The Himba Women of northern Namibia are famous for their use of ‘otjize'(a red paste of butter, fat, and red ochre) on their skin as a way of maintaining their beauty. Aside from their unique hairstyle, the women adorn themselves with handmade jewelry. Their looks have been described as iconic images portraying African culture.

A well-known fact about the Himba women is that they are forbidden to use water, that’s to say, they do not bathe nor wash with water. Despite western influences, the Himba people have retained their traditions and culture.

Origin of the Himba People

Generally, the Himba tribe is a nomadic tribe that is located in central and West Africa. However, they are now settled in Angola and Namibia. Also known as the OvaHimba, they are regarded as the last semi-nomadic people of Namibia.

Traditionally, Himba women and girls are known to be hardworking. They perform more labor-intensive work like making handicrafts and milking cows and goats. Their male counterparts usually tend to cattle which sometimes results in them leaving their homes for a long period of time.

Marriage Rites and Childbirth

Himba men are polygamous so a husband can have two wives at the same time. However, the tradition says that the wives are usually chosen by the first wife’s father. Also, they practice early arranged marriages where young Himba girls are made to marry male suitors chosen by their fathers.

This happens once the girls reach puberty. Hence girls from 10 years can be married off but the practice is illegal in the country.

For Himba boys, it is customary to be circumcised before puberty. Then upon getting married, the boy is considered a man. Meanwhile, a Himba girl is not considered a fully-fledged woman until she bears a child.

Before marriage, a bride price must be paid for a Himba woman, just as it is with most tribes in Africa. Also called bridewealth, it is only accepted by the bride’s family if the value of the cattle. Offering an Ox as bridewealth is the standard practice but cattle is given if the groom’s father is wealthy.

Himba Birth Song: Myth or Fact

There are several speculations regarding the Himba birth song. A comment on reddit.com claims that when a Himba woman decides to have a child, she sits under a tree alone so she can listen to the song of the child who wants to come.

After listening to the song, she goes back to her husband and teaches him the song before they make love to conceive the child. As a way of inviting the child, the couple sings the song during lovemaking.

When the woman becomes pregnant, she then teaches the child’s song to the midwives and other old women of the village so that when the child is born, the old women and the people would gather around and sing the song to welcome the child.

The song remains with the person till death. However, there are claims that the Himba song is just a myth.

Read Also: Naked Tribe – You Will Not Believe That These 5 Tribes Are Still Walking Naked

Traditional Clothing and Hairstyle

Due to the semi-arid climate of the Himba tribe’s homestead, both the men and women wear traditional clothes that befit their environment. Most times, the people wear a skirt-like piece made from calfskin and sheepskin.

For their footwear, the women wear shoes that are made from cow’s skin. They also wear ankle bracelets which have vertical lines that represent the number of children the woman wearing them has.

Women who have children wear a backpack made of skin on their clothing. Also, they cover themselves with ‘otjize’ paste, which is believed to cleanse their skin. The red mixture also protects their skin from the hot and dry climate as well as insect bites.

Traditional, the ‘otjize’ paste is seen as an aesthetic beauty cosmetic that symbolizes the earth’s rich red color and blood.

For the OvaHimba, hair symbolizes growth and maturity. As for their hairstyles, the girls have many otjize-textured hair plaits that are arranged to fall on the girl’s face, the plaits are often tied together and parted back from the face.

Women who have been married for about a year and have a child wear an ornate headpiece called the ‘Erembe’. Their male counterpart has to wear a braid from a young age. Once they get married, they wear a cap to show that they are married so their hair cannot be too exposed. A widower in the Himba tribe, remove the cap and expose their unbraided hair.

Himba Women Bath in Smoke

According to reports, only Himba men had access to water in the past. This dates back to the time when the Himba community suffered great droughts.

Hence the women reportedly do not use water, they use wood ash for hair cleansing. Also, they bathe in smoke daily to maintain personal hygiene. The smoke is from a bowl of herbs and charcoal. For a full-body wash, the women cover themselves with a thick cloth in other to trap the smoke underneath it.

Matriclan Inheritance

Inheritance of wealth in the Himba culture is determined through the matriclan. The male son does not inherit his father’s wealth but rather his maternal uncle’s.

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Before he started his company, Berry Gordy’s son served as vice president of A&R for Warner Bros. Records Black Music Division. Also, the 64-year-old intellectual property manager has worked as a contributor to media outlets such as CNN. He has equally used several platforms to share his personal views regarding his business achievement.

Kerry Gordy’s Early Years and Background

Kerry Gordy was born in Detroit, Michigan on June 25, 1959. He comes from the relatively large family of the Gordys. He was born the same year his father, Berry founded Motown Records. His mother Raynoma Mayberry, was a child prodigy in music. She also worked in the entertainment industry as a multi-instrumentalist songwriter and arranger.

While growing up, Kerry stayed with his mother when he was 13. Afterward, he moved to his father’s place until 1972, when he started working as one of Berry’s protégés.

For his educational pursuits, Kerry attended Beverly Hills School. the same school as his best friend, Benny Medina. The two friends continued to work together as his father’s protégés and also Motown amateur producers.

Kerry and his friend would later form the teen band, Appollo, of which singer Teena Marie was an original member.

Besides working with his father in the 1980s, the music executive appeared in a couple of commercials and also TV shows and movies as Kerry ‘Ashby’. Then in 1990, he participated as a judge in the Miss USA Pageant.

Gordy would later drop his surname in other to separate himself from his father while he was working in Motown. He decided to use Kerry Ashby professionally.

Kerry Gordy Has a 4-decade Long Career as a Music Executive and Record Producer

Upon becoming the A&R representative for Motown, Berry Gordy’s son helped the record by signing Rockwell’s Somebody’s watching Me. The song became his first hit as well as one of Motown’s biggest hits.

By the time he was promoted to the position of Director of A&R, he got involved with several musicians such as Rick James and Billy Preston. He also worked on compilation albums for music legends Diana Ross and Michael Jackson.

Having attained a certain level of success in a short time, he became a senior executive for Motown. He was saddled with the responsibility of supervising business affairs and product development among other things.

From 1991 to 1993, Gordy worked as a consultant for Al Bell’s independently distributed label, Bellmark Records. While working with the label, the label grossed $26 million in sales after producing the year’s biggest international hit, Whoomp! (There It Is).

Moving on, he worked as the vice president of A&R and artist development for Paisley Park Records. During that same period, Kerry Gordy produced and co-wrote George Clinton’s comeback hit, Paint the White House Black working with artists such as Ice Cube, Dr. Dre, and Public Enemy.

While working as the vice president of A&R for Warner Bros. Records in 1995, the RIAA awarded him with gold records for Zapp and Roger’s All the Greatest Hits and also Prince’s Come Album.

The height of his career was reportedly while he was working with Rich James, who sold in excess of $25 million in records and grossed more than $40 million in concert revenue.

In 1998, he partnered with Gordon Bizar under the name Gordy-Bizar to securitize artists’ and publishers’ royalties. Subsequently, he signed a deal with Clear Channel Entertainment to produce his first theatrical venture, Hear No Evil.

In 2004, Kerry Gordy co-founded Siebers Style alongside Debie Siebers. With good knowledge of the entertainment industry, he went on to start his own company, Kerry Gordy Enterprises, LLC in 2007. The company is an intellectual property and branding company that focuses on entertainment only. During that same period, he closed a seven-figure publishing deal for his client and partner, Bruce Fisher.

Besides his stellar career as a music executive, Gordy has been a keynote speaker at several colleges including UCLA, USC, Duke University, and the Harvard Business School. He equally serves as a contributor to news organizations like CNN.

In an interview with Forbes, Kerry Gordy revealed that most part of his career has been focused on artists and repertoire. So in recent times, he has focused on copyright termination and recaptures. He also added that being the son of the legendary Berry Gordy has been both an asset and a liability for him.

He Has 7 Siblings

Kerry Gordon does not have biological siblings. All his siblings are his half-siblings. Before his parents married in 1960, his father was previously married to Thelma Coleman and they shared three children: Hazel Joy Gordy, Berry Gordy IV, and Terry James Gordy.

While his parents were still married, his father welcomed a son Kennedy William Gordy with another woman called Margaret Norton. He also welcomed a daughter Sherry Gordy with Jeana Jackson in the early 1960s.

Later in 1971, his father’s friendship with the Grammy winner, Diana Ross birthed another child, Rhonda Ross. While he did not have any child with his third wife, Grace Eaton, Berry had another child, Stefan Kendal Gordy (Redfoo) with producer Nancy Leiviska.

Read Also: Denise Gordy: The True Story Of The Actress

Is Kerry Gordy Married?

https://www.instagram.com/p/Ci-iIrrJ9yk/?hl=en

According to reports, Gordy married Karen Denise Longley-Gordy in 2000 and they welcomed their daughter, Juliet Gordy in November 2000. Although there is very little about his marriage, it has been reported that his wife is a St. Louis native and the daughter of James Longley and Dolores Longley.

Also, Karen attended Ebenezer Lutheran Elementary School and also Lutheran North High School before moving to Mount Holyoke College. She is a founding member of the Young Ambassadors of UNICEF.

His daughter is also pursuing a career in the entertainment industry. Juliet is famous for her character as Leah in the Soundtrack Netflix show.

What is Kerry Gordy’s Net Worth?

There are speculations that Kerry Gordy’s net worth is not below $5 million at the moment. However, it is known that he might have made so much wealth so the numerous successful business deals he has had.

Meanwhile, his father has been dubbed one of the wealthiest African-American music executives with a net worth of over $400 million. 94-year-old Berry has Motown Record to thank for his wealth.

The post Who Is Kerry Gordy? Facts About Him That You Should Know appeared first on WeAfrique.

The 71-year-old was formerly married to Mutt Lange, who left her to marry singer, Shania Twain.

The Zambian vocalist now runs a website as a professional vocal coach for beginners and intermediate singers. She has coached quite a number of famous artists including Tina Turner, Jamie Cullum, and Marvin Gaye.

Who is Stevie Vann?

Born Stevie van Kerken on January 01, 1953, Stevie Vann was raised in a small village close to the Congo border, Mufulira, Zambia. Her father was a copper miner while her mother worked as a doctor. Her parents encouraged her to play the piano at the early age of 6. At the age of 12, she started singing in a dance band.

Since she was too young to drive, her father used to take her to gigs. As soon as she was 16, she started her own television show in which she danced and sang.

She Released Two LPs as a Teenager

Stevie Vann released two LPs in her late teens. For that, she was voted as Top Female Vocalist in South Africa. After winning, she was presented with the Sarie Award by Peter Sellers. Also, Vann’s fame as a teenager made her one of the best TV and radio jingle singers in South Africa.

While attending Belfast high school in South Africa, she met her future husband, Mutt Lange. Together they formed the band Hocus before they both migrated to the United Kingdom in the 1970s.

Soon she started working as a studio singer as well as a backup singer for bands like Bones. She also worked with a few musicians before meeting Chris Thompson in 1978. The latter would later invite her to be part of a new band he was forming.

Upon joining Thompson’s Night, the band recorded two albums. The first album reached No.113 on the US Billboard album charts after it was released in 1979. The album also topped several music charts in the US and South Africa.

Despite the mainstream fame, Night later disbanded in 1982. Stevie Vann decided to continue her career as a solo artist, backup singer, and also commercial jingle singer. While in the UK, she worked for Trio and Bodyform.

Besides contributing vocals for acts like Chaka Khan, and Wildhearts, she toured with Elton John for two years as a backing vocalist. Then in the late 1990s, she worked with Lange on projects before he later produced her self-titled solo album.

The Singer’s Marriage with Mutt Lange 

As it has been stated, Stevie met Mutt Lange(born Robert John Mutt Lange) while they were both attending the same high school. They married in the 1970s before moving to the UK.

However, while they were still married, Lange allegedly started a five-year relationship with his co-worker, Oonagh O’Reilly. The marriage later ended around the late 1970s and early 1980s. Although the preseason for their divorce was not revealed, there have been speculations that Lange cheated on Vann.

Following the crash of their marriage, Stevie’s ex-husband went on to date and marry singer Shania Twain. As for her, reports say she did not remarry but this cannot be verified. Vann might have moved on with her life but has kept it private. Whatever the case may be, she has not been linked to anybody since after Lange.

The Zambia-born singer and vocalist continued to work with Mutt Lange for years and are still good friends.

Read Also: Sheila Raye Charles: The Sad Life And Death Of Ray Charles Daughter

Where is Stevie Vann Now?

Stevie Vann still goes by the name Stevie Lange. She hardly sings or lends her vocals in recent times but she has now focused on her career as a vocal coach. She has a website where she runs vocal coaching classes for beginners and intermediate singers.

According to stevielange.com, she also has an interest in vocal production and records production. The vocal coach claims she has coached some big names in the music industry. Some of them include Marvin Gaye Tina Turner, Rita Ora, Pharrell Williams, and Jamie Cullum.

The post Who Is Stevie Vann: Details About The Singer No One Told You About appeared first on WeAfrique.

The former actress was formerly married to Richard Lawson and they shared one child, actress Bianca Lawson.

Denise Gordy Comes from a Famous Family

Denise Georgette Gordy was born on November 11, 1949, to George and Rosemary Gordy in Detroit, Michigan. Among her siblings are Patrice and George Gordy Jr. She is the niece of Motown founder Berry Gordy. Also, Anna Gordy Gaye is her aunt.

The Gordys are known as businesspeople and music executives. The family patriarch Berry Pops Gordy and his wife Bertha Fuller Gordy raised theirs in Georgia and Detroit. The family played an important role in the international acceptance of rhythm and blues music in the 1960s.

Other members of the family include Esther Gordy Edwards, Gwen Gordy Fuqua, Robert Gordy, and Kennedy William Gordy.

Denise Gordy Appeared in Several Television and Theatrical Productions in the 1970s

Just like almost everybody in her family, Denise tried to pursue a career in the entertainment industry. She was featured in numerous television and theatrical productions from 1972 to 1991.

She appeared in Lady Sings the Blues as a dancer. In 1974, she appeared in Black Fist, and then in 1991, she starred in Toy Soldiers as a parent. She also contributed to his vocals on the soundtrack album for Black Fist.

She was Allegedly Impregnated by Marvin Gaye As a Teenager

At the age of 16, Denise Gordy got impregnated by her aunt’s husband, Marvin Gaye, who was 26 years old. At that time, Gaye was married to Ana Gordon and they had no children. After the former actress gave birth to Marvin Gaye III (born November 17, 1965), Anna, who reportedly faked a pregnancy to keep up appearances, her then-husband adopted him.

While Marvin Gaye later confirmed the child’s birth, the famous Gordy family kept it a secret. Gordy would later confirm that her aunt was unable to have children so she helped her. However, it was not confirmed or denied that Marvin Gaye was the father.

Reports say it was kept under wraps for PR and legal reasons. Nevertheless, the Mercy Mercy Me singer admitted Gaye III was adopted before he died in 1984.

Denise’s aunt would later part ways with the Motown prince in June 1963. Their divorce was finalized in November 1975. As for her son, he grew up to become a musician just like his father.

Besides following in his father’s footsteps, Gaye III alongside his two siblings receives millions of dollars in royalties based on his father’s most popular songs. Also, he has been a defender of his father’s music and copyrights. Despite that, it was reported in the early 2000s that he was wanted by the IRS. Reports claim that the tax agency filed a $184,997 lien against him.

Read Also: Leah Jeffries: The True Story Of The Actress

The Former American Actress was Previously Married to Richard Lawson

Denise Gordy married actor Richard Lawson on December 31, 1978. Before the marriage crashed in 1989, the duo had a child, actress Bianca Lawson.

Gordy’s ex-husband Lawson has featured in several American movies including the 1982 film Poltergeist and also Chicago Story. He also made many guest appearances on television shows like The Bernie Mac Show and Soul Food.

Moving on with his love life, Lawson started dating Boyence’s mother, Tina Knowles. Reports say they have known each other for over 30 years. On April 12, 2015, they tied the knot.

Denise Gordy’s daughter, Bianca Lawson is also a television and film actress. She is known for roles in the television series Saved by the Bell: The New Class (1993), Goode Behaviour(1996), and Rogue (2013-2017).

 

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Where is Denise Gordy Now?

After she retired from acting, the former wife of Richard Lawson went off the radar. Nevertheless, through her daughter’s post on Instagram, it became known that she now spends most of her time in her garden.

Meanwhile, her daughter, Bianca has continued to gain more recognition in her acting career. Regardless of the family name and background, Denise Gordy’s daughter would soon become a household name in the entertainment industry. Part of her achievements winning the Teen Choice Awards for her role in Save the Last Dance in 2001. She was recently nominated for an NAACP Image Award for her role in Queen Sugar.

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Dave Chappelle’s only daughter was born in 2009 and she is currently 15 years old. Apparently, her real name is Sonal, Sanaa is just a moniker. Her parents have been married for more than two decades.

Sanaa Chappelle’s Parents First Met in Brooklyn

During an interview in the early 2000s, Dave Chappelle revealed that he and his wife Elaine first met in Brooklyn. They got married in April 2001 after dating for a short while. The duo has been together ever since raising their kids together off the media’s scrutiny.

Her parents have different backgrounds. Sanaa’s mother was born to Filipino parents while Dave is African American.

Sanaa Chappelle is the Youngest Child of Dave Chappelle 

Sanaa Chappelle was born on April 9, 2009, to her parents Dave and Elaine. She is the third child and also the youngest child of the celebrity couple. Her older brother Sulayman was born in 2001 while the second oldest Ibrahim was born in 2003 and he is currently 21 years old.

While Sanaa and her brothers have been raised out of their father’s fame, there are reports that Dave sometimes jokes about what they do. During one of his comedy specials, Dave joked about finding marijuana in Sulayman’s room.

The Chappelle’s blended family relocated to the outskirts of the small town of yellow springs, Ohio some years back. It is the same place Sanaa’s father grew up. Her grandfather, William David Chappelle used to work as a dean of students and professor of vocal performance at Antioch College while his mother, Yvonne Seon worked for the Congolese Prime Minister and was also a professor at several universities including Wright State University.

Is Sanaa Also into Showbiz?

It has been speculated that Dave Chappelle’s daughter has followed him into showbiz. She played a cameo role in 2018’s A Star is Born as his daughter. Apart from Sanaa, the film featured other famous people like Lady Gaga, Sam Elliot, and Bradley Cooper. Also, the film’s soundtrack sold over six million copies and received four Grammy Awards.

Later on, she appeared on the red carpet at the Toronto International Film Festival for her movie debut.

However, it is still uncertain if Sanaa would want to pursue a career in the entertainment industry. Her father on the other hand is famous for his satirical comedy sketch series Chappelle’s Show. He has also appeared in several films including Robin Hood: Men in Tights(1993), The Nutty Professor (1996), Undercover Brother(2002), and Chi-Raq (2015).

As a stand-up comedian, Sanaa Chappelle’s father was ranked No. 9 by Rolling Stone in 2017 in their 50 Best Stand-Up Comic of All Time. Furthermore, he has received numerous accolades including six Emmy Awards and three Grammy Awards.

Meanwhile, her mother had plans of becoming a professional chef but that has not materialized. Regardless of that, Sanaa’s father once confirmed that her mother possesses some excellent culinary skills.

What is Sanaa Chappelle’s Net Worth?

At the moment, Sanaa Chappelle only depends on her parents. That might not be for long seeing that she is gaining prominence on TikTok.

https://www.tiktok.com/@sanaa.chapp/video/6809378976826494213?is_from_webapp=1&sender_device=pc&web_id=7122376128681510405

Notwithstanding, her father, Dave Chappelle reportedly has an estimated net worth of $60 million. His fortune has been built from his Netflix contracts.

Sanaa’s father signed a deal with Netflix in November 2016 to deliver three standup specials. The contract was worth about $60 million, which became one of the largest deals ever paid to a comedian for any medium. Besides that, he earned $47 million between June 2016 and June 2017, and at the same time in 2018, he earned $35 million.

Dave Chappelle has channeled his wealth into several investments including owning several houses in Xenia, Ohio. The Chappelle family currently lives on a 65-acre farm near Yellow Springs.

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The 58-year-old Mr. Loverman singer has been married to Michelle Gordon and they share two children: Rexton Jr. and Jahwon.

Shabba Ranks was Raised in Kingston

Shabba Ranks was born on 17 January 1966 in Sturgetown, St. Ann, Jamaica. His birth name is Rexton Rawlston Fernando Gordon. At the age of 8, his family moved to Seaview Gardens in Kingston. The musician happens to be from the same place as Bob Marley and Burning Spear.

While growing up, his father, Ivan Gordon, worked as a mason before he passed in 1990. His mother, Constance Christie ‘Mama Christie’ worked on buses first as a bus conductor and then later as a driver in Kingston. He once revealed his parents were never married but had 7 children including him. Ranks, who is the middle child, have two sisters and four brothers.

The Jamaican reportedly grew up in a low-income family. The family of 9 lived in a one-room apartment before they bought their first home, a two-bedroom in 1983.

Before he became famous, he revealed he was known as a troublemaker and he was expelled from high school because of that.

Ranks’ praises his mother for always having his back and encouraging him to pursue his music career. Unfortunately, he lost her in 2021.

He Started Recording at the Age of 14

Growing up, Shabba Ranks got involved in music as a kid. He later started collecting discarded bottles at street dances and by the time he was a little over 14, he began performing with legendary artist Admiral Bailey on the Roots Melody sound system.

In the early 1980s, his fellow deejay Josey Wales introduced him to producer King Sammy. It was not long before Ranks became a superstar in the whole of Jamaica.

Upon gaining wide recognition in Jamaica, the dancehall star caught the attention of Epic Records. He later secured a recording contract with Epic Records in 1989. Before he started his international career, he was known as Co-Pilot.

Known for his distinct toasting rather than singing style, Ranks collaborated with many reggae singers like Cocoa Tea, Chuck Berry, and Crystal. His biggest hits in the late 90s include Mr. Loverman, Housecall and Slow&Sexy, and Ting A Ling.

Following the success of his songs he won the Grammy Award for Best Reggae Album, As Raw as Ever in 1992, and also in 1993, X-tra Naked. That made him the first dancehall artist to win the two awards. The same year he won his second Grammy, he scored another hit in the Addams Family Values soundtrack.

He released his third album, A Mi Shabba in 1995, and in 1996, Epic Records dropped him but later, the label released a greatest hits album titled Shabba Ranks and Friends in 1999.

Shabba Ranks took a hiatus only to make a partial comeback in 2007 featuring in the song Clear The Air by Busta Rhymes. He later released a single, None A Dem on Big Ship’s Pepper Riddim. In 2012, he was also featured on Tech N9ne’s EP E.B.A.H. He was also mentioned in A$AP Ferg’s song Shabba and made a cameo in the music video.

In August 2013, it was rumored that he was working on a new album. Although he has not released any tracks since then, he did not stop performing. He has performed at the Reggae Sumfest in Jamaica and also the Caribbean Fever Irie Jamboree Music Festival in New York.

Shabba Ranks was Involved in Controversies Regarding Homosexuals

The Jamaican got himself caught up in a controversial comment regarding homosexuals. According to reports, Shabba once revealed during an interview that “the word of God” advocated the crucifixion of homosexuals.

Following his views, he was dropped as a performer at Bobby Brown’s concert. He also faced altercations with Sony Music. Ranks later apologized for his comments but it took a toll on his career.

Read Also: Biography of Benjamin Dube- Is He the Greatest South African Gospel Singer? 7 Facts

He Married Michelle Gordon in 1992

Shabba Ranks married Michelle Gordon in 1992. They have two children, Rexton Jr and Jahwon. The Jamaican emperor once revealed his children make him a proud father, especially for their academic accomplishments.

Shabba and his wife have been in several events such as the On Da Reggae  Tip 2014 concert event at Pier 97 in New York. There are speculations that his wife is now his manager.

Shabba Ranks credits his parents for having a successful marriage and career. He once revealed that his mother who was his first love taught him how to love his wife.

Where is Shabba Ranks Now?

HONOURABLENESS!!!!!!!!!!! pic.twitter.com/jmRlwK2A9Q

— Shabba Ranks (@EmperorRanks) February 18, 2021

Shabba Ranks moved to New York City in the early 2000s. Before he moved, he bought a house for his mother. In October 2016, Shabba was invested with the Order of Distinction, an officer by the Jamaican Government for his contribution to music. Also, he received the heritage award in 2021 in New York City.

While many sources claim the 58-year-old musician lives in New York, his Twitter and Facebook pages claim he is in Kingston.

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Besides her acting career which has garnered her several nominations, she comes from a middle-class family of six. The 33-year-old Blood Sisters star is now married to the founder of 54Gene, Abasi Ene-Obong, whom she met on Instagram.

Who is Ini Dima-Okojie?

The Nigerian actress, Inibokun Iguerehi Dima-Okojie was born on June 24, 1990, in Lagos Nigeria however, she is originally from Esan North-East LGA of Edo State, Nigeria. She was raised in Lagos state alongside her three older siblings. She has two sisters, Ivie and Gabbe, and one brother Ide.

Her father is a retired Air Commodore and also a military-trained doctor while her mother is a licensed lawyer who also worked in the banking sector before focusing on law.

For her educational pursuits, Ini attended Air Force Primary School, Lagos, and later Air Force Comprehensive Secondary School, Ibadan. After secondary school, she went on to earn a degree in International Relations at Covenant University, Ogun state. She also earned a degree in Acting from the New York Film Academy.

Ini Dima-Okojie Resigned from Her Banking Job to Pursue a Career in Entertainment

 

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Upon graduating from college, the Lagos-born actress returned to Nigeria and got a job in an investment bank. She worked for barely a year before she decided to switch to the entertainment industry. She started working as a production assistant before making her acting debut in the 2014 TV series, Taste of Love as Feyisayo Pepple.

Her character as Hadiza Ahmed in the film North East skyrocketed her career as she earned a nomination as best actress in a supporting role at the 2017 Nigeria Entertainment Awards. Also, she was nominated for The Most Promising Actress at the City People Movie Awards as well as the 2017 Future Awards Africa.

Ini Dima-Okojie continued to get more acting roles as she gradually became a household name. From 2020 to 2022, she gained more prominence as she appeared in quite a couple of Nollywood blockbusters. She starred as Tami in the mini-series Smart Money Woman, an adaptation of Arese Ugwu’s book of the same title.

She also featured in two Netflix original films Namaste Wahala (2021) and Blood Sisters (2022). The latter is definitely one of the best movies of the Edo actress since it blew up charts globally upon its release. Within just 24 hours, Blood Sisters was Top 10 movies in over 20 countries.  Take a look at some of the movies and TV series Dima-Okojie has starred in:

Ini Dima-Okojie is Married to Abasi Ene-Obong

In 2021, Ini revealed she was engaged to a fan-turned-lover, Abasi Ene-Obong, who is the founder and Chief Executive Officer of 54gene(genomics research, and development company).

The actress shared they both started talking when she randomly put up a rant on her Insta stories about not being able to get her favorite chocolates (Maltesers) in Lagos. Abasi, who resides in London, sent her an email revealing his intention of sending her some chocolates, and a week later, she received a whole bag filled with Maltesers.

After dating for a while the lovers decided to solidify their relationship. They married in May 2022 and it was attended by numerous Nollywood stars including Sharon Ooja, Nancy Esime, Timini Egbuson, Uti Nwachukwu, Daniel Etim, Akah Nnani, Ibrahim Suleman, Bisola Aiyeola, Toke Makinwa, and Kate Henshaw.

Ini Dima-Okojie’s husband Abasi holds a Ph.D. Cancer Biology from the University of London and also a Master’s degree in human molecular genetics from Imperial College London.

He founded 54gene in 2019 to improve the inclusion of African populations in clinical global genomics research. For his contribution to the health sector, he was named on the Time Magazine list of 12 innovators. He was also listed as one of the 30 most innovative entrepreneurs on the African continent in 2019 by Quart Africa.

Read Also: Angela Okorie- 7 Things You Didn’t Know About The Actress

Quick Facts about the Fast-rising Actress

• The actress is one of the featured voices on the Netflix African Time Podcast. Besides that, she has been affiliated with several brands including Quickteller and Cadbury.
• In December 2020, she revealed she struggled with uterine fibroid in 2017.
• The Namaste Wahala actress has cited Majid Michel and Richard Mofe-Damijo as her favorite Nollywood actors.
• Ini Dima-Okojie has a delectable taste in fashion. She has been featured in several magazines including Vogue German and the UK as a cover girl.
• The fashion enthusiast revealed her entrepreneurial spirit was first noticed when she was between the ages of 8 and 12. At that age, she used to design greeting cards and sell them to her family and friends.

The post Ini Dima-Okojie: True Story Of The Nigerian Actress appeared first on WeAfrique.

Some of these artists redefining African have collaborated with numerous international artists to promote the African culture through their music. Take a look at some African musicians that are making waves both locally and internationally. This list is in no particular order.

20 Best African Musicians in Africa

1. Angelique Kidjo (Beninese)

• Full name: Angélique Kpasseloko Hinto Hounsinou Kandjo Manta Zogbin Kidjo
• Nick Name: Angélique Kidjo
• Date of birth: 14 July 1960
• Place of birth: Benin
• Age: 63 years old
• Occupation: singer, songwriter, actress
• Genres: Afropop, Afrobeat, reggae, world fusion, gospel, Latin, jazz
• Nationality: Beninese
• Years active: 1982-present
• Record Label: Island, Mangnom PolyGram, Columbia, Razor & Tie, 429

The 63-year-old Beninese native has been in the African music scene for more than three decades now. Known for being versatile in several genres like Afrobeat, reggae, and jazz, Kidjo has explored several African languages including French.

Aside from recording over 15 albums, the Grammy award-winning singer has recorded songs for movies, TV shows, and documentaries. She has also attained international recognition and has earned a spot as one of the 100 most influential people in the world.

Selected Awards won by Angelique Kidjo

• Danish Music Awards: Best Female Singer (Denmark, 1995)
• Kora Music Awards: Best African Female artist(Africa, 1997)
• Mobo Awards for Best World Music Act  (UK, 2002)
• Africa Festival Award(Germany, 2006)
• 4X Grammy Award winner for Best World Music Album (2020, 2016, 2015, 2008)
• Afropop Hall of Fame (2009)
• Commander of the National Order of Benin (Benin, 2008)
• Go Global World Music Award (Denmark, 2008)
• Crystal Award (2015)
• Ambassador of Conscience Award (2016)
• Celebrating Women Award from the New York Women’s Foundation (USA, 2009)
• Officier de l’Ordre des Arts et des Lettres (France, 2010)
• On April 3, 2022, Angelique’s Mother Nature wins “Best Global Music Album” at the 64th Grammy award
• On September 4, 2022, Kidjo was inducted into the Headies Hall Of Fame

2. Wizkid (Nigerian)

• Full name: Ayodeji Ibrahim Balogun
• Nickname: Wizkid (Starboy), Big Wiz
• Date of birth: 16 July 1990
• Place of birth: Surulere Lagos, Nigeria
• Age: 33 years old
• Occupation: Singer, songwriter
• Genres: Afrobeats, reggae, dancehall R&B hip hop, pop
• Nationality: Nigerian
• Years active: 2001-present
• Record Label: Starboy Entertainment, RCA

Ever since Wizkid started his music career in 2001, he has collaborated with quite a number of both foreign and local artists. He achieved international recognition following his collaboration with famed singe Drake on the hit single, One Dance. the song topped the U.S Billboard Hot 100 as well as other charts in more than 14 countries.

Having broken multiple records, his collaboration with Drake made him the first artist to appear in the Guinness World Records. Also, in 2019, he was featured in Beyonce’s project The Lion King: The Gift on the single Brown Skin Girl. That also won him an Award Grammy for Best Music video.

Wizkid’s fourth album Made in Lagos was well-received upon its release in 2020. The album reached number one on the Billboard World Album Chart and the single Essence which featured Tems, became the first Nigerian song to chart on the Billboard Hot 100 and also reached the top ten after the remix was released by Justin Bieber.

With over 3.4 billion views on Spotify, Wizkid is currently regarded as the most streamed Nigerian artist of all time on the music app.

The Lagos-born artist has set himself apart and has continued to make great success while making history. His distinct music style and flow have gained him a spot as one of the musicians redefining Africa at the moment. He was cited as one of the top 100 most influential Africans by New African Magazine in 2019.

Famous Songs

• Holla at Your Boy (2010)
• Love My Baby (2011
• Jaiye Jaiye (2013)
• Come Closer ft Drake (2017)
• Made in Lagos (Album, 2020)
• Essence ft. Tems and Justin Beiber (2021)
• Call Me Every Day (Chris Brown ft Wizkid)
• B. d’Or (Burna Boy Ft Wizkid)
• Mood ft Buju (2022)

Some of His Awards

• 3x BET Awards
• 3x Soul Train Awards
• 3x Billboard Awards
• 3x iHeartRadio Music Awards
• MOBO Awards
• Most awards artists in the Headies award history
• 7x AFRIMA Awards
• Wizkid is the only Nigerian with the most certified songs in CV

3. Burna Boy (Nigerian)

• Full name: Damini Ebunoluwa Ogulu
• Nickname: Burna Boy
• Date of birth: 02 July 1991
• Place of birth: Port Harcourt
• Age: 32 years old
• Occupation: Singer, songwriter, Record producer
• Genres: Afrobeats, reggae, dancehall R&B, pop
• Nationality: Nigerian
• Years active: 2010-present
• Record Label: Atlantic

Burna boy became a household name in the early 2010s as one of the fastest-rising Afro-beat stars. His most recent album Love, Damini, became the highest debut of an African album on billboards in the Netherlands, the United Kingdom, and France upon its release in July 2022.

Burna Boy is the first Nigerian to have back-to-back nominations at the Grammys. His first Grammy nomination was for his 2019 album, African Giant. His music is mainly pop and afrobeat but also has afro-fusion, incorporating four genres. 

Famous Songs

• Like to Party (2012)
• Run My Race (2012
• Check and Balance(2014)
• The Realest (2015)
• Mandem Anthem (2016)
• Streets of Africa (2017)
• On the Low (2018)
• Pull Up (2019)
• Monsters You Made (2020)
• Want It All (2021)
• Last Last (2022)
• For My Hand (2022)

Awards and nominations

• South-South Music Awards (2013)
• Nigeria Entertainment Awards (2013)
• African Musik Magazine Awards (2020)
• Grammy Awards(2020)
• Brit Awards nomination (2020)
• BET Awards (2020)
• Edison Award (2020)
• MOBO Awards (2020)
• Global Music Awards Nomination Africa (2021)
• BET Awards (2021)
• Grammy Awards nomination (2022) 

Read Also:African Proverbs: 100 Best And Their Deep Meanings 

4. Davido (Nigerian)

• Full name: David Adedeji Adeleke
• Nickname: Davido, OBO
• Date of birth: 21 November 1992
• Place of birth: Surulere Lagos, Nigeria
• Age: 31 years old
• Occupation: Singer, songwriter, record producer
• Genres: Afrobeats, Afropop, pop, electropop
• Nationality: Nigerian
• Years active: 2009-present
• Record Label: DMW, HKN, Sony Music Africa, RCA

Davido dropped out of Oakwood University in the United States to pursue his dreams. His decision soon paid off after he started gaining prominence. His first album Omo Baba Olowo skyrocketed him to fame.

After winning the Headies Next Rated award in 2012, Davido went ahead to become the first solo African artist to sell out the 02 Arena in 2019. His collaboration with Chris Brown on the track Blow My Mind and the video of the song amassed one million views in 11 hours. He became the first Nigerian to achieve that in such a short time.

Famous Songs

• Dami Duro (2011)
• All of You (2012)
• Globe (2013)
• Skelewu (2013)
• Aye (2014)
• The Sound ft Uhuru and DJ Buckz (2015)
• If (2017)
• Fall (2017)
• Blow My Mind ft, Chris Brown(2019)
• Risky (2019)
• Jowo (2020)
• A better Time (2021)
• Stand Strong (2022)

Awards and Nominations

• Kora Awards: Best Newcomer Award (2012)
• BET Awards: Best International Act: Africa (2014)
• Ben YV Awards: Music Video of the year (2014)
• Dynamix All Youth Awards: Promising Youth Artiste (2011)
• African Muzik Magazine Awards: Best Male West Africa (2014)
• MTV Africa Music Awards: Best Male (2014)
• 3x World Music Awards nominations
• Chanel O Music Video Awards: Most Gifted Newcomer Video of the Year (2012)
• NMVA: Best Afro Pop Video (2014)

5. Nasty C (South African)

• Full name: Nsikayesizwe David Junior Ngcobo
• Nickname: Nasty C
• Date of birth: 11 February 1997
• Place of birth: Diepkloof, Soweto, Johannesburg, South Africa
• Age: 27 years old
• Occupation: Rapper, actor, singer, record producer
• Genres: Afrobeats, reggae, dancehall R&B, pop
• Nationality: South African
• Years active: 2013-present
• Record Label: Universal Music Africa, Def Jam Recording Africa, Tall Racks Records, Def Jam

The South African rapper and record producer, Nasty C became the youngest recipient of an award at the 2015 South African Hip Hop Awards the Best Freshman Award. He gained global recognition after he signed a joint venture deal with Def Jam Records and released the song There They Go.

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His songs have topped charts such as the Billboard chart. After the release of his single Best I Ever I Had he received three nominations for Songwriter of the Year, Best Male Artist in Southern Africa, and Best African Rapper/Lyricist. He was also ranked third on MTV Base: SA’s Hottest MCs list.

Awards and Nominations

• South African Hip Hop Awards 2015
• 16th Metro FM Music Awards 2017
• SAMAs 27 2017
• MTV Africa Music Awards 2021

6. Diamond Platnumz (Tanzanian)

• Full name: Nasibu Abdul Juma Issack
• Nickname: Diamond Plantnumz
• Date of birth: 2 October 1989
• Place of birth: Diepkloof, Soweto, Johannesburg, South Africa
• Age: 34 years old
• Occupation: Singer, songwriter, dancer, businessman
• Genres: Bongo Flava, Afro-pop, Afrobeats, Soukous
• Nationality: Tanzanian
• Years active: 2009-present
• Record Label: WCB Wasafi, Warner Music Group, Warner Music South Africa

Diamond Platnumz is the founder and CEO of WCB Wasafi Record Record Label, Wasafi Media. He is very famous in East and Central Africa. Upon his career success in the music industry, Platnumz became the first Africa-based artist to reach a combined total of one billion views on YouTube.

His breakthrough hit single Kamwambie, won him three Tanzania Music Awards. He then earned a nomination for BET Awards 2014 for Best International Act: Africa.

As one of the most decorated music artists in East and Central Africa, Diamond Platnumz has collaborated with several artists such as Zuchu, David, Tiwa Savage, Flavour, Vanessa Mdee, and Adekunle Gold.

Famous Songs

• Kamwambie (2010)
• Wivuwivu (2010)
• Love You Die (2017)
• African Beauty ft Omario (2018)
• Eneka (2018)
• Number One (2018)
• Wasted Energy (Alicia Keys ft Diamond, 2020)
• Naanzaje (2021)

Awards and Nominations

• Afro X Digital Awards: Music Video of the Year (2021)
• WatsUp TV Africa Music Video Awards: African Video of the Year, Best African Combo Video, Best African Male Video (2016)
• Channel O Music Video Awards: Most Gifted Newcomer, Most Gifted East, Most Gifted Afro Pop (2014)
• HiPipo Music Awards: East Africa Superhit, Quinquennial Africa Music Vanguard Award, Africa Song of the Year

7. Sarkodie (Ghanaian)

• Full name: Michael Owusu Addo
• Nickname: Sarkodie
• Date of birth: 10 July 1988
• Place of birth: Tema, Ghana
• Age: 35 years old
• Occupation: rapper
• Genres: Hip hop, Hiplife, Afrobeat
• Nationality: Ghanaian
• Years active: 2005-present
• Record Label: Sarkcess Music, Dunwills Entertainment

Sarkodie is one of the best musicians in Ghana. He has not only made an impact in his home country but internationally as well. His music is usually in English and also his native language. This led to him becoming the first to win BET’s Best International Flow artist in 2019. Reports say he has maintained the spot of the most-awarded African rapper for a while now.

Famous Songs

• When I Grow Up (2012)
• Sark Nation (2014)
• Sarkology (2014)
• Who Da Man (2017)
• Overdose (2017)
• Oofeetso (2019)
• Adonai (2021)
• Rollies and Cigars (2021)

Awards and Nominations

• African Artiste of the Year (2012, 2014, 2015)
• 5x The Headies Awards for Best African Artiste (2013, 2016)
• Best International Act: Africa (2012, 2019)
• MTV Africa Music Awards for Best Hip Hop (2014)
• EMY Best Entertainer (2016)
• Part of the top 10 Ghanaian rappers of all time
• African Entertainment Awards USA for Best Hip Hop Artist (2013)
• International Reggae and World Music Awards for Best Virtual Showcase/concert

8. Octopizzo (Kenya)

• Full name: Henry Ohanga
• Nickname: Don Papichulo, Octopizzo
• Date of birth: 30 April 1983
• Place of birth: Kibera, Nairobi, Kenya
• Age: 40 years old
• Occupation: rapper, businessman
• Genres: Hip-Hop Rap
• Nationality: Kenyan
• Years active: 2009-present
• Record Label: Octopizzo music, Papichulo music

The talented Kenyan rapper and activist, Octopizzo is known for his style of music. His Music usually addresses issues of poverty, tribal wars and urban struggle. The award-winning artist grew up in one of the greatest slums in the world in Kibera, Nairobi.

He has pursued his music career earnestly in Kenya and beyond. His three albums, Chocolate City, LDPC, and Refugeenius have featured several people including refugees from Kakuma & Dadaab Refugees from Kenyan camps.

His two albums Chocolate City and LDPC retained the number spot on Itunes during the first week of their release. He is now famous globally for his strong passion for community outreach and youth empowerment.

Aside from his music, Octopizzo has a non-profit organization which he started in 2015. Through the organization, he has supported vulnerable youths through art and music.

Octopizzo has performed on big stages and has partnered with UNHCR to help the youths in the slums of Kenya. In 2015, he was cited as one of the most influential personalities and was ranked 16th globally as one of the top voices on refugee matters.

Octopizzo was nominated in four categories for the 2022 Grammy awards, if he wins the award, he would be the first Kenyan to ever receive a Grammy award.

Famous Songs

• Utanisho 2016
• Pull Up 2017
• Terga Gang 2017
• Level Up 2018
• Red Namba Plate 2018
• Warrior 2022
• Mabadiliko 2022
• Sparkle 2022
• Tom Mboya 2022

Awards and Nominations

• 2012 Coastal Nzumari Awards-Best Male Artist
• 2012 Kisima Awards nomination Artist of the Year
• 2x considered for Grammy awards
• Nominated in four categories in the 2022 Grammy Awards

9. Yemi Alade(Nigeria)

• Full name: Yemi Eberechi Alade
• Nickname: Yemi Alade
• Date of birth: 13 March 1989
• Place of birth: Abia State, Nigeria
• Age: 35 years old
• Occupation: Singer, songwriter
• Genres: Afropop, R&B,
• Nationality: Nigerian
• Years active: 2005-present
• Record Label: Effyssie Music Group, Rebel Movement, Universal Music Africa

Yemi Alade has been regarded as one of Africa’s richest and most successful music stars. Both locally and internationally, Alade is a well-celebrated musician.

Having debuted in 2005, she became the first female to win MTV African Music Awards (2015). The following year, she broke another record by winning the same year.

https://www.instagram.com/p/CiksLypJ7OB/

The singer has garnered several awards and nominations and her career has been in the spotlight ever since. Besides being the 2ndNigerian and first female singer to gain 100 million views in only a song on YouTube, the Nigerian superstar broke history by becoming the first female artist in Africa to have the most viewed music video.

The Abia state-born Nigerian singer has collaborated with several artists in and out of Africa. Some of them include Angelique Kidjo, Kritzbeatz, Beyonce, and quite a number of others.

Notable Songs and Albums

• Oh My Gosh ft Rick Ross(2019)
• Jonny (2014)
• Tangerine (2014)
• Kissing (2014)
• Africa (2016)
• Na Gode(2016)
• Empress (2020)
• Kings of Queens(2015Album)
• Mama Africa (The Diary of an African Woman (2016 album)
• Woman of Steel (2019 album)

Yemi Alade’s Awards and Nominations

• 4x the headies Awards for HipHop World Revelation of the Year 2015, Best performer 2017, 2018 and 2018
• Female Artist of the Year at the Nigerian Entertainment Awards (2015)
• Independent Music Awards (2016)
• 2x MTV African Music Awards for Best Female (2015,2016)
• 2x All Africa Music Awards for Best Female Artiste(2018)
• All Africa Music Awards: Best Female in Western Africa (‘2015

10. Rema (Nigeria)

• Full name: Divine Ikubor
• Nickname: Rema, Remmy Boy
• Date of birth: 13 May 2000
• Place of birth: Benin City
• Age: 23 years old
• Occupation: musician, singer, rapper
• Genres: Afrobeats, Afrorave
• Nationality: Nigerian
• Years active: 2013-present
• Record Label: Jonzing World, Marvin

Rema started singing and rapping while he was still in secondary school. He got his first record deal in 2018 after he shared a freestyle of D’Prince’s track Gucci Gang on Instagram. D’Prince later signed him under his record label, Jonzing World.

He first appeared on a billboard chart in July 2022 with his hit track Woman and it reached No.15 on the World Digital Song Sales. Also his song Calm Down(featuring Selena Gomez) currently dabbles between 19-11 on the Billboard Global Exclusive US chart with 39.3 million streams.

The Benin-boy artist has also maintained a consistent presence on Billboard’s U.S Afrobeats Songs chart. Since he started topping the billboard chart, he has logged 12 entries. His song Calm Down has earned him his first No.1 on the ranking.

One of his songs was included in the FIFA 21 soundtrack in September 2020.

Notable Songs and Albums

• Dumebi 2019
• Why 2019
• Corny 2019
• American Love 2019
• Bad Commando 2019
• Ginger Me 2020
• Woman 2020
• Calm Down 2022
• Calm Down remix ft Selena Gomez

Awards and Nominations

• 2019 The Headies-Next rated Award
• 2019 City People Music Awards
• 2019 BET Awards
• 2021 African Entertainment Awards USA-Song of the Year nomination

11. Slapdee (Zambian)

• Full name: Mwila Musonda
• Nickname: Slapdee
• Date of birth: 27 April 1987
• Place of birth: Zambia
• Age: 36 years old
• Occupation: Rapper, record producer, businessman
• Genres: Hip hop
• Nationality: Zambia
• Years active: 2006-present
• Record Label: XYZ Entertainment, Kalandanya Music Promotions

Born in 1987, Slapdee is not just a singer but also a record producer and entrepreneur. He made his music debut in music in 2006. His success in music led to his global fame and that made him the most searched Zambian musician on Google in 2017.

He has used his fame to support several causes including orphanages and children’s hospitals in Zambia. He has also been featured on CNN, African Voices CHANGEMAKERS as an influencer.

Famous songs

• Kuli Chaila 2012
• No Wonder 2017
• Lituation 2018
• Teti 2020
• Savuka 2020
• Midnight in Matero 2021

Awards and nominations

• MTV Africa Music Awards
• 6 Sun FM Kwacha Music Awards
• 1st Zambian rapper to win Ngoma Awards
• 2009 – Best Hip Hop Artist at the Ngoma Music Awards
• 2009 – Best Male in Southern Africa at the AFRIMM Awards
• 2009 – Best Male and Hip Hop Artist at the Zambia Music Awards
• Best Male Southern Africa at the AFRIMM Awards
• 2016 – Best Hip Hop Album at the Zambia Music Awards
• 2017 – Best Hip Hop Song at the Sun Fm Kwacha Music Awards

12. 2baba (Nigerian)

• Full name: Innocent Ujah Idibia
• Nickname: Tubaba, 2face
• Date of birth: 18 September 1975
• Place of birth: Jos, Plateau, Nigeria
• Age: -6068 years old
• Occupation: Musician, singer, songwriter, record producer, entrepreneur
• Genres: Afrobeats, R&B, Hiphop, reggae, Afropop
• Nationality: Nigerian
• Years active: 1994-present
• Record Label: Hypertek Digital

Nigerian artist, 2baba became very popular in the early 2000s in the Nigerian music scene after the release of his solo debut album Face2Face. He became the first winner of MTV EMA Best African Act in 2005 and is currently one of the most awarded Nigerian musicians histories.

He earlier began his career in the defunct Plantashun Boiz but has won more awards as a solo artist. In 2010, he emerged as the first Nigerian artist to have an appropriately priced international album.

2Baba is part of the Sony All African One8 Project alongside seven other musicians across Africa. He has worked with so many international artists to promote African culture.

The Plateau-born artist has also partnered with several international bodies such as the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) and other NGOs like The Nigerian RedCross Society.

2Baba has received quite a number of awards in his music career. He is now regarded as one of the most iconic musicians in Africa with worldwide recognition.

Famous Songs

• African Queen 2004
• Nfana Ibaga 2004
• One Love 2006
• True Love 2006
• 4 Instance 2006
• Enter the Place 2007
• Warriors 2020
• The Ascension 2014
• Away & Beyond 2012
• The Unstoppable 2009

Awards and Nominations

• MTV Europe Music Award
• One World Music Award
• 5 Headies Awards
• 4 Channel O Music Video Award
• MOBO Award
• 3 Afrima Awards

13. Sho Madjozi

• Full name: Maya Christinah Xichavo Wegerif
• Nickname: Sho Madjozi
• Date of birth: 9 May 1992
• Place of birth: Limpopo, South Africa
• Age: 31 years old
• Occupation: rapper, poet, actress
• Genres: Gqom, afropop, hip-hop
• Nationality: South African
• Years active: 2017-present
• Record Label: Epic

The 31-year-old rapper started her career on TV before she released her debut studio album in 2018. She was named by Forbes magazine amongst the 30 under 30 creatives category list for her contribution to music. She was on the list alongside A-list musicians like Burna Boy and Thando Thabethe.

Madjozi appeared on the global music platform COLORS in August 2019 where she had the rare opportunity to perform her famous song, John Cena. The song was inspired by the famous professional wrestler, John Cena. Most of her songs have topped several south African chats and some have trended in regions and made two-million views on music platforms.

Famous Songs

• Dumi HipHone 2017
• Probleme 2018
• John Cena 2019
• What a Life 2020

Awards and Nominations

• 2019 South African Music Awards-Best Music Video Nomination
• 2019 South African Music Awards-Female Artist of the Year
• 2019 South African Music Awards-Best Newcomer
• 2019 AFRIMA Nomination
• 2019 BET Awards-Best New International Act
• 2020 African Entertainment Awards USA
• 2021 South African Music Award- Best Traditional Music Album

14. Khaligraph Jones

• Full name: Brian Ouko Omolio
• Nickname: Khaligraph Jones
• Date of birth: 12 June 1990
• Place of birth: Kayole Nairobi, Kenya
• Age: 33 years old
• Occupation: rapper, songwriter, emcee
• Genres: Gqom, afropop, hip-hop
• Nationality: South African
• Years active: 2013-present
• Record Label: Blue Ink

Khaligraph Jones gained international recognition after he won Channel O Music Videos Awards in 2009. He also won the Best Rap Act of 2018 after the release of his debut studio album. In January 2020, he was named the best Hip Hop t at the Soundcity MVP Awards.

In May 2021, Jones was named the East African Rapper of the Year at MTN Uganda.

Famous Songs

• I Still Will 2020
• Tuma Kitu 2020
• Lwanda Magere Legacy 2020
• Kwendaa!! 2020
• Wavy ft Sarkodie (rapper) 2021
• Punguza Kasheshe 2021
• CHAMPEZ 2021

Awards and Nominations

• Channel O Music Video Awards Emcee Africa in 2009.
• Best Rap Act of the Year at African Muzik Magazine Awards 2018 (Afrimma).
• Best Hip Hop Act at the Soundcity MVP Awards (2018)
• East African Rapper of the Year at MTN Uganda (2021).
• 2022 Best Male Rat Act in East Africa

15. Bontle Smith (South African)

• Full name: Bontle Mabotlhale Smith
• Nickname: Bontle Smith
• Date of birth: 1st April 1990
• Place of birth:  South Africa
• Age: 34 years old
• Occupation: musician
• Genres: singer, dancer
• Nationality: South African
• Years active: 2013-present

Born April 1st, 1989, Bontle Smith is now regarded as the latest sensation in South Africa. She has worked with popular music artists like Cassper Nyovest and DJ Maphorisa.

Her most recent song reached 1 million on You Tube views milestone. The song Cassper Nyovest featured her also reached 1.5 million YouTube views.

Famous Songs

• Lose Yourself in the Music 2010
• Sandton
• lerato 2018
• Da Lawds Prayers 
• Money Calling 
• More Than That Sbongile 

16. Tems (Nigerian)

• Full name: Temilade Openiyi
• Nickname: Tems baby
• Date of birth: 11 June 1995
• Place of birth: Lagos, Nigeria
• Age: 28 years old
• Occupation: singer, songwriter, record producer
• Genres: R&B, Afrobeat, Alte
• Nationality: Nigerian
• Years active: 2018-present
• Record Label: RCA Records

Tems is definitely one of the African musicians redefining the face of Africa. She rose to prominence after Wizkid featured her om his 2020 hit song Essesnce. The song reached top 10 on the Billboard Hot 100 after the remix with Justin Bieber. Tems got her first Grammy award nomination following the release of the remix.

The talented singer got signed to RCA Records and shortly afterward her vocals were sampled by American rapper Future for his single Wait for U. As a featured artist on the song, she became the first African artist to debut at number one and the second Nigerian to top the chart.

Tems made a cover of Bob Marley’s No Woman, No Cry for the Marvel movie Black Panther: Wakanda Forever soundtrack in 2022. Throughout her career, she has been notable achievements in less than one decade of her career.

Famous Songs

• Mr. Rebel 2018
• Looku Looku 2019
• Try Me 2019
• These Days 2020
• Damages 2020
• Crazy Tings 2021
• No Woman, No Cry 2022
• Free Mind 2022

Awards and Nominations

• 2019 The Headies-Best Alternative song nomination
• 2020 BET Awards- Best New International Act
• 2020 Net Honours Most Played Alternative Song
• All Africa Music Awards- Best Female Artist
• African Entertainment Awards USA- Best Collaboration

17. Mafikizolo (South Africa)

• Origin: South Africa
• Members: Theo Kgosinkwe, Nhlanhla Nciza
• Genres: Afro Pop, Kwaito, Afro-soul
• Years active: 1997-present
• Labels: Universal Music Group, Kalawa Jazmee Records
• Past Member(s): Tebogo Benedict Madingoane

The South African music duo was formed in 1996 but they rose to fame after they released their singles, Ndihamba Nawe kuphela, and the self-album Mafikizolo.

Their 2000 album Gate Crashers became their best-selling album as they won 14 South African Music Awards and many others.

Famous Songs

• Mafikizolo (1997)
• Music Revolution (1999)
• Gate Crashers (2000)
• Sibongile (2002)
• Kwela (2003)
• Van Toeka Af (2005)
• Six Mabone (2006)
• Reunited (2013)

Awards and Nominations

• 2003 9th SAMA- Group of the Year
• 2004 SAMA Award
• 2007 MTV Africa Music Awards
• 2019 African Entertainment Awards Nominations

18. Fireboy DML(Nigerian)

• Full name: Adedamola Adefolahan
• Nickname: Fireboy DML
• Date of birth: 5 February 1996
• Place of birth: Abeokuta, Ogun state, Nigeria
• Age: 28 years old
• Occupation: singer, songwriter
• Genres: R&B, Afrobeat
• Nationality: Nigerian
• Years active: 2012-present
• Record Label: YBNL Nation, Empire Distribution

Fireboy DML got his breakthrough in music following the release of his single Jealous in 2018. The singer describes his sound as  Afro-Life which his audience can easily relate to.

He has appeared on The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon and performed quite a number of songs like Vibration, and Champion. His song Peru made the Billboard Hot 100 chart after it featured Ed Sheeran.

His work with Ed Sheeran exposed him to the world that he got to feature on the sickick remix to Madonna’s Frozen. His song Scatter was included in the FIFA21 game soundtrack.

Famous Songs

• Jealous 2018
• What If I Say 2019
• Champion 2020
• Running (with Ladipoe)
• Tattoo 2020
• Eli 2020
• Peru 2021
• Scatter 2021
• Playboy 2022

Awards and Nominations

• 2019 City People Music Awards-Most Promising Act of the Year
• 2019 Soundcity MVP Awards Festival 2020 Album of the Year
• 2020 The Headies-Best R&B Album
• NAACP Image Awards- Outstanding International Song
• 2022 The Headies- Best Afrobeat single

19. AKA (South African)

• Full name: Kiernan Jarryd Forbes
• Nickname: AKA, SupaMega, Bhovamania
• Date of birth: 28 January 1988
• Place of birth: Cape Town, Western Cape
• Age: 36 years old
• Occupation: rapper, songwriter
• Genres: Hip Hop
• Nationality: South Africa
• Years active: 2002-present
• Record Label: Vth Season, Beam Group

Raised in Cape Town, AKA became famous after the release of his single Victory Lap in 2011. He is known internationally for his numerous collaborations with local and foreign artists. Some of them include Diamond Platnumz and Burna Boy.

Famous Songs 

• Energy 2020
• Cross My Heart 2020
• Finessin 2020
• Mufasa 2020
• Python 2020
• Heavy Drank 2020
• Monuments 2020

Awards and Nominations

• 2012 18th South African Music Awards-Best Male Artist
• 2014 21st South African Music Awards-Best Male Artist
• 2014 Kora Awards- Best African Hip hip
• 2015 4th South African Hip Hop Awards-Most Valuable Artist
• 2020 26th South African Music Awards-Music Video of the Year

20. Master KG (South African)

• Full name: Kgaogelo Moagi
• Nickname: Master KG
• Date of birth: 31 January 1996
• Place of birth: Tzaneen, Republic of South Africa
• Age: 28 years old
• Occupation: singer, DJ, Music producer
• Genres: R&B, Afrobeat, Alte
• Nationality: South African
• Years active: 2016-present
• Record Label: Open Mic Productions, Elekra France

Master KG was born and raised in Tzaneen. His debut studio album Skeleton Move earned him an AFRIMA award. He is also recognized for being the pioneer of the Bolobedu dance.

He got to the peak of his career after the release of his second studio album, Jerusalema and it had the internationally successful single Jerusalema. He featured Nomcebo Zikode and Burna Boy in the song. The song was certified diamond by FRA and it topped Billboard’s World Digital Song Sales chart.

In 2021, he recorded a single with David Guetta and Akon.

Famous Songs

• Skeleton Move 2018
• Waya Waya 2018
• Jerusalema 2020
•  Shine in Your Light 2021
• Uthando 2021

Awards and Nominations

• 2018 AFRIMA-Best Artiste Duo
• 2018 SABC Summer Song
• 2018 Limpopo Music Awards
• 2020 African Entertainment Awards USA
• 2020 African Muzik Magazine Awards
• 2021 SAMA27 Awards
• 2021 Global Music Awards Africa

The post African Musicians: 20 Best Musicians Redefining The Continent appeared first on WeAfrique.

There are three types of marriages in South Africa: civil marriages, customary marriages, and civil unions, and they are all recognized under South African law. All three marriages are solemnized and registered under the Department of Home Affairs. Due to diversity in religion and culture, the country adopted the law that recognizes marriages such as polygynous marriages.

South Africa is the only country in the world that recognizes both polygamy and same-sex marriages. Also, there are three different laws that guide marriage procedures in South Africa. Just as there are laws guiding marriage there are also several marital property regimes that can be applied to marriages in South Africa.

Details about the Three Types of Marriages in South Africa

1. Civil Marriage

Civil marriage is the most common type of marriage in South Africa. This type of marriage is formed under the marriage act law, 1961 which allows for the solemnization of civil or religious marriage between a man and a woman. The marriage solemnization must be carried out by a marriage officer in the presence of not less than two witnesses.

In other to have a valid marriage, the man and woman must be above the age of 18. However, there are claims that a girl over the age of 15 may marry but with her parent’s consent.

Also, in a civil marriage, the couple has inheritance rights which means one of them can inherit from the other in case of death. While there are three rules guiding this type of marriage, only marriage in a community of property is applicable here.

2. Customary Marriages

Customary marriages are done according to indigenous African customary law. it is the second most popular type of marriage in South Africa. The customary marriages Act came into power in 1998 and ever since, the country has registered not less than 2000 couples already. A polygamous marriage is a customary marriage.

One of the most important rules of customary marriages posits that the couple must be competent and are not blood relatives. Also, neither of the two should be in a civil marriage already.

Just like civil marriages, the three marital regimes are also applicable here. It is worthy of note that customary marriage is the only type of marriage that may be entered into by more than two consenting individuals.

Polygamy and polyandry are also recognized by law under customary marriage. In South Africa, customary marriages are registered at the Department of Home Affairs.

In order for a customary marriage to be recognized, there are certain requirements to be met and it is guided by the recognition of customary marriages Act, 1998.

3. Civil Unions

This is also called civil partnership. It was introduced in 2006 as a type of marriage that registers both same-sex partners and opposite-sex partners. Civil union couples have the same rights and responsibilities as civil marriages.

In 2021, it was revealed that civil unions make up the minority of marriages in South Africa with only 1,771 registered.

This type of marriage is guided by the Civil Union Act, 2006. Apparently, South Africa was the first country to legalize same-sex marriage. The union can be officiated by government officials and also religious leaders. However, government marriage officers who do not agree with this type of marriage can be exempted from doing so only if there is a written letter to the Minister of Home Affairs.

Religious marriage officers are not obliged to solemnize a marriage that would violate the doctrines of their religion.

In African tradition, before any form of marriage is done, the brideprice or bridewealth must be paid. While it is not strictly adhered to nowadays, South Africans have practiced it for a long time. The bridewealth is called lobola and it is usually a complicated and formal process with strict rules. Before now, cattle were used as payment but today, cash is accepted.

Read Also: What Are The Official Languages Of South Africa? Number Of Speakers

Different Marriage Contracts in South Africa

Marriage in Community of Property

This agreement in marriage combines everything the couple had before and during the marriage. However, it excludes any item either party inherited. So, in case there’s a divorce, the couple shares their assets in two.

Also, all the debt one of the partners had before or during the marriage automatically becomes part of the couple’s joint estate. That is to say, the couple is responsible for each other’s debts.

Marriage Out of Community of Property (Antenuptial)

This marriage contract gives the couple two options: marriage with or without the accrual system. A marriage with the accrual system protects the partner who is seen as financially vulnerable while marriage without the accrual system allows each partner to manage their personal assets freely.

Marriage out of community of property with accrual allows a partner not to be responsible for your partner’s debt as well as being allowed to manage and grow one’s assets without the permission of the other party.

If one of the partners is the breadwinner, the one who is financially vulnerable would be dependent on the other.

This type of marriage contract is applied to regulate whether the marriage will be out of community of property with or without the accrual system. An antenuptial contract is usually done in the presence of two witnesses and a notary public.

In the laws of South African marriages, if a couple does not sign an antenuptial contract before the marriage, they are married in community of property and all their assets and liabilities are merged into a joint estate.

The Concept of Divorce in South African Law

South African law permits divorce but there are laws guiding it. A divorce may be obtained on grounds of incurable mental illness or continuous unconsciousness for more than six. Also, the law specifically mentions that one-year separation, adultery, and habitual criminality as other factors that divorce can be granted.

Divorce for same-sex couples and opposite-sex couples is subject to civil law. While divorce for marriages under customary law is also subject to civil law but there are certain changes since customary marriages may be monogynous and polygynous.

Furthermore, the 2011 South African Census revealed that people 43.7% of people between the age of 20 and above have never been married while 36,7% were married at the time of the census. There were also 11.0% living as married couples and 5.7% widowed. The rate of divorce was 1.9% while separation was 0.9%.

The post Types Of Marriages In South Africa: All The Recognized Unions appeared first on WeAfrique.

The wealth of these men is measured by their net worth. However, while some grow richer by the day, there are others that unfortunately lose their spots due to quite a number of economic factors.

Meet the Richest Man in Africa

Aliko Dangote 

Dangote is the founder and chairperson of Africa’s largest cement-producing company,  Dangote Cement. He first became a billionaire in 2007 and in 2013, he was named the 30th richest person in the world and also the wealthiest person in Africa.

The business magnate owns 85% of publicly-traded Dangote Cement. His company operates in over 11 countries across Africa and the company has the capacity to produce about 48.6 million metric tons annually. Aside from his cement company, Dangote started operating a fertilizer plant in Nigeria in 2021.

Aliko Dangote also has a refinery that has been under construction since 2016. Once completed, the refinery would be one of the world’s largest oil refineries.

The Kano-born billionaire is from a business-oriented family. He is the great-grandson of Alhassan Dantata, who was once the richest man in West Africa. Dangote’s grandfather, Sanusi Dantata was a successful trader of rice and oats in Kano.

Besides his family’s wealth, Aliko Dangote reportedly has a net worth of about $12.5 billion as of October 2022.

Here are 9 Others that are on the List

1. Johann Rupert & Family

Johann Rupert is the chairman of Swiss luxury goods firm Compagnie Financiere Richemont. The company was formed in 1998 and it is best known for controlling the world’s largest luxury watchmaker, Cie Financiere Richemont.

The billionaire owns 7% of diversified investment firm Remgro, a south-African based investment with stakes in more than 30 companies. The Rupert family’s family business is run by Johann Peter Rupert.

Rupert and his family made the Forbes list in 2021 as the second richest in South Africa. At the moment, the South African billionaire and his family have a net worth of about $7.2 billion. In 2005, the Rupert family was listed as 272nd on the list of the 500 wealthiest worldwide with a net worth of $2.3 billion. With a net worth of over $5 billion, the family ranked the 375th on Forbes Billionaires 2020 list.

With a net worth of about $7.2 billion, Johann Rupert & family are No. 2 on the Forbes list of richest African as of 2022.

2. Nicky Oppenheimer & Family

South African billionaire businessman, Nicky Oppenheimer is the third richest man in Africa.  He is the third generation of his family to run DeBeers before the company went private in 2001.

The Oppenheimer family used to control the world’s diamond trade for more than 85 years until 2012. In 2014, Nicky started Fireblade Aviation in Johannesburg, and now, he owns at least 720 square miles of conservation land across South Africa, Botswana, and Zimbabwe.

Aside from being a wealthy family, the Oppenheimer family has been involved in several philanthropic causes. They have helped in preserving the heritage and cultural importance of the southern African region.

3. Nassef Sawiris

His 6% stake in Adidas is said to be his most valuable asset. Also, he acquired a 5% stake in New Yoke-listed firm Madison Square Garden Sports. The Egyptian also runs one of the world’s largest nitrogen fertilizer producers, OCI.

According to reports, Nassef Sawiris teamed up with Wes Edens to buy the Premier League’s Aston Villa Football Club. He is now the executive chairman of Aston Villa F.C.

Read Also: Richest State In Nigeria: 10 States By Their IGR and GDP 

4. Abdul Samad Rabiu

Nigerian businessman and philanthropist Abdul Samad Rabiu is the founder and chairman of BUA Group. He is also the chairman of the Nigerian Bank of Industry. His company produces revenue of about $2.5 billion.

After inheriting land from his father, who was also a successful businessman, Abdul Samad began his own business in 1988 importing iron, steel, and chemicals

In July 2020, the Nigerian businessman was placed in the global billionaire’s club as the No. 716th and in January 2022, he was listed as the second richest man in Nigeria, and with a net worth of $5.3 billion, he became the fifth-richest man in Africa in April 2022.

5. Mike Adenuga

Mike Adenuga is the second richest man in Nigeria and was formerly the fourth richest man in Africa. His company Globacom is well-known in Ghana and Benin. In Nigeria, it is known as one of the largest telecom companies.

Aside from his telecom company, the father-of-seven owns stakes in the Equitorial Trust Bank. Apparently, the billionaire made his first million at the age of 26 in 1979 by selling lace and distributing soft drinks.

In 2007, the first African Telecoms Award named Mike Adenuga the African Entrepreneur of the Year and in 2019, he was cited as one of the Top 100 most influential Africans by New African magazine.

The oil magnate operates 6 oil blocks in the Niger Delta and at the moment, he is regarded as the 6th richest man in Africa.

6. Issad Rebrab & Family

Algerian billionaire businessman Issad Rebrab is the CEO of the largest private company called Cevital industrial group Algeria. The company produces steel, food, and electronics and is actively involved in agribusiness.

The Tizi Ouzou-born billionaire also owns one of the largest sugar refineries in the world. His company produces about 2 million tons annually. Some of his other investments include a German water purification company and also an Italian steel mill called Groupe Brandt.

Issad Rebrab was in jail for 8 months on charges of corruption. He was released on January 1, 2020. However, the millionaire has denied all the allegations against him.

7. Naguib Sawiris

The former chairman of Orascom TMT Investments, Naguib Sawiris comes from the famous Sawiris family in Egypt. His brothers, Nassef and Samih are also billionaires. Naguib has a fortune in telecommunications. Reports say he sold Orascom Telecom in 2011 to a Russian telecom firm called VimpelCom.

He launched Gemini Global Development in 2016 and he owns a USD 2.5 billion global real estate portfolio. He also owns a luxury resort called Silversands on the Caribbean island of Grenada.

With a net worth of $3.4 billion, the Egyptian is the eighth richest man in Africa at the moment.

8. Patrice Motsepe

Besides being the serving president of the Confederation of African Football, Patrice Motsepe is the founder of African Rainbow Minerals and also the board member of the world’s 12th largest gold mining company.

The South African was first named the richest man in South Africa in 2012 after he topped the Sunday Times annual Rich List with about $1 billion.

Aside from having an interest in mining, he also has an interest in sports. The father-of-three is the owner of Mamelodi Sundowns FCC but his son Thlopie took over as chairman of the club after he became the president of CAF.

9. Koos Bekker

Koos Bekker’s company Naspers operates in not less than 130 countries and it has been recognized on the London Stock Exchange and Johannesburg Stock Exchange. It has one of the largest market capitalizations. The billionaire’s company operates in Europe, Africa, China, and a few other countries.

In 2019 Forbes ranked him as the 1002nd wealthiest person in the world and the 3rd wealthiest South African in 2020. As of September 2022, he is the 10th richest person in Africa.

The post Who Is The Richest Man In Africa? Top 10 List appeared first on WeAfrique.