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| Chinua Achebe |
Determining the celebrities who
exert the highest degree of influence in contemporary African pop culture
involved sifting through the nominations for the individuals with the highest
numbers of votes, and then measuring their media visibility (exposure in print,
television, radio and online), number of web references on Google, TV/radio
mentions and their general clout across the continent. Ideally, a robust social
media presence would have been an invaluable yardstick in determining the
intensity of influence these individuals exert over their enthusiasts. However,
apart from Senegalese hip-hop act Akon, Nigerian beat maker Michael Collins
A.K.A Don Jazzy and a handful of others who boast 6-figure followers on
networks like Facebook and Twitter, an overwhelming number of Africa’s most
influential celebrities have either a very small or non-existent social
media presence.
These days, Africa’s favorite idols
harness the “currency of celebrity” to impact social change on many levels.
Take Liya Kebede, for instance: The Ethiopian-born supermodel has leveraged on
her celebrity status to raise awareness about maternal health issues. She
currently serves as the World Health Organization’s Ambassador for
Maternal, Newborn and child health. She also founded the Liya Kebede Foundation,
which seeks to reduce maternal mortality rates in Ethiopia and around the world
by funding advocacy, training and medical programs.
Ivorian soccer star Didier Drogba
has also built on the cult-like following he enjoys at home to call for peace
in his war-torn country. Cote D’Ivoire had been enduring a civil war since
2000. After he led the Ivorian national team to qualify for the 2006 World Cup,
Drogba famously made a plea to the combatants, requesting that they drop their
weapons in pursuit of peace. They listened. A few days later, there was a cease
fire. Apart from playing a pivotal role in the peace process, Drogba also
donated a $5 million endorsement fee he earned from Pepsi to construct a
world-class hospital in his hometown of Abidjan.
A handful of celebrities on this
list have done very little to support social causes, but make the list anyway
because of the overwhelming number of votes they received and the immense
acclaim they enjoy across the African continent and the world.
Here’s a serenade of Africa’s 40
most powerful pop icons. They are the greatest influencers on African pop
culture and their ideas, skill and actions bring us gratification and inspire
conversations.
2.
Youssou N'dour, Age: 51, Senegalese, Musician
In 2004, the
Rolling Stone Magazine referred to the Senegal’s most coveted musician as
"perhaps the most famous singer alive." That’s highly unlikely,
particularly in a contemporary music scenery dominated by the likes of Lady
Gaga, Beyonce and Justin Bieber. But N’dour, 59, is arguably Africa’s most
electrifying and mesmerizing entertainer. He helped popularize Mbalax, an
inimitable genre of music which blends western sounds like Pop and rock with
sabar, the traditional dance music of the Senegalese. During the course of his
career, N’dour has toured with stars like Sting, Bruce Springsteen, Tracy
Chapman and Dido and has been the subject of two award-winning films- Retour Ã
Gorée and Youssou N'Dour: I Bring What I Love. Also a shrewd businessman, the
Grammy-award winner owns a Nightclub, a record label and a Television station.
The UNICEF ambassador has been vocal in his campaign for an end to the
humanitarian crisis in the horn of Africa.
3.
Didier Drogba, 33, Ivorian, Soccer Player
A striker for
England’s Chelsea football club and captain of the Cote D’Ivoire national team,
Drogba’s dexterous strength and finesse on the pitch has consistently earned
him the admiration of adoring fans across the globe. But it is his transcendent
compassion that has endeared him to both soccer aficionados and the
uninitiated. In 2006 Drogba had played a pivotal role in establishing peace to
Cote D’Ivoire after five years of civil war and unrest. After his country had
qualified for the World cup in Germany, Drogba, surrounded by his team mates,
famously fell to his knees on live television and urged the warring factions to
give up their arms. It worked. In 2009, he donated his $5 million endorsement
fee to the construction of a hospital in Abidjan, his hometown. Very recently,
the UNDP Goodwill Ambassador joined the Ivory Coast Peace Commission, an
organization which aims to heal the wounds left by
4.
Angelique Kidjo, 51, Beninoise, Musician
At 51, the
Beninoise Grammy-award winning musician is still one of Africa’s greatest
divas. Over the course of her career she has collaborated with Alicia Keys,
Josh Groban and Carlos Santana amongst others on tours and album recordings.
The UNICEF Goodwill ambassador is also the founder of the Batonga Foundation, a
Washington-based charity which promotes and funds education for African girls.
Passionate advocate for African women’s rights.
5.
Akon, 38, Senegalese, Musician
The
Senegalese-American hip-hop act stepped into the limelight in 2004 with the
release of ‘Locked Up’, his first single from his debut album Trouble. Success
has been meteoric ever since. He has gone on to produce 3 successful studio
albums which have sold millions across the world. Also one of Hip-Hop’s
business savviest: Co-owns Kon Live, an Interscope-backed record label which
helped jumpstart the career of Lady Gaga and T-Pain; Also owns Konvict
clothing. Maintains strong bond with home country, founded the Konfidence
Foundation which promotes education and health causes in Senegal and elsewhere
in Africa.
6.
Wole Soyinka, 77, Nigerian, Playwright
In 1986 the
Nigerian Playwright and author became the first African to win the Nobel Prize
in Literature. Easily the most famous playwright ever to emerge from Africa,
the erudite wordsmith has published over 20 plays including The Lion and the
Jewel, A Dance of the Forests and The Strong Breed.
7.
Salif Keita, 62, Malian, Musician
A direct
descendant of Sundiata Keita, the founder of the Mali Empire, Salif is one of
the pioneers of Afro-pop. As a member of a Malian Noble family, Keita was
famously rebuked when he set out to become a musician as it was considered an
occupation beneath his status. At 18, he was banished from his village because
of a superstitious belief that albinos brought ill fortune. He went on to play
for Les Ambassadeurs, a Malian music group before striking out on his own.
Success has been phenomenal. His latest album, La Différence is dedicated to
ending the stigmatization of albinos across Africa and the world.
8.
Yvonne Chaka Chaka, 46, South African, Musician
The ‘Princess of
Africa’ is one of Africa’s most illustrious musicians. Debuted on the stage at
the age of 18; rose to fame at the height of South Africa’s Apartheid regime
with infectious pop melodies, sonorous voice and girlish charm. She gained
local and international acclaim with popular songs like "I’m in Love with
a DJ" and “I cry for freedom.” Now devotes her time to philanthropy as a
United Nations Goodwill ambassador and UN envoy for Africa.
9.
Oumou Sangare, 43, Malian, Musician
One of Mali’s
most idolized musical legends, Sangare popularized Wassoulou, a popular genre
of traditional music peculiar to Mali. Wassoulou is typically performed by
women accompanied by traditional instruments like the Djembe drum and the Kora
(a traditional African harp). Lyrics dwell on women right issues and feminism.
Sangare, a United Nations Goodwill ambassador has been vocal in her advocacy
against Polygamy; was named an official ambassador of the Food and Agriculture
Organization of the United Nations in 2003. Also a successful entrepreneur: In
2006 she partnered with a Chinese automobile company to create a car named
after her, Oum Sang.
10.
Femi Kuti, 49, Nigerian, Musician
The eldest son
of Afrobeat legend Fela Anikulapo-Kuti has his father’s fiery blood flowing
through his veins. Toured and performed extensively with his father while he
was alive, but his biggest break came with his father’s death in 1999 when the
Afrobeat mantle fell on him. Just like his father, Femi attempts to use his
music to combat corruption, poverty, and other socio-economic issues prevalent
in Nigeria and Africa through his lyrics. In 2001 he collaborated with American
acts, Common, Mos Def and Jaguar Fight on his album, Fight to Win, which sold
over 500,000 copies. The album is widely regarded as the most influential
Neo-Afrobeat album of the 21st century.
11.
Toumani Diabaté, Malian, Musician
One of the
world’s most famous Kora players and an extremely popular Malian musician,
Diabete has gained an international renown for his fusion of traditional Malian
music with western influences like flamenco, jazz and the blues. He has
released over 13 albums which have sold over 3million copies across the world.
One of Diabate’s songs, Tapha Niang, is featured in the Playstation 3 Video
game, LittleBigPlanet.
12.
Oliver Mtukudzi, 59, Zimbabwean, Musician
Before the year
runs out, the Zimbabwean legend will collaborate with Alicia Keys on an album
that’ll sensitize African mothers on the importance of HIV programmes.
Mtukudzi, 59, is the most popular musician from Zimbabwe to have found
substantial success and acclaim in international circles. He sings in
Zimbabwe’s dominant Shona language about political violence and struggles of
everyday life and has released over 45 albums till date which have sold
millions of copies. He is also a UNICEF Goodwill Ambassador for Eastern and
Southern Africa.
13.
Haile Gebrselassie, 38, Ethiopian, Athlete
The world’s
number 1 long distance runner has won the Berlin Marathon four times
consecutively. He has also won the Great Manchester run in England for four
times, and boasts 2 Olympic Gold medals for 10,000 Metre races. But
Gebrselassie is still searching for gold. After announcing his retirement in
November last year, he rescinded on his decision a few days later. Reason:
Plans to run in the 2012 London Olympics before bowing out. Gebrselassie is a
brand ambassador for Johnnie Walker.
14.
Khaled Hadj Ibrahim, 51, Algerian, Musician
Popularly
referred to as ‘Khaled’, the Algerian singer and songwriter is the most famous
rai singer in the world. His style of music, rai, is a special genre of folk
music which intermixes French, Spanish, Arabic and African musical influences.
Found mainstream success in France, where his singles “Aicha” and “Didi” topped
the charts. Remains one of Africa’s bestselling artists of all time- has
reportedly sold over 20 million albums.
15.
Samuel Eto'o, 30, Cameroonian, Soccer Player
In August, the
Cameroonian striker left Inter Milan to pitch tent with Russian club, Anzhi
Makhachkala in a deal that has earned him the title of not just the highest
earning footballer in the world, but the highest-paid athlete in professional
sports. Estimated salary: $29 million per season. The four-time African player
of the year also enjoys lucrative endorsements from brands like Ford and Puma.
16.
Alek Wek, 34, Sudanese, Supermodel
The
Sudanese-born supermodel fled her conflict-ridden country to find fame and
fortune on the catwalk. She first made her professional debut at the age of 18,
featuring in music videos by Tina Turner and Janet Jackson. Today, as one of
the world’s most recognizable models, she has modeled for Calvin Klein,
Victoria’s Secret and Christian Lacroix. Wek is an active member of the U.S.
Committee for Refugees' Advisory Council and also serves as an ambassador for
Doctors without borders in Sudan.
17.
Liya Kebede, 33, Ethiopian, Supermodel
Born and raised
in Ethiopia, Kebede stepped into the global limelight in 2000 when Gucci
offered her an exclusive contract for its Fall/Winter 2000 fashion show. Over
the years, the svelte Ethiopian model has strut the catwalk for Victoria’s
Secret, Tommy Hilfiger, Escada, Louis Vuitton and Estee Lauder. Passionate
maternal heath advocate. In 2005 Kebede was selected by the World Health
Organization as a goodwill ambassador for Maternal, Newborn and Child Health.
Through her Liya Kebede foundation she also funds initiatives which promote the
use of proven, simple, low-cost strategies to save the lives of mothers and
their children.
18.
Dobet Gnahoré, 29, Ivorian, Musician
The Ivorian
Grammy-award winning dropped out of school at the age of 12 to start singing
alongside her father, the famed master percussionist, Boni Gnahore. Today,
Gnahore is one of the world’s most sought-after musicians from Africa, and has
earned critical applause for her sonorous voice and her eccentric and energetic
dance moves. She sings in eight different languages, while the content of her
lyrics dwell majorly on social issues and the plight of the African woman.
19.
Genevieve Nnaji, 32, Nigerian, Actress
Nnaji has
frequently been hailed as Africa’s own answer to the likes of Julia Roberts,
Reese Witherspoon and the rest of the feminine Hollywood stars. She started out
in her acting career over 24 years ago, at the age of 8, playing a supporting
role in a Nigerian TV series. Today, she is arguably Africa’s most revered
actress and the poster girl for Nollywood- Nigeria’s burgeoning movie industry.
The Nollywood diva has become one of Africa’s most recognizable faces, and has
featured in over 80 successful Nigerian blockbusters.
20.
Koffi Olomidé, 55, Congolese, Musician
Olomidé
possesses a first degree in Business Economics and reportedly has a Masters
Degree in mathematics from the University of Paris, but he found mainstream
fame and considerable fortune playing music. Olomidé is one of the more famous
performers of soukous- an extremely popular and peculiar genre of African music
which intermixes vigorous gyrations with finger-style guitar of Rhumba and African
melodies. Olomidé has released over 30 albums during the course of his career
which have sold millions across the world.
21.
Neill Blomkamp, 32, South African, Movie Director
Someday,
Blomkamp just might give Stephen Spielberg and George Lucas a run for their
money. The South African movie director and scriptwriter shook the world with
District 9, Africa’s first Sci-fi which tells the story of a bunch of
extraterrestrial refugees who find themselves in a South African slum. The
movie attracted rave reviews from international critics and raked in over $200
million from the Box office. Blomkamp is currently working on a new movie,
Elysium, scheduled for release in 2013.
22.
Souad Massi, 39, Algerian, Musician
The
Algerian-born, Paris-based Guitarist and songwriter is one of North Africa’s
most coveted musicians. Got early career start performing with Political rock
band, Atakor, which was a vocal critic of the Algerian government. She quit the
band in 1999, moving to France to pursue her own independent career. Massi has
released four successful studio albums to date. Her 2003 studio album,
Heartbroken ranks as one of the most popular Northern African albums of all
time, and sold close to one million copies.
23.
Baaba Maal, 58, Senegalese, Musician
Arguably
Senegal’s biggest music export since Yossou N’dour. The regal Senegalese
musician is usually referred to as ‘The Nightingale’ for his resonant and
transcendent vocals. The UNDP Youth Emissary has Degrees in music from the
University of Dakar and the Beaux-Arts in Paris. Sings in Pulaar, his
traditional tongue. Maal remains one of the most internationally recognized
musicians from Africa, and has released 16 albums to date.
24.
Hugh Masekela, 72, South African, Musician
The 72 year-old
South African Jazz maestro and internationally-acclaimed trumpeter shows no
signs of slowing down. Started out playing the Trumpet at the age of 14; used
his music to protest against apartheid, slavery, and socio-economic
exploitation. In 2004 he published his autobiography: Still Grazing: The
Musical Journey of Hugh Masekela. Masekela sits on the board of the Lunchbox
Fund, a charity which provides a daily meal to students of township schools in
the sprawling slums of Soweto.
25.
K'Naan, 33, Somali, Rapper
At the age of
13, K’Naan left his homeland of Somalia in the heat of a civil war. With his
family, escaped to New York, and later to Ontario, Canada where he joined a
thriving Somali community and started rapping. In 2006 he released his debut
album, The Dusty Foot Philosopher to modest success. His biggest break came in
2009 when Coca-Cola used a remixed version of his hit single, ‘Wavin’ Flag’ as
its anthem for the 2010 World Cup. K’Naan has been a very vocal advocate for
aid to Somalia in the wake of the country’s recent famine.
26.
Amadou and Mariam, Malian, Musicians
The
visually-impaired wonder couple met at the Institute for the Blind in Bamako,
Mali in 1977. Both discovered their love for music and started recording
together; married in 1980. The couple is generally considered as pioneers of
Afro-blues, a distinct genre of music which fuses traditional Malian sounds and
music with foreign instruments like rock guitars, Syrian violins and Cuban
trumpets. They have released 3 successful studio albums till date and have
played alongside international acts like Irish rock band, U2 and Coldplay. The
duo’s lyrics dwell mainly on socio-political issues in Mali and across Africa.
27.
Awilo Longomba, Congolese, Musician
The Congolese
musician is one of the most notable proponents of the Soukous music genre which
has gained an increasing international acceptance not only in Africa, but the
rest of the world. Longomba started out as a drummer, but quit in 1995 to
pursue his first love, music. Has released four albums to date. Now lives in
France.
28.
Eric Wainaina, 38, Kenyan, Musician
Kenya’s most
famous singer-songwriter studied at Berklee College of Music. After the
infamous 1998 Terrorist bombing in Nairobi, he instantly released Kenya Only- a
song which went on to become the official mourning song for the period. His
debut album, Sawa Sawa which he released in 2001 has sold over two million
copies, making it one of the bestselling Kenyan albums of all time. The
multi-award winner released his third studio album, Love and Protest earlier
this year. In 2009 he produced the musical, Mo Faya which was shown at the New
York Musical Theatre Festival and received rave reviews.
29.
Binyavanga Wainaina, 40, Kenyan, Author
The Kenyan
writer authored the essay “How To Write About Africa”- one of the most
satirical pieces ever written about the continent. In June, the 2002 Caine
Prize winner published his debut novel, One Day I Will Write About This Place
which was selected by the Oprah Magazine for its 2011 summer reading list. Wainaina
is one of Africa’s most popular new generation of storytellers and is the
founder of Kwani, the first literary magazine in East Africa.
30.
Ngugi Wa Thiongo, 73, Kenyan, Author
Kenya’s most
cerebral author and playwright published his first novel, Weep Not, Child in
1964. He was forced out of Kenya and sent on exile in the 70s because of his
intense criticisms of the Kenyan government which he usually channeled through
his plays and novels. In 2006 he published his first novel in two decades, Wizard
of the Crow which tells the story of an imaginary African state governed by its
despotic ruler. Currently serves as a Professor of Comparative Literature at
the University of Irvine.
31.
Freshlyground, South African, Musicians
The 7-member
South African Afro-fusion band started out in Capetown in 2002. Success came
almost immediately. In 2003 the band released their debut album, Jika Jika,
which went on to achieve immense commercial success. They’ve gone on to release
four successful studio albums to date. Last year, the band collaborated with
Colombian pop star, Shakira, in writing and performing "Waka Waka (This
Time for Africa)”which was the official anthem of the 2010 FIFA World Cup. The
band members hail from South Africa, Mozambique and Zimbabwe.
32.
Chimamanda Adichie, 34, Nigerian, Writer
The
Nigerian-born author is arguably the most popular new-generation writer to
emerge from Africa and one of the continent’s leading contemporary literary
voices at the moment. In 2006, her second novel, Half of a Yellow Sun won the
coveted Orange Prize.
33. Rokia Traoré, 37,
Malian, Musician
The daughter of a Malian Diplomat
is one of the more popular new generation artists to emerge from Africa. Shot
into the limelight in 1997 when she went under the mentorship of famed Malian
singer, Ali Farka Touré, under whose mentorship she produced her first album,
Mouneissa. Later that year, Radio France Internationale heralded her with an
award for ‘Best African Discovery’ in 1997. Career took off afterwards. Fuses
traditional Malian sounds with western influences. Traoré has released four
successful albums to date, including Tchamantché, her latest work which was
produced in 2008.
34. Tuface Idibia,
36, Nigerian, Musician
The Nigerian-born crooner is one of
Africa’s most recognizable new-generation singers. He started out his career in
the mid 90s with the Plantashun boys, a defunct Nigerian boy band that achieved
modest recognition in local circles but disbanded in 2004. Immediately struck
out independently, finding success and international renown for hits such as
‘African Queen’ which has become one of the most popular African love songs of
all time. Idibia is a recipient of several local and international awards,
including the MTV Award for Best African Artist in 2005.
35. P-Square, 29,
Nigerian, Musicians
The Nigerian R&B duo attained
continental superstardom with romance-laced lyrics and Michael Jackson-styled
dance moves. The identical twin brothers released their 5th studio album, “The
Invasion” in July this year to critical acclaim. The album reportedly went
platinum within eight weeks. Their 2009 album, Danger, has sold close to nine
million copies worldwide. The music video for their hit song, “No one like you”
has been viewed over 10 million times on YouTube- a top record for any Nigerian
artist.
36. Don Jazzy, 30,
Nigerian, Music Producer
Africa’s Number 1 beat maker heads
the phenomenal Nigerian record label, Mo’ Hits which is home to successful
Nigerians artists like D’Banj and Wande Coal. The venerable music producer and
occasional singer is also the undisputed King of Social media in Nigeria.
Boasts over 130,000 followers on Twitter. Earlier this year, he signed on to
Kanye West’s GOOD Music record label along with his protégé, D’Banj. Jazzy also
earned production credits for his work on Kanye West and Jay-Z’s collaborative
album- Watch The Throne.
37. D'Banj, 31,
Nigerian, Musician
Don Jazzy's protégé is one of
Africa’s most recognizable new generation artistes. Has sold over 3 million
albums worldwide over the last six years and signed a record deal with Kanye
West’s GOOD Music earlier this year. The Nigerian crooner and Harmonica player
is also one of the savviest entrepreneurs in Africa’s music industry; has
stamped his now famous ‘Koko’ brand name unto everything from mobile phones, an
entertainment lounge, bottled water and even Garri (a Nigerian staple meal made
of processed cassava).
38. Neka, 31,
Nigerian, Musician
The Nigerian-German soul musician
has become one of Africa’s more popular international singers. Contents of her
lyrics dwell majorly on about poverty, war and related social ills. First came
into the limelight in 2004 after performing as an opening act for Jamaican
Reggae act, Sean Paul during a concert in Germany. Appeared on the David
Letterman show in January 2010, and has collaborated with American Hip-Hop act,
Nas, for a remix of her internationally acclaimed hit single- Heartbeat. Nneka
is a brand ambassador for Nigerian Telecoms Company, Starcomms
39. Asa, 29,
Nigerian, Musician
Real name: Bukola Elemide. The
Nigerian singer-songwriter is one of the most popular new-generation artists to
emerge from Africa. She released her sophomore album, ‘Beautiful Imperfection’
last year to immense critical acclaim. The Paris-based artist is renowned for
her fusion of contemporary Jazz sound, pop and reggae with traditional Yoruba
melodies.
40. Patricia Amira,
33, Kenyan, TV Personality
Africa’s own answer to Oprah. The
Kenyan-born media queen is one of the continent’s most popular talk-show hosts.
Her daytime talk show, The Patricia Show is broadcast in over 45 African
countries and watched by over 10 million people. The show focuses on indigenous
achievements and human interest stories across Africa.
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