Wanuri Kahiu – Kenya
If you are an avid reader of modern African literature, then you probably know Wanuri Kahiu. She is one of the best African storytellers of recent times. Through her stories and films in Kenya, she has garnered international attention.
Some of her films have been screened numerous times in film festivals around the globe. She is also a co-founder of the Afrobubblegum, a media company out to support, create, and commission art across Africa.
Kahiu was recognized under the ‘artist’ category of the 2019 Time 100 Next List. Her film ‘Rafiki’ is believed to have contributed the most to her recognition. The film is about an African lesbian story on the continent that largely shuns homosexuality.
So grateful RAFIKI is part of the China Women’s Film Festival. ??https://t.co/0SqkmIjdJs
— Wanuri (@wanuri) October 17, 2019
Robert ‘Bobi Wine’ Ssentamu – Uganda
Robert Ssentamu, popularly known as Bobi Wine is a Ugandan musician turned politician. Currently serving as a Member of Parliament for Kyadondo East, Bobi Wine has made international headlines for his resolve to oust the Ugandan strongman and current president, Yoweri Museveni.
President Museveni has served as the President of Uganda for more than three decades now. At one point, he was poised to be stopped for running for office again due to the age limit entrenched in the Uganda constitution. Through questionable political maneuvers, the age limit was removed, thereby making it possible for a president to hold on to power for a lifetime.
The young Bobi Wine has made his intention to vie for the presidency in the upcoming 2021 Uganda elections. Something that has seen him being jailed, beaten, and charged with treason by the government of Uganda.
Not Even a dictator can stop an idea ? who’s time has come.
The people of #uganda most be allowed to make their decisions and kick ?out the dictator.
The people has even spoken their mind and have chosen @bobiwine to be their leader come #2021#BobiWine2021@KagutaMuseveni pic.twitter.com/a3aLrMjv5h
— Deep Talk Naija (@deeptalknaija) January 20, 2020
Magid Magid – Somalia
Magid Magid is a Somali-British national known for his activism and becoming the mayor of Sheffield in England between May 2018 to May 2019. He is recognized under the ‘advocate’ category of the 2019 Time 100 Next List.
Magid recognition is mainly due to his successful maneuvers through British politics, one mayor, and now a member of the European parliament. He is on the frontline of the antifascism campaign across five cities in Europe and urges the youth to take active participation in politics and the running of the country.
Magid Magid: ‘I don’t intend to try to fit in’ https://t.co/6s0ZGL4Bd9 pic.twitter.com/DeO3yMP7Wh
— BBC News (UK) (@BBCNews) July 4, 2019
Joy Buolamwini – Ghana
The Ghanaian-American scientist, Joy Buolamwini, was recognized by Time for her efforts in counteracting the common biases with developing technologies such as artificial intelligence. Time recognized her under the ‘advocate’ category.
In 2016, she founded the Algorithmic Justice League, through which she highlights the biases that are continuously being perpetuated with the development of new cutting-edge technologies. She is helping tech companies not to propagate stereotypes with their new inventions.
At one time, Buolamwini gave her expertise at two congressional hearings and is now part of a team working for government agencies across Europe.
Adut Akech – South Sudan
Adut Akech is a model who is originally from South Sudan, where she fled as a child due to the violence that broke out. She first went to Australia while she was 8-years-old, and with time joined the modeling industry.
Akech modeling career skyrocketed while in Australia that she now works with multiple international Vogue covers. She is highly sorted after in the fashion industry and has her belt line.
The Time recognized her under the ‘advocate’ category for her role in proving to the fashion industry that beauty comes with a broader spectrum of color and ethnicity.
