São Paulo, May 29, 2025 — Beneath the moonlit skies of São Paulo, at the hallowed amphitheater of the Federal University of São Paulo (UNIFESP), the 20th edition of the Africa Brazil Awards unfolded like a royal scroll—etched with honor, memory, and the pulse of a people who continue to rise.
The 20th edition of the Africa Brazil Awards was held in grandeur and elegance at the Amphitheater of the Federal University of São Paulo (UNIFESP), transforming the night into a powerful celebration of Black excellence, African identity, and cultural diplomacy. Hosted by the African Cultural Center in Brazil, the annual ceremony coincided with Africa Day, bringing together leading figures from Brazil and the African continent who continue to shape societies through their impactful work in arts, education, science, politics, and culture.
The event was chaired by Ọba Ogboni Adekunle Aderonmu, President of the African Cultural Center in Brazil, who welcomed dignitaries, artists, government officials, spiritual leaders, and members of academia with a call for unity and cultural reaffirmation. “This event reminds us that Africa lives not only in the bloodlines of millions of Brazilians but in the spirit of our daily resistance, in our achievements, in our vision for a better world,” Ọba Aderonmu declared in his keynote address. “These awards are a tribute to those who honor that spirit with excellence, service, and leadership.”
Each awardee received the prestigious Award of Excellence and was honored with the title of Commendator — a symbolic recognition of their contribution to the advancement of the Black race and African heritage in Brazil and beyond. The 2025 honorees included Otunba Biodun Ajiboye, Executive Secretary of Nigeria’s National Institute for Cultural Orientation (NICO) and official representative of the Federal Government of Nigeria at the event. He was honored for his outstanding role in promoting African heritage globally and for strengthening Brazil-Nigeria cultural diplomacy.
Also honored were Darlington George, respected sports coach known for developing African athletic teams; Fábio Riva, City Councilman of São Paulo, acknowledged for championing racial equity; Nina Silva, tech innovator and CEO of Movimento Black Money; Reinaldo dos Santos, Councilman of Cajamar, awarded for civic engagement; Ricardo Nunes, Mayor of São Paulo, commended for his support of cultural heritage; Rodrigo Kenji de Souza, Secretary of Green and Environmental Affairs; Rodrigo Oliver, cultural producer and media advocate; Rodrigo Siqueira, prominent visual artist; Prof. Sônia Guimarães, esteemed physicist and professor at ITA; Valter Roberto Silvério, noted sociologist; and Yá Andréia de Iyemonjá, revered Afro-Brazilian religious leader.
As the golden trophies were handed out under the rhythms of talking drums and oriki chants, emotions soared high. Several recipients took to the stage with heartfelt messages of thanks and reflection. Otunba Biodun Ajiboye expressed deep gratitude on behalf of Nigeria’s federal government: “This honor is not just mine—it belongs to the Nigerian people and to Africa. I am humbled to represent our motherland here in Brazil, a land where Africa lives in every beat of the drum and every heartbeat. Cultural diplomacy is the strongest bridge between our continents. I thank the African Cultural Center and Ọba Aderonmu for this great recognition.”
Nina Silva, visibly moved, shared: “Receiving this award reminds me that we are building a new economy, one that remembers our ancestors and empowers our future generations. This is for every Black entrepreneur, coder, and innovator who dares to dream.” Prof. Sônia Guimarães, addressing young students in the audience, stated: “This is a recognition not just of my work in science, but of every Black child who chooses to study, to persist, to believe they belong in every space. Representation matters—and we must continue to open these doors.”
The night was adorned with traditional performances from Afro-Brazilian dance troupes, Nigerian percussion ensembles, and oratory artists, creating a powerful artistic dialogue between the motherland and the diaspora. Dancers in agbádá, gele, and colorful Ankara fabrics swayed alongside maracatu beats and candomblé chants, symbolizing a celebration of shared ancestry and resistance.
Academics from top Brazilian universities, members of the National Congress, and representatives from consulates and cultural embassies were among the attendees, further elevating the evening as a platform for diplomatic and intellectual solidarity.
With 20 editions now in its legacy, the Africa Brazil Awards has become one of the most respected honors recognizing Pan-African achievement in the diaspora. This year’s ceremony stood not only as a celebration but as a call for ongoing transformation in education, representation, and justice for Afro-descendant peoples.
“We are not only honoring individuals,” Ọba Aderonmu concluded, “we are restoring narratives, planting seeds for the future, and declaring loudly: Africa lives, breathes, and shines wherever her children rise.”
The 20th Africa Brazil Awards came to a close with heartfelt applause and a renewed sense of unity. It was a night where ancestral pride met contemporary excellence, honoring individuals who continue to shape a more just, inclusive, and vibrant society.
Through music, oration, and the spirit of recognition, the event reminded all present that the legacy of Africa lives on—not just in history, but in action, leadership, and everyday contributions. As the evening ended, its message lingered: that excellence rooted in identity is not only to be celebrated , it is to be remembered, carried forward, and passed on.
