‘Life Won’t Stop’: Picture of Omdurman Bridegroom Puts Sudanese Photographer in Running for World Press Photo 2025 Award

A striking image captured by Sudanese photographer Mosab Abushama using just a mobile phone has been selected as one of the regional winners for Africa in the prestigious World Press Photo (WPP) Contest 2025. The photograph, titled Life Won’t Stop, powerfully documents a bridegroom at his wedding in war-torn Omdurman, illustrating how daily life persists despite conflict.

The Award-Winning Image

The World Press Photo organization, based in Amsterdam, announced its 2025 winners today, showcasing exceptional photojournalism from 2024’s rapidly changing global landscape. Abushama’s image was selected in the ‘Singles Africa’ category from 59,320 entries by 3,778 photographers worldwide.

The photograph shows a January 2024 wedding in Omdurman, a city enduring constant shelling and attacks. The bridegroom holds a pistol while a shotgun leans against the wall behind him – a traditional Sudanese wedding custom involving celebratory gunfire.

“This wedding was a reminder of the joy of everyday life still possible amidst the tragedy and despair…” – Photographer Mosab Abushama

“Despite the clashes and random shelling in the city, the wedding was a simple but joyous occasion with family and friends,” Abushama explained. “The war in Sudan, which began in April 2023, brought horrors and displacement… Yet, this wedding was a reminder of the joy of everyday life still possible.”

Sudanese Representation in the Jury

The Africa Jury for this year’s competition was chaired by renowned Sudanese photographer and educator Ala Kheir, who has dedicated his career to preserving Sudanese photographic heritage and mentoring young African photographers.

Kheir currently runs The Other Vision (TOV), a photography platform focused on education and training in Sudan. Through TOV, he connects Sudanese artists across the continent and addresses social issues through photography.

“With everything happening globally and across the continent, the responsibility feels even more significant. I am excited to engage with the entries and highlight the stories that deserve attention…” – Ala Kheir, Africa Jury Chair

Previous Sudanese Winners

Sudanese photographers have made notable appearances in previous World Press Photo contests:

• 2022: Faiz Abubakr Mohamed won the Africa ‘singles’ category with an image of protests
• 2020: Yasuyoshi Chiba’s photo of Sudanese revolution poetry recitation won Photo of the Year

2025 Awards Announcement

The World Press Photo of the Year winner and finalists will be announced on April 17, 2025, during the Amsterdam exhibition opening. This year’s contest features expanded categories with 42 winners total (up from 33 in 2024).

All winners receive €1,000, inclusion in the traveling exhibition and yearbook, plus an invitation to Amsterdam. The Photo of the Year winner receives an additional €10,000 prize and FUJIFILM equipment.

Sources: World Press Photo / Ala Kheir / Dabanga Sudan