From famous jazz singers to writers, musicians, supermodels, and actors, beautiful African women are making a mark in every field. Here are some of our favorite African women who have inspired the world to level up. Scroll down to check out our list!
1. Zozibini Tunzi
Date Of Birth: 18 September, 1993 Place Of Birth: Tsolo, Eastern Cape, South Africa Height: 5’10 Profession: Model
The newest Miss Universe, Zozibini Tunzi, holds the honor of being the third woman from South Africa to win the title and the first black woman to do so since 2011. She is an activist who aims to put an end to gender-based violence. At the young age of 26, she is working hard to change the perceptions around prevailing gender stereotypes. The modern world needs more inspiring women like Tunzi.
2. Jawahir Ahmed
Date Of Birth: 1991 Place Of Birth: Logan, Utah, USA Height: 5’8 Profession: Model
This African woman is the definition of smart and beautiful. With the dream to serve as a health advisor to Engineers Without Borders, she hopes to bring change in the world any way she can. Jawahir is signed to the Stars Talent Group Modelling Agency. She represented Somalia in the Miss Africa Utah pageant in 2013, which she won.
3. Atong Demach
Date Of Birth: 16th June, 1988 Place Of Birth: Malakal, South Sudan Height: 5’10 Profession: Model
Atong Demach, a South Sudanese businesswoman, is yet another African woman with both beauty and brains. She has strived for success from an early age and is extremely hardworking. She won the title of Miss World Africa in 2011.
4. Joelle Kayembe
Date Of Birth: 31st May, 1983 Place Of Birth: Congo, Africa Height: 5’9 Profession: Actor, Model
Joelle is best known for her role as Zina in the 2013 film Zulu. She started her career in acting at the young age of 19. She is highly admired by her fellow stars for her perseverance to work and grow as an actor.
5. Adaora Akubilo
Date Of Birth: 1987 Place Of Birth: Nigeria Height: 5’11 Profession: Model
Adaora Akubilo is deeply attached to her native land, Nigeria. She spent a long time learning about her land and culture before she got signed by a modeling agency. She is one of the fittest models in the world and has appeared in the 2012 and 2013 Sports Illustrated Swimsuit Editions.
6. Dillish Mathews
Date Of Birth: 16th September, 1990 Place Of Birth: Namibia, Africa Height: 6’1 Profession: Actor, Model
Dillish Mathews is popularly known for participating in the reality television series Big Brother. She is a student of psychology and has been fond of education since she was 7. She has done various photo shoots to kickstart her modeling career.
7. Lupita Nyongo’o
Date Of Birth: 1st March, 1983 Place Of Birth: Mexico City, Mexico Height: 5’5 Profession: Actress
Though she was born in Mexico, Lupita grew up in Kenya. She graduated with a degree in Film and Theater Studies from Hampshire College. She is renowned for her bold and beautiful features that make her stand out in a crowd. In 2014, People’sMagazine named her “The Most Beautiful Woman.”
8. Nonhle Thema
Date Of Birth: 15th October, 1981 Place Of Birth: South Africa Height: 5’9 Profession: TV presenter?, actress?, and producer
Nonhle Thema, a South African woman, is a famous television personality. She has been in showbiz for quite some time and has made her mark in the TV world as a star.
9. Thandie Newton
Date Of Birth: 6th November 1972 Place Of Birth: Zambia Height: 5’6 Profession: Actor
Thandie Newton is popularly known for starring in iconic films, such as Mission: Impossible 2 and Solo: A Star Wars Story. She is widely renowned for her acting prowess. She states that from an early age, she was subjected to racism for being black. She often got picked on at school. All of this made her stronger and come back with more confidence. More power to her!
10. Miriam Chemmoss
Year Of Birth: 1977 Place Of Birth: Kenya Height: 5’4 Profession: Musician and artist
Miriam is a supremely talented performing artist from East Africa. She grew up in Kenya and Tanzania where she was actively involved in music and theater programs. She has performed at many music festivals and become a favorite among the general African population. Miriam’s music is a beautiful blend of R&B and hip-hop music.
11. Isha Sesay
Date Of Birth: 6th January 1976 Place Of Birth: Bordeaux, France Height: 5’8 Profession: Journalist
This intellectual and fiercely gorgeous woman has worked with CNN as an anchor for the longest time. She is of Sierra Leonean and British descent. She is a popular media personality who has strong opinions on important subjects such as racial and gender equality.
12. Nadia Buari
Date Of Birth: 21st November, 1982 Place Of Birth: Ghana Profession: Actor
Nadia Buari, a Ghanaian actress, has been nominated twice for Best Actress in a Leading Role by the Africa Movie Academy. A well-known actress in Nollywood, Nadia is widely respected for her work and contribution to the Nigerian film industry.
13. Leila Lopes
Date Of Birth: 26th February, 1986 Place Of Birth: Angola Height: 5’10 Profession: Actress and TV hostess
Angola is famously known as the home of some of the most beautiful women in the world. One of them happens to be Leila Lopes. She is widely recognized for her remarkable beauty. Leila has made her mark in the modeling world by bagging the titles of Miss Angola UK 2010, Miss Angola 2010, and Miss Universe 2011.
14. Honorine Uwera
Date Of Birth: 30th July, 1990 Place Of Birth: Rwanda Height: 5’10 Profession: Model
This young woman from Rwanda immigrated to Canada in the late ‘90s. She began her modeling career at the early age of 16. She worked with the reputed model Naomi Campbell in the Roca Wear Spring 2005 campaign.
15. Lorraine Van Wyk
Date Of Birth: 24th September, 1981 Place Of Birth: Belville, South Africa Height: 5’9 Profession: Model and social media personality
This African beauty began her career by appearing in advertisements and commercials. She moved to London at an early age to pursue her dream of acting. It was not too long before she got featured on the cover of the famous Maxim magazine in the Netherlands. Soon after, she bagged the title of Model of the Year in both 2003 and 2004.
16. Nyasha Matonhodze
Date Of Birth: 31st July, 1995 Place Of Birth: Harare, Zimbabwe Height: 5’11 Profession: Model
Nyasha hails from a simple family in Zimbabwe. She was raised by her grandmother and received a humble upbringing. She then moved to London to live with her mother. Due to her tall and lean physique, she was often told to try her hand at modeling. At the young age of 14, she got signed by the popular Elite Modeling Agency.
17. Genevieve Nnaji
Date Of Birth: 3rd May, 1979 Place Of Birth: Mbaise, Nigeria Height: 5’5 Profession: Actress, model, and singer
Genevieve Nnaji was born and raised in Lagos. She is one of the highest-paid actresses in Nigeria. She has won several awards for her outstanding performances, including the African Movie Academy Award for Best Actress in a Leading Role in 2005.
18. Kandyse McClure
Date Of Birth: 22nd March, 1980 Place Of Birth: Durban, South Africa Height: 5’0 Profession: Actress
Kandyse McClure, a Canadian actress, is popularly known for her role as Anastasia Dualla in Battlestar Galactica. She also stars in the Netflix original series, Hemlock Grove. Kandyse is on a mission to wipe out poverty. She works with an NGO called CARE to help drive out poverty in Third World countries.
19. Ella Thomas
Year Of Birth: 1981 Place Of Birth: Asmara, Eritrea Height: 5’10 Profession: Actress, model, and producer
Ella Thomas moved to Germany at a very young age. She was extremely interested in performing arts and actively took part in school plays. Her skills were recognized, and she was encouraged to pursue a career in acting. She made her Hollywood film debut alongside Bruce Willis in Surrogates.
20. Megalyn Echikunwoke
Date Of Birth: 28th May 1983 Place Of Birth: Spokane, Washington Height: 5’7 Profession: Actress
Though Megalyn Echikunwoke hails from the US, she is of Nigerian descent. Her grandfather was a reputed tribal leader in Nigeria, thus making her African royalty. Megalyn is famous for her role in CSI: Miami as Tara Price.
21. Michelle Van Der Water
Year Of Birth: 1978 Place Of Birth: Cape Town, South Africa Height: 5’6 Profession: Actress
Michelle Van Der Water was born in South Africa but raised in Australia. She graduated from Wollongong University with a Bachelor’s degree in Creative Arts and Graphic Design. She soon started taking acting classes. Michelle then moved to Los Angeles to pursue a career in acting. She appeared on NCIS: Los Angeles in 2009.
22. Ajuma Nasanyana
Date Of Birth: 16th August, 1984 Place Of Birth: Lodwar, Kenya Height: 5’10 Profession: Model
Ajuma Nasanyana was intrigued by the world of modeling at a very young age. Lucky for her, her body type was the perfect fit. Her friends and family pushed her toward her goals. She participated in the Miss Kenya Tourism pageant in 2003. She won the pageant and was crowned Miss Nairobi. She received a lot of exposure during this event and was soon signed up by Surazuri Modeling Agency.
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23. Fatima Siad
Date Of Birth: 17th December, 1986 Place Of Birth: Somalia Height: 5’8 Profession: Model
Fatima Siad hails from a humble family. She was passionate about modeling ever since she was a little girl. She has been recognized for her patience and hard work by her fellow model friends. She is currently signed with IMG Models in New York City, Paris, and Milan.
24. Helen Getachew
Date Of Birth: 13th January 1990 Place Of Birth: Ethiopia Height: 5’9 Profession: Model
Helen Getachew is the epitome of grace, wisdom, and beauty. She was crowned Queen of Ethiopia in 2012 and is considered to be one of the most beautiful Ethiopian women.
25. Yemi Alade
Date Of Birth: 13th March, 1989 Place Of Birth: Nigeria Profession: Musician
Yemi Alade has loved singing for as long as she can remember. She is a famous Nigerian singer as well as a songwriter. She got her big break on the Peak Talent Show in 2009. She is known to draw attention with her beauty, voice, and moves.
26. Jackie Appiah
Date Of Birth: 5th December 1983 Place Of Birth: Ghana Profession: Actress
Jackie Appiah’s beauty is definitely captivating. She has gained lots of recognition for her acting work. Jackie grabbed the award for Best Actress in a Leading Role in the 2007 Africa Movie Academy Awards. She is also considered to be one of the most beautiful women in the African film industry. How does Africa define beauty? To refresh your memory, check out the below infographic to look through our hand-picked list of the top 10 most beautiful African women. In Africa, beauty is defined in terms of virtue as well as physical appeal. It goes beyond good looks and takes into account the good character of a person. Which tribe has the most beautiful ladies in Africa? The Himba tribe is said to have the most beautiful ladies in Africa. This tribe’s women are admired for their strength and beauty.
