Features

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.

One of a woman’s greatest strengths is her ability to command a room. A true superpower? Doing so without saying a word. I can’t recall the exact moment I first met Lisa Madibe, however, I’ll never forget the feeling she brings into every space she enters. Lisa Madibe is a woman who draws attention effortlessly; not just for her striking presence, but for the quiet power and purpose she carries with her. Today, she stands as the founder of Hairlo, a proudly South African bespoke wigs and extensions brand rooted in heritage, luxury, and innovation. Through Hairlo, Lisa Madibe is redefining what beauty means for a new generation of Black women.

From charming us in Netflix’s Seriously Single to leaving audiences breathless in A Wesley South African Christmas and the How to Ruin Love franchise, Bohang Moeko is no stranger to our screens—or our hearts. Whether he’s starring in high-stakes thrillers or feel-good romcoms, the actor’s mix of grounded vulnerability and leading man charm has made him a fan favourite at home and abroad.

Post-Imperial isn’t just a brand—it’s a cultural cipher, decoding diasporic memory, artisan-led innovation, and textile alchemy through the lens of modern menswear. Founded by Nigerian designer Niyi Okuboyejo in 2012, the label has carved out a singular space at the intersection of fashion, mythology, and resistance. While many brands fixate on seasonal storytelling, Post-Imperial pivots to something richer: a collective mythos shaped by material, place, and people.

Influencer and DJ Thee Buhle—real name Lundi Buhle Gugwana—always knew she was meant for the spotlight. Energetic and a natural performer from a young age, she initially dreamed of becoming an actress. However, like many parents, hers didn’t consider it a real career path, leading her to pursue studies in engineering instead. But fate had other plans—what’s meant for you always finds its way.