While influencers chase the spotlight, these creatives are building legacies, one original idea at a time by exploring creative ideas, and sharing their unique stories.
By Mary Chiney
In a world seemingly dominated by viral trends and fleeting fame, a new generation of Black and African creators is rising, not just to participate, but to redefine arts and culture. Beyond the glow of TikTok fame and mainstream streaming, these young trailblazers are carving out rare, uncharted spaces with bold innovation and unshakable vision.
From groundbreaking performance artists to visionary entrepreneurs, they are pushing boundaries, challenging norms, and telling stories that resonate far beyond algorithms.
While influencers chase the spotlight, these creatives are building legacies, one original idea at a time by exploring creative ideas and sharing their unique stories. Afrocritik spotlights ten of these young and African professionals that are currently redefining the creative space.
Simisola Gbadamosi
Simisola, a talented voice actress born on April 17, 2011, in Washington, D.C., achieved a historic milestone by becoming the youngest Nigerian to receive an Emmy nomination for her contribution to the Disney+ animated sci-fi miniseries, Iwájú. Her outstanding performance as the voice of Tola Martins, a character in the series, earned her critical acclaim and a place in the history books.
Simisola’s role in Iwájú highlights her remarkable talent and contributes to the growing international recognition of Nigerian actors in Hollywood.
Sidney Keys III
Sidney Keys III, a precocious bookworm from St. Louis, Missouri, discovered a passion for reading and literacy advocacy at a young age. After visiting a Black-owned bookstore with his mother, Keys was inspired to create a book club aimed at promoting literacy and diversity among young boys in his community—an initiative that eventually earned him a feature on Forbes as the author of his own work, Books N Bros: 44 Inspiring Books for Black Boys.
The young activist’s dedication to fostering a love of reading in his community led to a serendipitous turn of events, as he was later featured in the Marvel-produced documentary series Marvel’s Hero Project. In this series, Keys was spotlighted for his remarkable efforts to create a sense of belonging and a space for young boys of colour to read, connect, and grow.
Keys’ journey illustrates the power of representation and the transformative impact it can have on individuals, communities, and the world at large.
Elsa Majimbo
Rising to prominence with her witty and insightful monologues, comedian and chess player Elsa Majimbo has taken the world by storm with her unapologetic and authentic personality. Her comedic sketches caught the attention of renowned celebrities, including Naomi Campbell, Lupita Nyong’o, and Anderson Cooper, all of whom applauded her work. She also founded a podcast titled Bedtime with Elsa.
As a result of her meteoric rise, Majimbo was named an ambassador for major beauty brands such as MAC Cosmetics and Fenty, where she championed the diversity and inclusivity these brands represent.
Majimbo’s success didn’t stop there. In 2020, she was recognised for her exceptional contributions to social media with the prestigious People’s Choice Award for Favourite African Social Star. This accolade cemented her status as a force to be reckoned with in the entertainment industry, proving that her unfiltered charm and charisma resonated with audiences worldwide.
With a blend of humour, intelligence, and self-assuredness, Elsa Majimbo has not only broken barriers in the African comedy scene but has also become a beacon of inspiration for young, ambitious women everywhere.
Johnel
Paving the way for indie rights holders with a passion for music, Johnel, alongside his co-founder Nnamani Grace Odi, has carved a name for themselves in the mainstream entertainment industry. Together, they introduced an innovative venture—Nnamani Music Group (NMG), an independent music company that aims to empower indie music rights holders and provide a platform for bold, creative ideas to thrive across the entertainment industry.
Launching with a roster of artistes from around the globe, including Indiana-based Daine Steele, Denmark-based Azilda of the duo Embrace a.k.a. Kaputu, Nigerian-based Ultrae Moose, Australian-based Jessie Hillel, and more. NMG has established itself as a hub for global indie talent.
The Atlanta Inquirer featured NMG as one of the rising key players in African music, recognising its entrepreneurial drive and efforts in revolutionising the music landscape.
With over five years of experience in the industry, Johnel NG has collaborated with renowned directors such as Obi Emelonye. His vision for NMG exemplifies a deep commitment to promoting independent music and equipping creatives with the support they need to flourish in a challenging industry.
Beyond his involvement in music, Johnel has also demonstrated his versatility by venturing into the world of film. As a film score composer, he brings a unique perspective and talent to the table, crafting powerful soundtracks that enhance the emotional depth of each scene.
Kheris Rogers
At the tender age of nine, Kheris Rogers experienced the destructive impact of bullying first-hand due to her dark skin tone. Her indomitable spirit, however, transformed this adversity into a positive force by establishing the now-iconic Flexin’ in My Complexion brand, which promotes body positivity and self-love for young Black girls.
As the youngest designer to showcase her clothing line at New York Fashion Week, Kheris’s tireless dedication to self-expression and inclusivity has been recognised globally by media outlets such as Teen Vogue.
From emerging as a powerful voice in the fight against bullying to showcasing her remarkable talents as a model, singer, dancer, and actress, Kheris Rogers continues to defy societal boundaries and shatter expectations with grace and determination.
With her influential girl group, Run the World, Kheris uses her platform to inspire and empower young people everywhere to embrace their individuality and practise self-love. Her unwavering commitment to her principles has garnered widespread admiration and positioned her as a trailblazing role model for the next generation of Black girls and young people.
Marley Dias
Marley Dias, an activist and writer, is making waves in the literary world with her groundbreaking work. At just 11 years old, she launched #1000BlackGirlBooks, a campaign aimed at bringing representation to the forefront of children’s literature.
The campaign’s success caught the attention of renowned individuals such as Misty Copeland, Ava DuVernay, and Hillary Clinton, who all lent their voices in support. Since then, Dias has achieved numerous milestones. She became an editor for the Elle-sponsored magazine, Marley Mag, where she interviewed prominent figures. She also made history as the host and executive producer of Netflix’s Bookmarks: Celebrating Black Voices, a series that amplifies diverse voices in children’s literature.
Most recently, she added another feather to her cap by being appointed ambassador for the National Education Association’s Read Across America programme, continuing her advocacy for representation and diversity in the literary world.
Moziah “Mo” Bridges
Moziah Bridges is a seasoned entrepreneur whose achievements have surpassed those of many people twice his age. At just nine years old, he swapped playground antics for business acumen, launching Mo’s Bows—a fashion brand selling handcrafted neckties and bow ties.
His impressive work quickly caught international attention, earning him a spot in the Tennessee State Museum Costume and Textile Institute, inclusion in Time Magazine’s “30 Most Influential Teens” list (twice), and a feature in the NBA Draft as a fashion correspondent.
But Moziah’s story doesn’t end there. In 2015, he met President Barack Obama at the White House Demo Day and presented him with a custom-made “Obama Blue” Mo’s Bow tie. This was followed by his inclusion in Fortune’s 18 Under 18 list and a lucrative partnership with the NBA in 2017.
Alongside his business acumen, Moziah also embodies a deep-rooted commitment to giving back. In 2012, he established the Go Mo! Summer Camp Scholarship Fund, helping children in Memphis access enriching summer camp experiences.
Cory Nieves
A cold, frosty day in 2009 set the scene for the inspiring tale of Cory Nieves, a determined six-year-old from Englewood, New Jersey. Fuelled by the desire for a warmer commute, Cory and his mother, Lisa Howard, began a remarkable journey by starting a cookie and cocoa stand that quickly gained local fame.
Despite early setbacks, such as being reported to the health department, Cory’s perseverance led him to national recognition on The Ellen DeGeneres Show.
After receiving $10,000 and a custom Ford Escape on Ellen, Cory’s cookie business soared to new heights. He graced the screens of MasterChef Junior, partnered with top-tier brands like Williams-Sonoma and Whole Foods, and even made his mark at the Emmy Awards with the help of J.Crew.
Today, the young entrepreneur continues to bake fresh batches of cookies, delighting customers with his all-natural and organic products. And with over 10,000 cookies sold so far, it seems Cory’s story is only just beginning.
Adebola Aderibigbe
Blazing a trail for gender equality and women’s rights, Adebola Aderibigbe has set a remarkable example as the youngest and first African recipient of the prestigious Horizon Award.
Sharing a stage with esteemed individuals such as Richard Arrington Jr. and Doug Jones, her contributions to social justice earned her a place among the distinguished honorees at the Martin Luther King Jr. Awards ceremony. The teenage activist’s commitment to the cause began with her winning essay for the International Day of the Girl Child contest.
Since then, Aderibigbe’s trailblazing journey has seen her advocate for the girl child as a member of HACEY Health Initiative’s Girls Advisory Board. Her powerful voice has resonated both locally and internationally, sparking a conversation about the importance and value of women in the world.
From a small-town girl in Abeokuta to an international voice for women’s rights, Aderibigbe’s accomplishments serve as a beacon of inspiration for future generations, reminding us that one person can make a world of difference.
Langston Whitlock
Paving the way for safer and more accessible transportation, Langston Whitlock, along with his co-founder Ja’Nese Jean, developed SAFETRIP, an innovative ride-sharing app focusing on non-emergency medical transport.
The Atlanta-based startup not only secured a noteworthy $2 million in funding but also boasts an impressive network of over 800 drivers spread across 80 cities.
At just 12 years old, Langston’s tech-savviness was already evident when he developed his first messaging app. Whitlock’s keen eye for problem-solving enabled him to tackle a real-world issue that many fail to recognise: the difficulty people in need of medical transport face in securing reliable, safe, and convenient transportation.
Through his dedication and unique perspective, Langston has revolutionised an often overlooked aspect of healthcare, proving that creativity and tenacity are powerful tools in bringing effective solutions to the market. With SAFETRIP’s exponential growth, it’s clear that this young entrepreneur’s ideas are not only innovative but also impactful.
Mary Chiney is a freelance writer and a graduate of the prestigious University of Nigeria Nsukka. She covers entertainment and business related topics.