Danai Gurira recognized among 100 Most Influential Africans

Black Panther actress, Danai Gurira
Black Panther actress, Danai Gurira

Renowned Zimbabwean playwright and Hollywood actress, Danai Jekesai Gurira, has secured a spot on the prestigious list of the 100 Most Influential Africans of 2023. This esteemed recognition was bestowed upon her by New African, one of the continent’s leading publications.

New African’s annual listing celebrates the accomplishments and contributions of exceptional individuals hailing from various fields and sectors. These individuals have made a profound impact on both Africa and the world. The 100 Most Influential Africans of 2023 serves as a comprehensive showcase of their lives and achievements, offering readers valuable insights and inspiration.

Gurira, currently based in the United States, gained prominence for her remarkable role in the American superhero film, Black Panther. Beyond her acting prowess, she is the co-founder and executive artistic director of Almasi, a collaborative Zimbabwean-American drama arts organization.

New African highlights Gurira’s outstanding contributions to the entertainment industry, as well as her unwavering advocacy for women’s rights and social justice. Her portrayal of Okoye, the leader of the Dora Milaje warriors in the Black Panther films, garnered universal acclaim. Furthermore, her play Eclipsed made history as the first Broadway production to feature an all-female, all-Black cast and creative team.

Gurira’s career is a testament to her multifaceted talents and her dedication to effecting positive change. She continues to inspire others through her impactful work in both the entertainment industry and activism.

Joining Gurira on the list is her compatriot Tsitsi Masiyiwa, the wife of business mogul Strive Masiyiwa. Tsitsi Masiyiwa is recognized under the Politics and Public Service category.

The list encompasses individuals from diverse domains such as politics, entrepreneurship, industry, environmentalism, creativity, science, education, and sports. Each honoree has demonstrated excellence, innovation, leadership, resilience, and vision in their respective fields.

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Creatives dominate the rankings, with 31 representatives, closely followed by business leaders with 25 entries. Notably, Nigeria emerges as the most represented country on the list, underscoring its influence in the creative sector and business landscape.

The Creative section features notable personalities like singer Abel Tesfaye (aka The Weekend), filmmaker Alice Diop, and writer Nana Darkoa Sekyiamah. The Business section includes prominent figures such as Aliko Dangote, Africa’s wealthiest person, and Ralph Mupita, CEO of a major telecommunications company.

The list extends its recognition to exceptional individuals in science and academia, environmental conservation, and media. It also acknowledges influential figures in politics and public service, including William Ruto, the President of Kenya.

With climate change at the forefront of global concerns, the list features key players committed to the environment, such as James Mwangi and Elizabeth Maruma Mrema, who are actively involved in climate-related initiatives.

In the media sector, the list includes Claude Grunitzky, founder of communications agency Voodoo, and Alan Kasujja, a prominent BBC journalist. Sports icons like Faith Kipyegon and Siya Kolisi, captain of the Springboks rugby team, are also recognized for their record-breaking achievements.

Below the list in full.

Politics and Public Service

William Ruto

Ibrahima Cheikh Diong

Sidi Ould Tah

Akinwumi Adesina

Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala

Bola Tinubu

Mamady Doumbouya

Ousmane Sonko

Nadia Fettah Alaoui

Tsitsi Masiyiwa

Tidjane Thiam

Business

Mohamed Kande

Sim Tshabalala

Karim Beguir

Didier Acouetey

Olugbenga Agboola

Samaila Zubairu

Prof. Benedict Okey Oramah

Ralph Mupita

Ibrahim Sagna

Simon Tiemtoré

Jules Ngankam

Riham ElGizy

André de Ruyter

Aliko Dangote

Ham Serunjogi

Serge Ekué

Bahija Jallal

Coura Sène

Bernard Koné Dossongui

Hassanein Hiridjee

Shola Akinlade

James Mwangi

Pascal Agboyibor

Science and Academia

Anna Adeola Makanju

Chao Tayiana Maina

Nemat Talaat Shafik

Ismahane Elouafi

Moungi Bawendi

Timnit Gebru

Environmental

James Irungu Mwangi

Ephraim Mwepya Shitima

Wanjira Mathai

Rashid Sumaila

Elizabeth Maruma Mrema

Dr Musonda Mumba

Creative

Kaouther Ben Hania

Danai Gurira

Ncuti Gatwa

Black Coffee

Tyla Laura Seethal

Temilade “Tems” Openiyi

Lesley Lokko

Mulenga Kapwepwe

Alice Diop

Wanuri Kahiu

Bassem Youssef

Malenga Mulendema

Jadesola Osiberu

Editi Effiong

Ali Said Alamin Mandhry

Abel “The Weekend” Tesfaye

Pretty Yende

Julie Mehretu

Pierre Thiam

Teju Cole

Thebe Magugu

David Diop

Burna Boy

Serge Attukwei Clottey

Nana Darkoa Sekyiamah

Aïda Muluneh

Omoyemi Akerele

Mariam Issoufou Kamara

Victor Ekpuk

DJ Snake

Gandhi “Maitre Gims” Djuna

Media

Claude Grunitzky

Chioma Nnadi

Edward Enninful

Alan Kasujja

Wode Maya

Anton Harber

Khabane “Khaby” Lame

Charity Ekezie

Moses “Uncle Mo” Kiboneka

Branko Brkic

Tomiwa Aladekomo

Marie Mbullu

Nicolas Pompigne-Mognard

Daniel Ahaoussa

Fabrice Sawegnon

Sports

Francis Ngannou

Faith Kipyegon

The Springboks, led by captain Siya Kolisi

Patrice Motsepe

Kelvin Kiptum

Victor Osmihen

Biniam Girmay

Yassine Bounou

About Ronald Magweta 611 Articles
Ronald Magweta is a digital media strategist and founder of The ZimTainment. Contact him on rmagweta@thezimtainment.co.zw or follow @ninja_reezy on all social media platforms.

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