Julius Agbaje, a Nigerian Artist (b. 1992) born in Agege, Lagos to a Pastor and a teacher, initially pursued Computer Science at the Polytechnic but transitioned to art. After graduating from Yaba College of Technology with a Higher National Diploma in Painting in 2017, he furthered his artistry through an art residency and internship.

Julius’s artworks are a reflection of his life's journey, exploring themes like racial discrimination, politics and spirituality. Employing satires, metaphors, and symbolism, he engages audiences in pertinent socio-political and spiritual issues. His art, threaded with personal experiences, leads him back to Go and a discovery of his life's purpose.

Using diverse mediums like watercolours, oil, acrylic, and charcoal, and techniques such as stencilling typography, and screen-printing, he constantly evolves, now venturing into sculptures with clay, wood, metal, and fibreglass.

His exhibitions with renowned galleries and organizations globally, including The Koppel Project Hiv (London, 2021) and Artemizia Foundation (USA, 2020), highlight his impact on the art world. Featured in local and international news media, his art sparks crucial political conversations in Nigeria, where he resides.

A Lagos resident, Julius draws inspiration from the city's vibrant lifestyle, reflected in his colourful renditions. His involvement in NGOs like the Arts in Medicine Fellowship showcases his commitment to using art for societal betterment. He currently resides and works in Berger, Lagos, immersing himself in both art and community engagement.

The 2023 Access ART X Prize Africa/Diaspora Winner - Asmaa Jama (Somali/Denmark) Asmaa Jama, a self-taught Somali multidisciplinary artist, writer, and filmmaker in Bristol, explores themes of myth, movement, and migration. Their film works, including "Before We Disappear" (2021 commissioned by BBC Arts and "Except this Time Nothing Returns from the Ashes" (2022) at Spike Island, showcase their interactive storytelling.

Jama's art has reached international platforms like the Venice Architecture Biennale and film festivals such as Blackstar and Sharjah Film Platform. Their writing, commissioned by various institutions, appears in publications like The Poetry Review and Nataal. Jama's theatrical involvement spans writing for productions like "Dorothee Munyaneza’s Mailles" and "Akal."

Jama's impactful writing has been commissioned by respected entities like Jerwood Arts, Hayward Gallery, Arnolfini, and Ifa Gallery, with published works featured in notable publications like The Poetry Review and Nataal.

Jama was commended for the Brunel African Poetry Prize (2022); and shortlisted for the New Poets Prize (2022) Queen Mary Wasafiri Writing Prize (2021); James Berry Poetry Prize (2021); To Speak Europe in Other Languages Prize (2020), and longlisted for National Poetry Competition ( 2021 ) and is a Cave Canem Fellow. Their accolades include commendations for the Brunel African Poetry Prize and residencies at prestigious institutions like the School for Sonic Memory, and Mucem/Onassis Stegi.

Recently, Jama's solo exhibition at Spike Island culminated with a commissioned showcase across 25 billboard sites in Bristol, exhibiting their diverse artistic talent.

HONOURABLE MENTIONS

Having faced a challenging task in selecting the winners, given the exceptional level of talent and creativity on display, the jury also selected Roanna Tella (Nigerian category) and Lawrence Mwangi (African/Diaspora category) for honourable mentions. Both artists will receive prizes of $2,000 and tailored mentorship.

Roanna Tella

Lawrence Mwangi

Anne Mutema


Chidimma Nwafor


Chinwe Chigbu


Dior Thiam


Edward Prah


Wale Matuluko