REWA, a globally acknowledged visual artist from Nigeria, will be responsible for creating the poster that announces the Santa Cruz de Tenerife Carnival 2025, themed The Secrets of Africa. This achievement makes her the first African woman to undertake such a significant role.
Furthermore, she will be the seventh woman to design this emblematic depiction of the Carnival, joining the ranks of notable previous artists including Marina Braun (1979), Maribel Nazco (1994), Elena Lecuona (1996), Guenda Herrera (2002), Karina Beltrán (2006), and Elena González (2011).
José Manuel Bermúdez, the mayor of Santa Cruz de Tenerife, emphasised the importance of the Carnival poster, stating, “It serves as the calling card to the world for our most internationally renowned festival and signals the commencement of the numerous events that embody our Carnival.”
Javier Caraballero, the Councilor for Festivals, remarked, “REWA is the perfect artist to authentically depict the cultural heritage of the nearby continent, with a significant portion of her work not only honouring women but also enhancing the value of African culture.”
The acclaimed artist, a recipient of the latest Veuve Clicquot Bold Woman Awards among various accolades, has showcased her creations at fairs, museums, and galleries across Africa, Asia, Europe, and North America. She has collaborated with popular figures like Usher in his ‘Ruin’ music video and partnered with global companies such as Unilever and Nike, contributing to campaigns such as the Vaseline Showcase at the Essence Festival 2019 and Nike’s ‘Don’t Change Your Dream, Change the World’ initiative for the 2019 Women’s World Cup.
Throughout her journey, she has participated in prestigious art fairs like Art Miami, Art Expo Chicago, Art Market San Francisco, and Art Dubai, illustrating the strength and resilience of the African populace, with a special emphasis on women. This focus was highlighted in her first major institutional exhibition, which opened last month at the Africa Center in London, attended by esteemed members of the Otu Odu society.
The artist expressed, “Being the creator of the poster for one of the world’s finest carnivals is a pivotal moment in my career.” She added, “It is a tremendous honour for me to partake in this remarkably special occasion.”
With REWA at the helm, the Santa Cruz Carnival reinstates a signature poster tradition that has bestowed considerable prestige and heritage significance upon the festival, now alternating between such commissions and public contests, aimed at enhancing quality and broader visibility.
Caraballero stated, “This approach represents the perfect synergy to continue enriching the roster of prominent artists like César Manrique, Mel Ramos, and Jirí ‘Georg’ Dokoupil, without undermining the young talents from the islands who have contributed exceptional designs to the carnival.”
The unveiling of the poster is set for October 18 at 7:30 p.m. in Plaza de España, during a festive event that marks the commencement of the Carnival, and REWA will be in attendance.
