The EIGER FOUNDATION announces the top 20 entries for the prestigious African Photobook of the Year Awards 2024. Launched in September 2021, the award recognizes the significant contribution of African photobooks to the development of photography across all genres and themes, with a focus on the originality, artistic merit and cultural significance of the work.
Image above: Aïssata Lam, Carnet de Voyage, Mauritania 2024, © Aïssata Lam
Each finalist was selected for their unique perspective and artistic vision, offering an in-depth exploration of African life, culture and landscapes. Below are the remarkable works and their photographers that have been selected in this year’s.
Top 20
- “Vodun Days” by Achraf Aboubakar (Benin) / Summary: An immersive series that delves into the world of Vodun and captures the rich rituals, deities and traditions of this ancient spiritual practice.
- “L’histoire de demain” by Adama Sylla (Senegal) / Summary: Offers a new perspective on modern Senegalese life, challenging exoticizing narratives and drawing on the legacy of influential African photographers.
- Quatre yeux” by Adrien Bitibaly (Burkina Faso) / Summary: A compelling investigation of witchcraft accusations, focusing on traditional priests and their role in these practices.
- “Carnet de voyage – Mauritanie” by Aïssata Lam (Mauritania) / Summary: A personal photographic journey through Mauritania during the COVID-19 pandemic, documenting cultural diversity and personal experiences.
- “Unfinished War: A Journey Through Civil War in Yemen” by Asmaa Waguih Eltobi (Egypt) / Summary: The film reports on the ongoing humanitarian crisis in Yemen and documents the devastating effects of the conflict on the people there.
- “Timanga” by Carlos Manhique (Mozambique) / Summary: A visual narrative that captures the essence of Mozambique’s cultural and social dynamics in striking images.
- “Triangles of Views” by Fethi Sahraoui (Algeria) / Summary: A dual photography project focusing on Algerian soccer culture and the seasonal experiences of the people of Algeria.
- “Citizen” by Jonathan Wood (South Africa) / Summary: An intimate portrait of Johannesburg, reflecting on the city’s evolving urban landscape and the stories of its inhabitants.
- “Nasser Road. Political Posters from Uganda” by Kristof Titeca, Katumba Badru Sultan, Zahara Abdul (Belgium/Uganda) / Summary: The vibrant and politically charged posters on Nasser Road in Uganda, which transform political figures into superheroes, are presented.
- “Shabun” by Kwasi Darko (Ghana) / Summary: Focuses on the contemporary experiences of Ghanaian men and explores themes of masculinity, cultural rites and generational trauma.
- “The Uncanny” by Léonard Pongo Pongo (Belgium/Republic of Congo) / Summary: An abstract and dreamlike exploration of the Democratic Republic of Congo, capturing a personal and emotional journey.
- “People at the Port de Peche” by Mario Marino (Germany/Mauritania) / Summary: Documents the lives of Mauritanian fishermen and highlights the challenges they face due to overfishing and changing socio-economic conditions.
- “Blur” by Mehdi Ait El Mallali (Morocco) / Summary: A visually stunning series that takes up the theme of blurring to reflect on the complexities and transitions in contemporary Moroccan life.
- “True Tales Africa” by Klaus Mellenthin (Germany) / Summary: A documentary compilation that spans two decades and conveys a rich picture of African life through intimate and magnificent photographs.
- “Happysadland “by Obie Oberholzer (South Africa) / Summary: Captures the diverse experiences of Southern Africa, combining humor, adventure and melancholy in a vivid photographic exploration.
- “POEMS TAKE US HOME Vol. 1” by Oliver Vedast Kwizera (Kenya) / Summary: A collection of poetic graffiti captured on matatus in Mombasa, showcasing a unique dialogue created through artistic expression on public transportation.
- 17 “Hello Agbodrafo” by Parmenas Awudza (Togo) / Summary: Highlights the cultural heritage and community spirit of Agbodrafo, showcasing the beauty and traditions of the village.
- 18 “Poetry of Silence I” by Roland Blum (Liechtenstein/Namibia) / Summary: Aerial shots of the Namibian desert, capturing its timeless beauty and the play of light and shadow.
- 19 “Isivumelwano” by Sabelo Mlangeni (South Africa) / Summary: An exploration of South African wedding ceremonies that celebrate love and cultural diversity while criticizing societal norms.
- “Dust: Egypt’s Forgotten Architecture, Revised and Expanded Edition” by Xenia Nikolskaya (Egypt) / Summary: An updated exploration of Egypt’s neglected historical architecture that captures the splendor and decay of the past.
About the Eiger Foundation, in collaboration with the Inside Out Centre for the Arts in Johannesburg, South Africa, is dedicated to promoting African photography and other art forms through various initiatives, including exhibitions, educational programs, competitions and creative exchanges.
Important dates
Announcement of the shortlist (Top 4): Tuesday, September 3, 2024
Announcement of the winner: in October 2024
Prizes
Grand Prize: $12,500 for the winning photographer/artist(s)
Runner-up prizes: $2,500 each for three shortlisted entries
