Author page: Staff Writer

There’s a certain kind of magic that happens when Skyla Tylaa enters a room. The South East London-born DJ, vocalist, and genre disruptor isn’t here to blend in. She’s here to move crowds, shake tables, and take up space with confidence and flair. Known for her high-energy amapiano sets and her bold sense of style, Skyla has become a force on stages across the globe. Now, with the release of her debut single Bombshell (Cheza), she steps into a new light as a vocalist and creative director of her own sound.

At just 21, Ayakha Ntunja is stepping into her spotlight with intention, grace, and a gaze that speaks volumes. The Youngins breakout star has quickly become one of the most exciting new faces on South African TV, and it’s not hard to see why. Whether she’s embodying the layered emotions of high schooler Amo or advocating for mental health and creativity off-screen, Ayakha is doing it all with softness, strength, and serious star power.

From theatre stages to national screens, and now the hearts of Gen Z audiences, she’s making her mark on her own terms. In this Youth Month spotlight, Ayakha opens up about the power of storytelling, discovering her voice through acting, and why this generation is ready to lead — not later, but now.

Media powerhouse. Fashion lover. Culinary creative. Social impact champion. With over a decade in Kenya’s media industry, Anita Njeri Nderu is not just making content, she’s making change. The award-winning media personality and founder of Anita Nderu Limited continues to redefine what it means to be multifaceted in the modern African landscape. From hosting her couture-meets-cooking series The Overdressed Cook to co-running Grounded Africa, an eco-conscious brand for organic cleaning products, Anita blends style, substance, and sustainability with ease.

At just 18, Simphiwe Quintin Mnisi is proudly wearing the crown—literally. Recently crowned Mr Teen Heritage South Africa, the Edenglen High School learner is stepping into his power with purpose, poise, and quiet confidence. Born in Mpumalanga and raised by a devoted single mother, Simphiwe’s story is one of grace, grit, and groundedness.

At just 18, Yandani Shabalala is already doing the most in the best way. Fresh off dropping his debut single Honeydew, the Durban-born artist is stepping into the spotlight with purpose and personality. With harmonious melodies, a following that keeps growing, and a sense of humour to match, Yandani is the kind of star you want to root for. In this Youth Month feature, he gets real about Gen Z, mental health, Mzansi’s biggest flexes, and what it means to show up as your full self in a world that’s always watching.

She may wear international crowns, but her roots are proudly Zimbabwean. Sakhile Dube, Miss Universe Zimbabwe 2024 and Miss Supranational Africa 2023, is the embodiment of grace, growth, and grounded ambition. From the buzzing energy of Harare where her dreams took flight, to her love for Sadza and soulful African rhythms, Sakhile offers us a glimpse into the heart of a young woman blooming on global stages while staying deeply connected to home. With a name that means “our blessings have increased,” it’s clear she’s walking in purpose, and sharing joy wherever she goes.

Juliet Ibrahim isn’t just a household name; she’s a continent-wide force. Actress, filmmaker, author, compere, entrepreneur, and now a proud graduate with a Bachelor of Business Administration in Marketing Communications from Berkeley College in New Jersey, USA: she continues to defy expectations with grace, grit, and glitter. From the silver screen (starring in over 50 films across West Africa) to humanitarian work through her Juliet Ibrahim Foundation, Juliet moves with purpose all while championing African stories and standing tall (in heels, no less) as a symbol of multifaceted African womanhood.