence in shaping contemporary African art. For example, Irma Stern’s Grape Packer (1959) led the sale, fetching £435,000 ($531,309), aligning perfectly with its pre-sale estimate. Stern’s vibrant depiction of labourers in her distinctive style from the 1950s and 1960s reflects her keen insight into African life and culture.
Another standout was Tanzanian artist Elias Jengo, whose Wakulima (The Farmers) (2025) set a new auction record, selling for £5,250 ($6,412). This marked an exciting debut for Jengo, showcasing the growing recognition of contemporary African talent on the global stage. Similarly, Nigerian artist Shina Yussuff’s Royal Welcome (2025) also achieved a record-breaking sale price of £5,000 ($6,107), further highlighting the increasing international interest in Nigerian art.
On Tuesday April 2nd, Sotheby’s fourth sale of Modern and Contemporary African Art in London amassed £2,316,625 / $3,023,196 (pre-sale estimate: £1.5-2.2 million / $2-2.9 million). The sale saw new auction records for 11 artists, reinforcing the strength of the African art market. One of the most notable moments was the sale of Zebra Crossing 2 by Ghanaian artist El Anatsui, which sold for £1.1 million ($1.4 million). This striking metallic tapestry, which was featured in Anatsui’s major survey exhibition in Munich, further solidified his position as one of Africa’s foremost contemporary artists.
Additionally, Moroccan artist Hassan El Glaoui’s La Sortie du Roi achieved £137,500 ($179,438), setting a new auction record for the artist. The painting, inspired by Morocco’s national celebration of a king’s ascension to the throne, captures a key moment in the country’s history, demonstrating El Glaoui’s commitment to preserving Moroccan traditions through his work.
The auction also celebrated the success of Congolese artists. Eddy Kamuanga Ilunga’s Palm exceeded expectations, selling for £81,250 ($106,031). This achievement highlights the increasing global recognition of Ilunga’s exploration of post-colonial identity in his native Democratic Republic of Congo. Meanwhile, Chéri Samba’s J’aime la couleur (2005) sold for £93,750 ($122,344), a strong result that reinforces his reputation for vibrant, socially engaged art.
Sotheby’s auction underscores the growing strength and international appeal of African art. With record-breaking sales and a diverse range of artists from across the African continent, the event signals the continued rise of African art on the global stage. As global collectors increasingly recognize the significance of African artists, the future looks bright for the continued expansion of this market.
