A Celebration of African Influence at the Africa Soft Power Gala & Awards
The Africa Soft Power Gala & Awards marked a triumphant conclusion to the 2026 Africa Soft Power Summit in Nairobi, celebrating three remarkable women who have fundamentally transformed perceptions of Africa: Bolanle Austin Peters, Faith Kipyegon, and the late Koyo Kouoh.
This year’s event emphasized not just the ceremonial aspects typically associated with awards but also the profound impact these women have had on showcasing Africa’s soft power. Their contributions extend beyond visibility; they have helped in building institutions, reshaping global narratives, expanding cultural values, and inspiring countless generations.
Bolanle Austin Peters received the prestigious ASP Architect of Culture Award. Faith Kipyegon was honored as the recipient of the ASP Gold Standard Award, while the late Koyo Kouoh was posthumously recognized with the ASP Creative Legacy Award. Together, their exemplary stories lent both emotional depth and intellectual rigor to the gala.
Austin Peters has dedicated over two decades to enriching African storytelling, transitioning it from mere performance to a robust institutional framework. Through her ventures like Terra Kulture, BAP Productions, and the Terra Academy for the Arts, she has not only built stages and trained talent but has also expanded the commercial viability of Nigerian culture. Her work in theater and film demonstrates that African narratives can transcend borders, retaining their local essence while appealing to wider audiences.
With productions ranging from *Salo* to *Fela and the Kalakuta Queens*, and from *Moremi* to *93 Days*, Austin Peters has consistently approached culture with the seriousness it deserves, viewing it as a discipline rather than just a celebratory sentiment. She embodies the principle that stories achieve impact when they are supported by strong institutions. Human resources become valuable industries only with proper training and production frameworks, while culture harnesses the power to preserve memories, generate employment, build audiences, and nurture commercial aspirations.
In contrast, Faith Kipyegon’s recognition reflected a different kind of empowerment. Growing up in Nakuru County, her journey as a runner was rooted in the rhythms of daily life rather than elite training. Barefoot runs to school across the Rift Valley foreshadowed a career that would become iconic in the world of athletics, punctuated by gold medals at the Rio, Tokyo, and Paris Olympics, as well as numerous world titles. Kipyegon’s achievements have established her as not only one of Kenya’s foremost athletes but also a powerful symbol of Africa on the global sports stage.
The ASP Gold Standard Award commended not just athletic triumphs but also the virtues of discipline, consistency, and the foundational work behind achieving excellence. Kipyegon’s narrative resonates with the overarching theme of the summit: Africa’s global influence is no mere happenstance; it is forged through discipline, patience, and unwavering dedication, compelling the world to take note.
The night also featured a tribute to Koyo Kouoh, whose legacy in sustaining African art is profound. Born in Douala and raised in Switzerland, Kouoh emerged as a pivotal curator whose work created vital spaces for artistic dialogue. She founded the RAW Material Company in Dakar, a multifaceted establishment serving as a residency, academy, library, gallery, and intellectual hub for artists and curators alike. It was built on the conviction that African artists deserve dedicated spaces, free from the constraints of existing institutions.
Her significant contributions at Zeitz MOCAA in Cape Town repositioned the museum as a serious venue for contemporary African art. Her groundbreaking exhibition, *When We See Us*, traveled from Cape Town to major European institutions, broadening the discussion around black figuration and the memory of African artistry. Appointed as the director of the 61st Venice Biennale International Art Exhibition in 2024, Kouoh became the first African woman to hold this prestigious role. Her untimely passing in 2025 rendered this accomplishment a testament to the doors she opened and the institutions she strengthened.
The ambience at the gala was reflective of continuity rather than conclusion, as discussions surrounding African art persist. The evening awarded not only recognized individual accomplishments but also illustrated the interconnected nature of various disciplines. Her Excellency Zainab Hawa Bangura from the United Nations presented the ASP Cultural Architect Award to Austin Peters, while George Odhiambo from National Bank presented the ASP Gold Standard Award in Kipyegon’s absence, accepted by her coach Patrick Sun. The ASP Creative Legacy Award for Kouoh was received by Nene Diallo, emphasizing the extensive impact of these women’s contributions.
The evening successfully underscored ASP’s narrative that Africa’s soft power cannot be defined by culture or capital alone; instead, it thrives at the intersection of business, sports, media, and creative industries, weaving a rich tapestry of opportunity and influence that highlights the continent’s significant growth potential.
