African Voices Playmakers Explores Africa's Bodybuilding Champions

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African Voices Playmakers airs on CNN International Saturday 8th August 2026 at 07:30 WAT

In the latest episode of CNN’s African Voices Playmakers, Larry Madowo sits down with three athletes helping to redefine Africa's place in the world of bodybuilding. From Nigeria, Kenya, and Libya, Samson Dauda, Evelyn Okinyi Owala, and Kamal Elgargni share their journeys to the top of a sport that is increasingly seeing African competitors make their mark on bodybuilding's biggest stages, including Mr. Olympia and the Arnold Classic.

CNN joins Nigerian born, UK based bodybuilder Samson Dauda as he prepares for another appearance at Mr. Olympia, the sport's most prestigious competition. Known as the ‘Nigerian Lion’, Dauda reflects on becoming only the second Nigerian to win the title in 2024 and reveals how a rugby career first led him to the gym, “They've only ever been one person from Nigeria that has ever won it. So to be able to stand in and say, OK, that is something that I've achieved is an honour.”

The programme also explores the role played by Dauda's wife and coach, Marlena Gustowska, whose guidance helped him secure bodybuilding's highest accolade despite criticism over her appointment. Their success ultimately made Gustowska the first female coach to guide an athlete to a Mr. Olympia victory, “I would love to see females in bodybuilding having female voice. Being able to speak up a bit more in terms of the knowledge that they have.”

In Nairobi, Kenyan bodybuilder and fitness entrepreneur Evelyn Okinyi Owala shares how her journey into fitness began as a response to chronic health challenges. After struggling with recurring cysts and severe asthma, Owala turned to exercise to improve her wellbeing, eventually transforming her life and becoming one of Africa's leading fitness advocates, “I started working out just for myself, really to get myself into good health.”

The former Arnold Classic Africa champion and world championship medallist discusses her mission to encourage more women to embrace fitness and overcome stereotypes surrounding strength training, “Most ladies run away from weight training because they think it's a masculine thing. Yet it's not a masculine thing. It's a human thing."

Meanwhile, Libyan bodybuilding legend Kamal Elgargni opens up about his preparations for a return to the Mr. Olympia stage at age 54. A former Arnold Classic and Mr. Olympia champion, Elgargni reflects on a career spanning more than three decades, from winning championships across Africa, Europe and Asia to mentoring a new generation of talent, including Nigerian star Andrew Jacked.

"I'm very proud of what we did together as a team," Elgargni says of his coaching role. "I'm proud to be part of that, and I'm proud of him as well."

As he considers retirement, Elgargni reveals his desire to spend more time with family while continuing to support the next generation of African bodybuilders, “I wanna give back to this new generation, especially for me, as I am from Africa as well.”

Together, the stories of Dauda, Owala, and Elgargni highlight the determination and resilience required to succeed in one of sport's most demanding disciplines. Their achievements are helping to elevate African bodybuilding on the world stage while inspiring a new generation of athletes to pursue their ambitions.