Some of the most famous African personalities include Nelson Mandela who is famous as the South African anti-apartheid revolutionary and the country’s first black president, and Nigerian and Africa’s richest man Aliko Dangote. Other famous people from Africa include Kenyan 2004 Nobel Peace Prize winner Wangari Maathai, 2001 Nobel Prize winner Kofi Annan, marathon runner Eliud Kipchoge, and sports legends Mohamed Salah and Sadio Mane.
The continent has also produced famous actors and actresses who include Charlize Theron, Lupita Nyong’o, Lesley-Ann Brandt, and The Mummy star, Arnold Vosloo. Other African legends include musicians Christina Shusho, Burna Boy, WizKid, Davido, Miriam Makeba, Yemi Alade, Tiwa Savage and Yvonne Chaka Chaka.
Most famous and influential African personalities
36 years old
61 years old
South African singer famous for her songs such as Umqombothi (African Beer), I'm Burning Up, Motherland, Thank You Mr. DJ
35 years old
Nigerian footballer who has played for Chelsea, Spartak Moscow and Luton Town
60 years old
Nigerian actress, pastor and TV personality who starred in Nollywood fims and TV shows from the age of 5
50 years old
Senegalese football coach, former player, former Senegal manager, former captain of the Senegal national team
41 years old
Kenyan singer, actress and radio personality famous for her songs Mdaka Mdakiwa, Amina, Najuta and Niwe Wako
48 years old
46 years old
Nigerian actress who has starred in over 200 Nollywood movies & winner of Africa Movie Award for Best Actress in a Leading Role in 2005
32 years old
Kenyan R&B singer, songwriter, guitarist known for hit music like Alivyonipendanga, and relationship with Vera Sidika
Died aged 30
Famous people from Africa
Famous Nigerian authors Chinua Achebe, Wole Soyinka, and Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie, as well as Kenyan novelist Ngũgĩ wa Thiong’o are also among the most famous African celebrities and legends.
There are other countless influential personalities from Africa. Most famous people from Africa have excelled in politics, sports, business, entertainment and history. In addition, these celebrities from Africa span all the main regions of the continent.
These are North Africa, South Africa, Central Africa, East Africa, West Africa, and the six African Island nations of Madagascar, Mauritius, Cape Verde, Seychelles, Comoros, and Sao Tome and Principe.
