Yagazie Redefines Fine Art, Yinka Ilori Gets a Royal Nod, Pearl Thusi Steps Into Music

Yagazie Emezi follows her Chi into fine art, Yinka Ilori earns a royal design nod, and Ibrahim Mahama tops ArtReview’s Power 100. Plus, Pearl Thusi steps into her music era, Young Jonn takes a star turn, and Emily Chepkor starts a running revolution in Nairobi.

Mary Obiri-Ibe December 8, 2025 — 5 minutes read

Yagazie Redefines Fine Art, Yinka Ilori Gets a Royal Nod, Pearl Thusi Steps Into Music — *Image via Marie Claire*

Welcome to Vol 164 of the Spread!

Hello and welcome back to the Spread, your weekly edit of all the best stories and global news about Africans shaping mainstream culture.

So a friend asked me last week what my December plans are and I just...stared. Blinked twice. Laughed nervously. Because the honest answer is: I want to be OUTSIDE. Everywhere. All at once.

December in Lagos is shaping up to be absolutely overwhelming in the best and most chaotic way possible, and I’m equal parts scared and excited for it.

But before we spiral into the beautiful madness of Detty December, let's take a moment to celebrate some wins that are setting the tone for this new era. Yagazie Emezi is following her chi into a new chapter of fine art photography, and Yinka Ilori just made history as a Royal Designer.

As always, try to pace yourself this month. Drink water between trips. Charge your power bank. And remember; you can't attend everything, so prioritize the things that matter to you.

Mary x,

Now on to the real peel 👇