The Norval Foundation and The Sovereign Art Foundation (SAF) have announced Gadi Ramadhani as the winner of the Public Vote Prize for The Norval Sovereign African Art Prize 2025

Ramadhani will receive a cash prize of US$2 000 for his artwork If I Knew | Laiti Ningejua, sponsored by Schroders.

The piece, which garnered the highest number of votes from both online and in-person visitors at the Norval Foundation, is a figurative painting that delves into the themes of marriage and society in Tanzania, with a resonance that stretches across Africa and beyond.

It explores the gap between women’s marital expectations and reality, presenting marriage as an empty box that requires mutual effort. As a metaphor, the artwork touches on leadership, family dynamics, and Africa’s broader struggles.

The colours—blue, grey, and brown—represent the land, sky, and global context, while charcoal evokes the cultural essence of Tanzania and the Black African experience. The artwork reflects on the doubts that follow significant decisions. The octopus, symbolising the male figure, highlights the unfulfilled social contract and 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 March 13 at 14:00: 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.