Part 1: 30 Most Notable Africans of 2013
08 Jan 2014
It's that time of year where everyone makes their list of something or other for the year past. After scouring the web for a diverse and comprehensive list of Africans around the world who have made notable contributions to society—whether through the arts, business, politics, advocacy or science and technology—I discovered these lists were really hard to come by.
So I decided to start my own tradition: a list of the 30 Most Notable Africans of 2013. These are people who I've been inspired by, have learned from, are doing amazing things on a community and/or world stage, and who are truly living boldly and fearlessly by following their calling. So without further ado…
#1. LUPITA NYONG’O
Country of Origin: KENYA
What: This versatile, up-and-coming actress gave a performance that still has the entertainment world abuzz months later. Nyong’o plays Patsey in the re-enactment of 12 Years A Slave, a true story based on the life of Solomon Northup, a free Black man who was kidnapped in 1841 in Washington, DC and sold into slavery in Louisiana for twelve years. (Read my review about the movie here.) Besides being a prolific, big-screen actress, Nyong’o also acted in the hit Kenyan television series Shuga, as well as wrote, produced and directed a documentary entitled In My Genes about the challenges albinos face in Kenyan society.
Why I’m Inspired: With her meteoric rise to fame and newfound role as the darling of the fashion world, Nyong’o has remained humble, gracious and laser-focused on her craft. About having to sleep with Patsey’s scars on her back one night during the shooting for 12 Years, she said in an interview:
“I went home with Patsey’s scars on my back…they just haunted me. I had trouble sleeping the whole time during shooting. But it occurred to me, as I was weeping in the night, that my discomfort was temporary while Patsey’s wasn’t. And it still makes me cry… I had been given this privilege to bring her back to life. And it just quieted my soul and prepared me for the next days work.”
Lupita has been nominated for several major awards including a Golden Globe Award for Best Supporting Actress and two Screen Actors Guild Awards including Best Supporting Actress. Well done my East African sister!
(Click below for the next profile.)
Julian B. Kiganda
Julian B. Kiganda is a passionate creative, expert brand builder, published author and founder of Bold & Fearless. A native of Uganda and Rwanda, she has 15+ years of experience as a multicultural design and communications expert. She’s created powerful brands for clients such as the African Union, Turner Construction, and the Freedom House Museum. Julian and her work have been featured in numerous media including: The Washington Post, ABC News, NBC4, FOX5, Associated Press, Communication Arts, Huffington Post, NPR, and ARISE Magazine. In 2014, she co-authored and published her first highly-acclaimed book, “Whose Shoes Are You Wearing? 12 Steps to Uncovering the Woman You Really Want to Be,” and is on a mission to empower women to walk boldly and fearlessly in the shoes God made just for them!
This is the most outstanding, Courageous out put. Proud of it. Keep on.
Thank you Tekie! I’m glad you enjoyed it. It’s so important that we recognize our own and I hope to see more lists like this from others in the future.
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