A Landmark UK Exhibition for a Global African Artist
Birmingham will host one of Africa’s most celebrated contemporary artists this fall. On Saturday, November 15th, 2025, the Legacy Centre of Excellence will welcome Rhode Bath-Schéba Makoumbou as part of the Roots Festival 2025 — a day dedicated to African heritage, creativity, and community empowerment.
This marks Makoumbou’s first-ever exhibition in the United Kingdom, a significant milestone in her distinguished international career spanning over two decades and more than 240 exhibitions worldwide.
Art Rooted in Heritage and Humanity
Born in Brazzaville, Republic of Congo, Rhode Bath-Schéba Makoumbou was introduced to painting by her father, artist David Makoumbou, and began her artistic journey in 1989. Her art captures the rhythm of daily life in Africa — from bustling markets to quiet moments of family and community.
Makoumbou’s distinctive style blends realism with cubism, using knives instead of brushes to sculpt bold textures and dynamic forms. Her paintings and sculptures honor the resilience and grace of African women, who she describes as “the heartbeat of our societies.”
Since 2002, she has expanded her artistic practice to include large-scale sculptures crafted from sawdust and wood glue, some reaching over three meters tall. These towering figures stand as testaments to the endurance and vitality of African culture.
Global Recognition, Local Inspiration
From Congo-Brazzaville to Brussels, Makoumbou’s work has been exhibited in Africa, Europe, North America, and the Middle East, including France, Belgium, the United States, Germany, Morocco, and Qatar. Her artistic voice transcends borders, celebrating Africa’s beauty, strength, and interconnectedness with the world.
Her participation in Roots Festival 2025 is both a homecoming and a bridge — uniting the African diaspora in Birmingham with the spirit and creativity of the continent.
Event Details
Title: Roots Festival 2025
Date: Saturday, November 15th, 2025
Time: 12:00 PM – 5:00 PM
Location: Legacy Centre of Excellence
Address: 144 Potters Lane, B6 4UU Birmingham, United Kingdom
Tel: +44 121 448 8919
Email: info@legacycoe.co.uk
Website: www.legacycoe.co.uk/arts-and-community
Attendees can meet Rhode Bath-Schéba Makoumbou, explore her latest sculptures and paintings, and engage in conversations about culture, identity, and the role of women in African art. The Roots Festival 2025 will also feature live performances, workshops, and exhibits that highlight the richness of African creativity.
“Art is my way of keeping African traditions alive — of showing the world the beauty, pride, and strength of our people. I’m honored to share my work in the United Kingdom for the first time and to connect through creativity with everyone who carries Africa in their heart.” — Rhode Bath-Schéba Makoumbou
About the Artist
Rhode Bath-Schéba Makoumbou (born August 29, 1976, in Brazzaville, Republic of Congo) is an internationally recognized painter and sculptor. Her work reflects the social life of African women, blending traditional techniques with contemporary aesthetics.
She has represented Congolese art in more than 20 countries, using her platform to advocate for cultural preservation and the recognition of African artists on the global stage.
Website: www.rhodemakoumbou.eu
Email: rhodemakoumbou.eu@skynet.be
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