East African Models: A Celebration of Diversity and Influence

Fashion is a universal language that continues to evolve and speak volumes about the world we live in. One trend that has stood the test of time is the emergence of African models on the international fashion scene. These days, names like Adut Akech, Mayowa Nicholas, and Thando Hapo are dominating the fashion industry, driving branding and fashion trends, and joining the ranks of the most iconic fashion models.

Looking back on more recent history, the late 1980s and 1990s saw the reign of Black supermodels like Grace Jones, Iman Abdulmajid, Alek Wek, Katoucha Niane, and Naomi Campbell. Later, Liya Kebede, Oluchi Onweagba, and Ajuma Nasenyana also made their mark in the industry, defying stereotypes and contributing significantly to the fashion world.

Here are some of the most influential East African models who have left an indelible mark on the fashion industry:

Influential East African Models

1. Liya Kebede (Ethiopia): A renowned Ethiopian model, Liya Kebede, rose to prominence in the fashion industry following her debut in France in 1997. Her notable achievements include being the first African model to represent Estée Lauder, thereby paving the way for greater inclusivity and representation in the fashion world. Beyond modeling, Kebede is a devoted philanthropist with a particular focus on maternal and child health. As a goodwill ambassador for the World Health Organization, she uses her influential platform to promote better healthcare for mothers and children worldwide.

   Liya Kebede at the Schomburg Center in 2011.

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2. Adwoa Aboah (British): British model Adwoa Aboah is a feminist activist who has made a significant impact on the global fashion industry. With her striking beauty, unique appearance, and bold personality, she has successfully challenged conventional beauty standards while promoting inclusivity. In addition to her modeling career, Aboah is an advocate for mental health awareness and the empowerment of young women. She founded Gurls Talk, a secure online community that provides a platform for young women to share their experiences related to mental health, sexuality, and body image. Through this initiative, she strives to empower young women to find their voices and capabilities.

   Adwoa Aboah, known for her unique style and activism.

3. Iman Mohamed Abdulmajid (Somali American): Iman Mohamed Abdulmajid, known professionally as Iman, is a Somali American fashion model, entrepreneur, and actress whose contributions to the fashion industry have cemented her status as one of Africa's most iconic supermodels. In 1975, she caught the attention of the industry when she signed with Wilhelmina Models in New York City, captivating audiences with her striking beauty and unique features. Throughout her illustrious career, Iman worked alongside the most esteemed photographers in the industry, including Richard Avedon, Irving Penn, and Helmut Newton, producing iconic photographs that continue to inspire individuals. Iman has utilized her platform as a model and entrepreneur to empower women and elevate African culture. She established IMAN Cosmetics, a brand dedicated to women of color, and supported philanthropic ventures that work to improve the lives of women and children in Somalia.

   Iman at the Keep A Child Alive Black Ball in 2009.

4. Alek Wek (British): Alek Wek, a British model born in South Sudan, has defied societal norms regarding beauty and ethnicity, earning her place as one of her generation's most influential and pioneering models. Her journey to becoming a fashion icon serves as a powerful example of overcoming adversity and prejudice to achieve success. Growing up amidst civil war and conflict in South Sudan, Wek fled to the U.K. with her family at the age of 14, eventually enrolling in college. Wek's distinct features and striking beauty challenged the conventional standards of beauty, making her an icon for women of color worldwide. Now 45, Wek's journey and her impact on the fashion industry and society cannot be overstated.

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   Alek Wek at the Elle Style Awards in 2008.

5. Maria Borges (Angola): Hailing from Angola, Maria Borges has paved the way for international success in the fashion industry, breaking through societal barriers and defying so-called traditional beauty standards. Her journey began at the young age of 16 when she was scouted by a local agency in Luanda, where she quickly rose to fame in the industry. What sets Maria apart is her unwavering commitment to staying true to herself and her cultural heritage. She boldly graces the runway with her natural hair, a representation of African beauty that is still uncommon in the industry. With her influential platform, Maria has advocated for greater representation of African women in the media, while championing the values of diversity and inclusivity.

   Maria Borges, known for her natural hair and advocacy for African representation.

6. Agbani Darego (Nigeria): She won the Most Beautiful Girl in Nigeria (MBGN) pageant in 2001 and later Agbani Darego became the first African woman to win the Miss World pageant. Her success shattered the glass ceiling for African models and put Nigeria on the map. Darego encourages young women across the continent to pursue their dreams and never give up.

7. Ajuma Nasenyana (Kenya): Kenyan model, Ajuma Nasenyana, has left an indelible mark on the fashion industry and society despite a difficult upbringing. After completing high school and pursuing a degree in tourism at Kenya Utalii College, she was discovered by a modeling agency in Nairobi, thanks to her remarkable features and height, which led to her rapid success as a model. She has been an outspoken critic of the prevailing trend in her homeland of Kenya to reject the natural beauty standards of Black African communities in favor of those of other cultures.

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8. Halima Aden (Somali American): Blending her Somali heritage with contemporary American fashion, Halima Aden gained attention in the fashion industry for her unique style. Her wearing of a hijab and burkini during the Miss Minnesota USA pageant sparked a conversation about inclusivity in the industry. Her commitment to her religious and cultural beliefs is one of her defining characteristics, and she has refused to compromise her values for modeling jobs.

   Halima Aden at the 2017 Girl Up Leadership Summit.

9. Khoudia Diop (Senegal): Known as the "Melanin Goddess," Khoudia Diop has become an emblematic figure in the African fashion arena. Growing up in Senegal, Diop grappled with her self-image, given the societal emphasis on light skin as the epitome of beauty. However, her life changed course when she moved to Paris at the age of 15, where she was discovered by a modeling agency. VogueElle

10. Oluchi Onweagba (Nigeria): In 1998, Oluchi Onweagba became the first African model to win the highly coveted Face of Africa modeling competition, which propelled her career and opened doors for other African models in the global fashion arena.

Other Notable East African Figures in Entertainment

Beyond the runway, several East African women have made significant strides in film, television, and other forms of entertainment:

• Lupita Nyong'o (Kenyan-Mexican): Lupita Nyong'o, Kenya When Lupita Nyong’o won the Oscar for best supporting actress in 2014 for her performance in 12 Years a Slave, it wasn’t just a star being born. It also inspired a movement of self-love and of celebrating being unique. Dark with natural hair that she doesn’t process or wear a weave over, Nyong’o spoke passionately about beauty, in particular, being very dark and not rejecting yourself over it. Nyong’o has been using her voice and the global stages that she occupies to promote beauty ideals that are inclusive. Nyong'o also made her debut as an author in 2019 with her children’s book, Sulwe - about a 5-year-old Kenyan girl who has the darkest complexion in her family. The book was inspired by Nyong'o’s childhood experiences, and became a New York Times best-seller.

  Lupita Nyong'o at the Cannes Film Festival in 2015.

• Pearl Thusi (South Africa): Sithembile Xola Pearl Thusi is a renowned South African actress, model, television host, and radio personality. She gained international recognition for her role as Dayana Mampasi in the ABC thriller series Quantico and starred as the lead in Netflix's first African original series, Queen Sono. Thusi's acting credits also include The No. 1 Ladies' Detective Agency, Tremors 5: Bloodlines, Catching Feelings, Kalushi, and Fistful of Vengeance. Beyond acting, Thusi has made significant strides in the beauty industry. In 2020, she became the first African collaborator with international cosmetics giant MAC, releasing two limited-edition makeup kits. She also co-owns the Black Pearl haircare line with Afrobotanics and holds ownership in Black Rose Gin.

• Ella A. Thomas (Eritrean-American): Ella A Thomas was born to an Eritrean mother and a US Air Force Officer who was stationed in the country at the time. She has found continued success in both film and television since then and has built a strong body of work with numerous roles ranging from starring opposite Zoe Saldana in Nina , Kyra Sedgewick on ABC's Ten Days in The Valley to Antoine Fuqua's drama series Ice, NCIS LA, Mistresses, 911 and many more. In 2023 she will star opposite Garrett Hedlund in "Desperation Road" directed by Nadine Crocker as well as the Marielle Heller directed "Nightbitch" helmed by Amy Adams.

• Megalyn Echikunwoke (Nigerian-American): Ebubennem Megalyn Ann Echikunwoke was born on May 28, 1983 in Spokane, Washington. Her father was Nigerian and her mother is of English and Scots-Irish descent. She is known for playing "Nicole Palmer" in the first season of 24 (2001), "Angie Barnett" (Kelso's girlfriend) in the seventh season of That '70s Show (1998) and "Isabelle Tyler" in The 4400 (2004).

• Charlize Theron (South African): Charlize Theron was born in Benoni, a city in the greater Johannesburg area, in South Africa, the only child of Gerda Theron (née Maritz) and Charles Theron. On February 29, 2004, she won her first Academy Award, a Best Actress Oscar for her performance in Monster (2003).

• Danai Gurira (Zimbabwean-American): Danai Gurira was born in Grinnell, Iowa, to Josephine and Roger Gurira, who were from Zimbabwe. When she was five, the family moved back to Zimbabwe, residing in the capital Harare. Gurira later returned to the United States, and studied social psychology at Macalester College, receiving an MFA from New York University's Tisch School of the Arts.

• Lesley-Ann Brandt (South African): Born and raised in Cape Town South Africa, Brandt immigrated with her family to Auckland, New Zealand in her late teens. She starred in the hit Netflix series, Lucifer which had a 6 year run, playing the fan favorite Vertigo/DC comic book character, Mazikeen. Brandt can next be seen opposite Andrew Lincoln and Danai Gurira in the 6 episode limited Walking Dead spin-off which airs in 2024.

• Folake Olowofoyeku (Nigerian): Nigerian-born actress Folake Olowofoyeku has won the heart of critics and audiences alike with her title role in the CBS half-hour comedy "Bob Hearts Abishola." In addition, Folake just received the 2019 Breakout Actress in TV Award for her work on "Bob Hearts Abishola."

These are just a few of the many East African models and personalities who are making waves in the fashion and entertainment industries. Their success is a testament to their talent, hard work, and the growing recognition of diversity and inclusivity in these fields.

The Rise of African Photographers and Journalists

Female photographers and journalists across Africa play a vital role in shaping narratives and amplifying voices that are often marginalized. By capturing and sharing stories that resonate deeply with their own experiences, these women bring attention to critical social issues, challenge stereotypes, and inspire change within their communities and beyond. Their work highlights the beauty and complexity of African life and confronts pressing issues like gender inequality, poverty, and human rights.

Profiles of Famous Female East-African Photographers and Journalists

1. Sarah Waiswa (Uganda/Kenya): Sarah Waiswa is a self-taught photographer who transitioned from sociology to the world of visual storytelling. Her striking series, "Stranger in a Familiar Land," explores the cruel reality of women being rejected by their country due to their physical appearance, earning her the Rencontres d'Arles Discovery Award.
2. Fatimah Tuggar (Nigeria/Kenya): Fatimah Tuggar blends photography with multimedia art to create thought-provoking pieces that critique technology, gender roles, and cultural dynamics. Her work pushes the boundaries of traditional African narratives, encouraging viewers to question the status quo.
3. Lyra Aoko (Kenya): Lyra Aoko's vibrant photography celebrates African fashion, beauty, and culture, making her one of Kenya's most sought-after photographers. Her work doesn't just capture the aesthetics of her subjects and empowers them, particularly women, by presenting them in a light of confidence and strength.
4. Aida Muluneh (Ethiopia): Aida Muluneh has become a powerful voice in the art world, using her work to explore themes of identity, culture, and heritage. Beyond her photography, Aida founded the Addis Foto Fest, Ethiopia's first international photography festival, which has become a crucial platform for African photographers to showcase their work.
5. Mimi Cherono Ng'ok (Kenya): Mimi Cherono Ng'ok's photography is a deeply personal exploration of memory, loss, and belonging. Her images, often infused with nostalgia, invite viewers to reflect on their experiences.
6. Miriam Watsemba (Uganda): Miriam Watsemba is an award-winning documentary photographer from Kampala, Uganda, with a background in Journalism and Communications from Makerere University. Since starting her career in 2017, Miriam has focused on amplifying the voices of vulnerable groups, particularly refugees in Northern Uganda.
7. Pamela Tulizo (Congo): Pamela Tulizo, an influential Congolese journalist and photographer, is recognized for her powerful storytelling and focus on women's rights and conflict resolution. Her work sheds light on women's experiences in conflict zones and promotes peace and reconciliation.
8. Nadege Imbabazi (Rwanda): Nadege Imbabazi, a trailblazing Rwandan journalist and photographer, has made a significant impact through her powerful storytelling. Rising from modest beginnings, she has used her platform to address crucial issues like gender inequality and community development.
9. Joyce Bagala (Uganda): Joyce Bagala, a prominent Ugandan broadcaster and politician, is renowned for her fearless investigative journalism and commitment to social justice. Her reporting has uncovered significant issues such as corruption and human rights abuses, bringing them to the forefront of public discourse.
10. Vicky Ntetema (Tanzania): Vicky Ntetema, a distinguished Tanzanian journalist and photographer, is celebrated for her brave reporting on social injustice and gender issues, particularly her exposure to the murder of persons with albinism in Tanzania.

These pioneering female African photographers profoundly impact the next generation by serving as role models and advocates for change. Their work challenges stereotypes, celebrates cultural heritage, and highlights critical social issues. For young women in Uganda and Tanzania, figures like Sarah Waiswa and Vicky Ntetema demonstrate that photography can be a powerful tool for storytelling and activism.

Cameras For Girls is dedicated to turning dreams into reality for young women in Africa by providing them with the tools, training, and opportunities to succeed in journalism and photojournalism. Cameras For Girls offer comprehensive training programs covering technical skills, storytelling techniques, and professional development, ensuring that participants gain the confidence and competence needed to excel.

Join us in empowering young women to excel in journalism and photography! Your support helps provide training, equipment, and mentorship.

Forbes Africa's 50 Most Powerful Women

Forbes Magazine Africa has released its list of the 50 most powerful and influential women from across the continent. Ranging from media personalities to business women, artists, and political leaders, the list celebrates women who are changing the status quo in the continent and, in some cases, globally.

“They are reshaping history, closing inequalities, and pioneering new avenues of wealth creation and in turn, lifting others with them,” reads an editorial announcing the list in the March edition of the magazine.

Among the 50 incredible women on the list are the following formidable movers and shakers who continue to use their voices and platforms to champion girls and women’s rights, access to quality education, and economic opportunities.

1. Bonang Matheba, South Africa: From moghel to mogul,” Bonang Matheba, 32, tweeted after the list was made public. Moghel is a South African slang word that loosely translates into homegirl.
2. Graça Machel, South Africa and Mozambique: Graça Machel, 74, is one of the most powerful and historic women in Africa. Her first platform was as the minister of education in Mozambique, a position she held from 1975 to 1989.
3. Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie, Nigeria: Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie, 40, caught the world’s attention with her novels, Purple Hibiscus and Half of a Yellow Sun, which were released to great critical acclaim in 2003 and 2006.
4. Aya Chebbi, Tunisia: Aya Chebbi, 32, is a blogger and activist from Tunisia.

Here is a summary table of some of the most powerful women in Africa, according to Forbes:

You can find a full list of the 50 most powerful and influential women in Africa below:

• Winnie Byanyima, Uganda: Executive Director at UNAIDS
• Rebecca Enochong, Cameroon: Founder and CEO, AppsTech
• Irene Charnley, South Africa: Founder, Smile Communications
• Jennifer Riria, Kenya: Group CEO, Echo Network Africa and founding member, Kenya Women Finance Trust
• Louise Mushikiwabo, Rwanda: Secretary General, Organisation Internationale de la Francophonie (OIF)
• Charlize Theron, South Africa: Hollywood actor
• Phuti Mahanyele-Dabengwa. South Africa: CEO, Naspers South Africa
• Wendy Luhabe, South Africa: Co-founder of WIPHOLD
• Angélique Kidjo, Benin: Four-time Grammy award winner and humanitarian
• Clare Akamanzi, Rwanda: CEO, Rwanda Development Board

The Victoria's Secret Fashion Show and African Models

The Victoria’s Secret Fashion Show made its return on the 15th of October 2024. After facing backlash for promoting unhealthy and unattainable bodies, the Victoria’s Secret fashion show was cancelled in 2018.

Victoria’s Secret veterans were not the only ones on the pink runway. High fashion model Imaan Hammam has walked the show previously but not consistently. The Egyptian-Morrocan model is best known for her work in Milan, Paris, New York, and London.

Here are some African models who took part in the Victoria's Secret Fashion show:

• Candice Swanepoel (South African)
• Behati Prinsloo (Namibian)
• Imaan Hammam (Egyptian-Moroccan)
• Anok Yai (South Sudanese)
• Mayowa Nicholas (Nigerian)
• Alaato Jazyper (South Sudanese)
• Awar Odhiang (South Sudanese)
• Blesnya Minher (Angolan)
• Maty Diba Fall (Senegalese)

Victoria’s Secret has a history of attempting to blur the line between high fashion and commercial modelling.

Here are some other notable models:

1. Duckie went from placing third on Australia's Next Top Model to making an international name for herself. She left home and headed to NYC in search of acceptance of diversity and she found it.
2. Adwoa was “born on a Monday" to a mother that's a successful agent and a father that is one of the most sought after location scouts in London. She's a model in peak demand.
3. Maria is a global ambassador for L'Oreal Paris and has graced Victoria's Secret's fashion show on many an occasion, once in particular, as the first black model to do so with natural hair.
4. After placing third in America's Next Top Model, Fatima's career took off. You can spot this beauty in editorials for American and Spanish Vogue, Elle, Australian and Indonesian Harper's Bazaar, Marie Claire, and Cosmopolitan.
5. Halima was born in a Kenyan refugee camp and moved to the States at the age of 6. Scouted after competing in a Miss Minnesota USA pageant, she walked a Yeezy runway last February and went from that to Maxmara, Albert Ferretti, American Eagle, Fenty Beauty, a Vogue Arabia cover, a Glamour cover and an Allure cover.
6. Because she is the first winner of “Africa's Next Top Model," Aamito has been in the industry since 2013. The rebel skipped out on law school for her career!
7. Teased as a child for her skin color, Khoudia has since been placed in a campaign for French cosmetics brand Make Up For Ever and has been making major strides in the industry advocating for people with skin with as much depth as hers.
8. In 2013, 14-year-old Amilna landed an Elite Look contract in her capital city and it's been smooth sailing ever since.
9. Herieth has worked for Victoria's Secret, Nina Ricci, Zimmermann, Adam Selman, Stella McCartney, Lacoste, Tom Ford, Calvin Klein, Armani, Cavalli and 3.1 Phillip Lim. She has appeared in editorials for i-D, Vogue Italia, and Teen Vogue and graced the cover of Canadian Elle.
10. Imaan prides herself on being an African-Arab model opening doors for girls just like her. The Muslim model celebrates all aspects of who she is.

Justin Shema is a fashion model based in Kigali, Rwanda. From his voguish style and charming charisma, he is a sight to gaze upon when walking down the runway.

What advice do you have for up-and-coming east African models? Follow your passion and make sure to work hard, making sure to study for your work modeling is very versatile and has different areas to focus on depending on the shoot or show. Learn the skills for the job.

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