In a vibrant tapestry of recent cultural moments across the African continent, a selection of the week’s best photographs encapsulates the diverse experiences and resilient spirit of its people.
In Lagos, Nigeria, art enthusiasts gathered for a private viewing of the +234 Art fair at the Ecobank Pan-African Center this past Wednesday, as showcased by Olympia de Maismont from AFP. Meanwhile, Ebrahim Rasool, South Africa's expelled ambassador, returned to Cape Town International Airport on Sunday to a hero's welcome after a tumultuous diplomatic episode with the US under Donald Trump's administration, as reported by Esa Alexander of Reuters.
In Port Sudan, joy erupted in the streets as a Sudanese man waved the national flag, celebrating the army's recapture of the capital Khartoum on Thursday. Contrasting this jubilation, the northeastern Democratic Republic of Congo mourned the passing of beloved musician Delphin Katembo Vinywasiki, known as Delcat Idengo. His funeral attracted somber attention on Wednesday, with mourners bidding farewell to the artist in a uniquely designed car-shaped casket, as documented by Gradel Muyisa Mumbere.
In a heartwarming initiative, a local figure in Osogbo, Nigeria, popularly known as Nigerian Spider-Man, emerged as a champion for environmental activism, dedicated to cleaning up waste in his community. The influential presence of sports was also palpable, as a Senegalese supporter exuberantly celebrated the country’s victory over Togo in the FIFA World Cup 2026 Africa qualifiers at Diamniadio’s Abdoulaye Wade Stadium.
On Sunday, the newly appointed head of the International Olympic Committee, Kirsty Coventry, arrived in Zimbabwe’s capital, Harare, to a jubilant reception at Robert Mugabe International Airport. In Johannesburg, puppeteers brought to life the fictional character Michael K during a rehearsal for the Life & Times of Michael K at The Market Theatre.
The week's cultural highlights also drew attention to poignant topics emerging from the continent, including linguistic contributions from South Africa to the Oxford English Dictionary, the rise of cryptocurrency in remote areas like Zambia, the challenges posed by skin-lightening products, and the impact of Nigerians living abroad on socioeconomic divisions back home.
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