As the year is coming to an end, KOKO Magazine is honoring 10 inspirational African women from all walks of life, who have had a profound impact on their respected industries. Whether in fashion, entertainment or media, these women have ‘made a whole lot of positive change on the continent’ and they share ‘heartfelt commitment and a profound sense of hard-work and dedication to their craft, and the ability to use their talent to empower and bring hope to millions of young people.’ The women in question are:
1. Stephanie Linus Okereke
“This notable Nollywood actress was named the Regional Ambassador of the United Nations Population Fund and spoke alongside Ivanka Trump at 8th Global Entrepreneurship Summit, GES 2017 In India.”
2. Bonang Matheba
“Matheba was named one of the 10 Most Influential Icons In Contemporary African Pop Culture and launched her book, Bonang From A to B, in 2017.”
3. Nomzamo Mbatha
“She co-hosted the 2017 BET Awards and won the Outstanding Achievement in Film – Africa award at the African Pride Film Awards. Nomzamo was made Puma, Neutrogena and United Nations Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) ambassador in 2017. She represented the best of Africa to the global community.”
4. Mayowa Nicholas
“Nicholas became the new face of Calvin Klein underwear in April 2017. Two months later, she became the face of Marc Jacobs’ beauty campaign. She recently featured in DKNY pre-fall 2017 and walked the coveted Victoria Secrets Fashion Show runway in Shanghai.”
5. Tiwa Savage
“In September 2017, she made BBC 100 Most Inspirational and Innovative Women list. She also performed at the official Grammy week event.”
6. Yemi Alade
“Yemi was nominated for the annual African entertainment awards USA (AEAUSA) in four different categories and won four awards. She was nominated for best female single, best female artist of the year, an international artist of the year and her mama Africa for best album.”
7. Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie
“Nigerian writer and the author was elected into the American Academy of Arts and Letters as a foreign honorary member in March. That same month she made the list of 50 world leaders. Adichie was honored with the ‘Doctor of Letters’ degree at the University of Edinburgh Scotland, the United Kingdom in August.”
8. Simi
“She bagged a juicy endorsement deal with Etisalat and her debut album, Simisola made a lot of rounds after its release. The singer also won African songwriter of the year at AFRIMA 2017.”
9. Peace Hyde
“Apart from anchoring her award-winning programmes, Peace was appointed Forbes Africa’s New Head of Digital Media And Partnerships. A landmark appointment for any African for the organization.”
10. Halima Aden
“The Kenya-born model first made her big break by featuring in Kanye West’s Yeezy Season Five presentation. In June, she made history by becoming the first-ever hijabi model to snag the cover of a Vogue magazine. She also featured in the ad campaign for Rihana’s new Fenty beauty collection.”
