10 Must Follow African Artists on Instagram

With a soupçon of charm and a twinkle of the eye, the rich tapestry of African art has found its way onto the stage of Instagram, captivating the hearts and minds of an ever-growing global audience. As we traverse the digital landscape, it’s a delight to discover a cornucopia of African artists showcasing their creativity, cultural significance, and panache on this visual platform.

The purpose of this journal is to illuminate the lives and works of 10 must-follow African artists on Instagram. Each artist has been carefully selected based on their ingenuity, influence, and ability to transcend borders, offering the reader a unique window into the African continent’s artistic zeitgeist. So, without further ado, let us embark on a virtual safari into the world of African art on Instagram.

Artist 1: Laolu Senbanjo

Hailing from Nigeria, the prodigiously talented Laolu Senbanjo has earned his stripes in the art world with remarkable aplomb. His distinctive style, known as Afromysterics, combines elements of traditional Yoruba art with modern influences, resulting in a visual smorgasbord that has graced the bodies of world-renowned celebrities such as Beyoncé and Alicia Keys.

On Instagram, Senbanjo’s profile (@laolunyc) is a veritable treasure trove, showcasing his striking murals and body art designs. One such example is his work on Nike’s Air Max 2018 campaign, where he masterfully transformed the shoes into a canvas that tells the story of his Nigerian heritage. With a style that entwines tradition and modernity, Senbanjo’s Instagram presence is nothing short of mesmerizing.

Artist 2: Karabo Poppy Moletsane

Karabo Poppy Moletsane, a South African tour de force, has garnered a reputation for her vibrant illustrations that pay homage to her African roots. Her art style fuses the traditional with the contemporary, yielding a delightful visual language that speaks of her culture and heritage.

On her Instagram profile (@karabo_poppy), Moletsane’s passion for her craft is palpable, as she showcases her colorful, geometric illustrations and street art. One notable example is her collaboration with Google Doodle, where she designed a series of illustrations celebrating Africa’s vibrant street art culture. Through her imaginative work, Moletsane is an exemplary ambassador of South African art on the global stage.

Artist 3: Osborne Macharia

The world of Osborne Macharia, a Kenyan photographer and visual artist, is one steeped in the fantastical. His groundbreaking Afrofuturistic work explores the intersection of technology, culture, and identity, crafting narratives that challenge and redefine the African experience.

Macharia’s Instagram account (@osborne_macharia) is a portal into his vivid imagination, as seen in his remarkable series titled “Magadi,” which depicts a group of former female circumcisers who have embraced a new life as guardians of an otherworldly mineral. His striking photography and evocative storytelling have earned him international acclaim and collaborations with major brands such as Absolut Vodka and Marvel. Osborne Macharia’s work is a testament to the power of the African narrative in shaping our collective consciousness.

Artist 4: Tony Gum

A veritable chameleon of the art world, South African artist Tony Gum deftly traverses the realms of fashion, photography, and visual art. Her Instagram presence (@tony_gum) is a splendid reflection of her eclectic style, featuring vibrant self-portraits that draw inspiration from her Xhosa heritage and pop culture.

One of Gum’s most noteworthy projects is her “Ode to She” series, which delves into the role of women in African society and the artist’s own personal journey. Through a series of striking images, she encapsulates the strength and resilience of African women, as well as the beauty of her own culture. With her work exhibited at prestigious events such as the FNB Joburg Art Fair, Tony Gum’s Instagram account is a must-follow for anyone seeking a vivid glimpse into the world of contemporary African art.

Artist 5: Yassine Mourit

Moroccan artist Yassine Mourit has carved a niche for himself with his unique, otherworldly digital art. His creative journey began with a passion for graphic design, which has since evolved into a breathtaking visual exploration of Afrofuturism and surrealism.

Mourit’s Instagram profile (@yassine.mourit) is an entrancing foray into his fantastical realm, populated by enigmatic characters and vibrant, dreamlike landscapes. His work, which includes collaborations with musicians like Amine and cover art for publications such as Chimurenga Magazine, deftly marries his Moroccan heritage with futuristic elements. Yassine Mourit’s captivating artistry on Instagram is a visual feast not to be missed.

Artist 6: Toyin Ojih Odutola

Nigerian-born artist Toyin Ojih Odutola has taken the art world by storm with her exquisite, intricate portraits. Her work, rendered primarily in pen, ink, and charcoal, delves into the complexities of identity, race, and personal history.

Ojih Odutola’s Instagram account (@toyinojihodutola) serves as a virtual gallery of her breathtaking oeuvre. One standout piece is her series titled “A Countervailing Theory,” which presents an imagined history of an ancient Nigerian civilization ruled by female warriors. With exhibitions at esteemed institutions such as the Whitney Museum of American Art, Toyin Ojih Odutola’s Instagram presence is a masterclass in the power of portraiture.

Artist 7: Chéri Samba

As a stalwart of contemporary African art, Chéri Samba’s vibrant paintings have been captivating audiences for decades. Hailing from the Democratic Republic of Congo, Samba’s work often incorporates text and commentary, offering a biting critique of social, political, and cultural issues.

On Instagram, Samba’s vibrant oeuvre can be found at his account (@cherisambaofficiel). His distinctive style and bold use of color shine through in pieces such as “J’aime la couleur,” which explores the artist’s love of color and its ability to evoke emotion. With a career spanning over 40 years and exhibitions at prestigious institutions such as the Centre Pompidou, Chéri Samba’s Instagram is a must-follow for aficionados of African art.

Artist 8: Kehinde Wiley

Kehinde Wiley, a Nigerian-American painter, has garnered international acclaim for his arresting, larger-than-life portraits of African and African American subjects. His work, which often references classical European portraiture, is a powerful exploration of race, power, and representation.

Wiley’s Instagram profile (@kehindewiley) offers an intimate look into his creative process, as well as his striking finished pieces. Among his most notable works is his portrait of former President Barack Obama, which now resides in the Smithsonian’s National Portrait Gallery. By deftly reimagining the traditional canon of art, Kehinde Wiley’s Instagram presence is an essential follow for anyone interested in the evolution of African and African American art.

Artist 9: Trevor Stuurman

South African photographer and visual artist Trevor Stuurman is a rising star in the world of fashion and contemporary African art. His work, which often explores themes of identity and heritage, has captured the attention of renowned brands like Adidas and superstars such as Oprah Winfrey.

Stuurman’s Instagram account (@trevor_stuurman) is a vibrant showcase of his creative vision, featuring striking portraits, fashion editorials, and travel photography. One of his most notable projects is his collaboration with the Nelson Mandela Foundation, where he created a series of portraits celebrating the 100th anniversary of Mandela’s birth. Through his evocative photography, Trevor Stuurman’s Instagram presence is a testament to the power of visual storytelling in African art.

Artist 10: Wangechi Mutu

Kenyan-born artist Wangechi Mutu has emerged as a formidable force in the world of contemporary art, crafting evocative, mixed-media pieces that explore themes of identity, gender, and postcolonialism. Her work, which often incorporates materials such as collage and found objects, is a powerful commentary on the African experience in a global context.

Mutu’s Instagram profile (@wangechistudio) is a virtual gallery of her compelling work, including her groundbreaking installation “The NewOnes, will free Us” at the Metropolitan Museum of Art. Through her innovative, thought-provoking artistry, Wangechi Mutu’s Instagram account is a must-follow for those seeking to immerse themselves in the world of contemporary African art.

on top of the 10 Must Follow African Artists on Instagram, Other notable African Artists to follow on instagram are:

Njideka Akunyili Crosby (@njidekaakunyilicrosby) provides a fascinating insight into her artistic process, as well as her breathtaking finished pieces. Among her most notable works is her series “The Beautyful Ones,” which features portraits of Nigerian youth, reflecting the artist’s own experience of navigating multiple cultural identities. With exhibitions at prestigious institutions like the Whitney Museum of American Art and the Hammer Museum, Njideka Akunyili Crosby’s Instagram presence is a must-follow for art enthusiasts interested in contemporary African art.

Nelson Makamo (@nelsonmakamo): A South African painter known for his expressive portraits of children, often using charcoal, pastels, and acrylics to create vivid, emotive works that celebrate the innocence and resilience of youth.

Giggs Kgole (@giggskgoleart): A young South African artist whose mixed-media work explores themes such as migration, displacement, and African spirituality, often drawing on his personal experiences and the rich cultural heritage of his native Limpopo province.

Cyrus Kabiru (@ckabiru): A Kenyan visual artist and sculptor renowned for his innovative, upcycled creations, including his signature “C-Stunners” eyewear series, which employs found objects to construct wearable art that challenges conventional notions of beauty and utility.

Bright Ackwerh (@brightackwerh): A Ghanaian satirical artist and illustrator whose bold, colorful work addresses socio-political issues and popular culture, using humor and wit to provoke thought and spark conversation.

Sarah Waiswa (@lafrohemien): A Ugandan-Kenyan documentary and portrait photographer whose work explores themes of identity, belonging, and the African diaspora, with a particular focus on capturing the stories and experiences of marginalized communities.

These artists, along with the previously mentioned ones, represent a diverse array of talent and perspectives, each contributing to the rich tapestry of contemporary African art. Following their Instagram profiles will provide a captivating glimpse into their creative worlds, as well as inspiration and insights into the ever-evolving landscape of African art.

As our journey through the captivating realm of African art on Instagram draws to a close, let us pause to savor the rich tapestry of creativity, culture, and ingenuity these 10 must-follow artists have so generously shared with the world. In supporting and appreciating African art, we not only celebrate the myriad voices and perspectives of this vibrant continent but also recognize its vital role in shaping our global artistic landscape.

So, dear reader, go forth and explore these artists’ Instagram profiles, and allow yourself to be inspired and enlightened by their extraordinary work. And as you delve deeper into the boundless world of African art, remember that beyond this list lies a treasure trove of talent waiting to be discovered.