Hayani Africa’s growing global footprint now spans Johannesburg and Lagos to New York and London, representing a cross-section of influential African creatives across acting, music, fashion, film, culinary arts, and modelling.
By Vivian Nneka Nwajiaku
Hayani Africa, a leading African talent management agency, has officially relaunched as a global talent agency, expanding its reach across the African continent and beyond.
Founded and led by seasoned talent manager and creative licensing strategist, Tumelo Moema, who is most recognised for her work with Zozibini Tunzi, the 2019 titleholder of Miss South Africa and Miss Universe, as well as her management of South African media personality, Hulisani Ravele, for over three years, Hayani Africa is positioning itself as a sanctuary for visionary artists and culture shapers.
Hayani Africa’s growing global footprint now spans Johannesburg and Lagos to New York and London, representing a cross-section of influential African creatives across acting, music, fashion, film, culinary arts, and modelling. The talent agency aims to bring African talents to the world and the world to African talents, building meaningful connections between local talent and international platforms.
Among the agency’s talents is Nigerian filmmaker, Joel Kachi Benson, whose documentary, Daughters of Chibok (2019), won the award for Best VR Immersive Story at the 76th Venice International Film Festival, and who co-directed a Disney Original documentary, Madu (2024), currently in the running in two categories at this year’s News & Documentary Emmy Awards.
Also on Hayani Africa’s roster is Nambitha Ben-Mazwi, an acclaimed South African actress known for major roles in multiple Netflix titles, such as Happiness Ever After (2021), Savage Beauty (2022), and the How to Ruin Christmas series.
Hayani Africa also manages Ch’cco, the breakout South African musician and hitmaker; Siphiwe Mpye, cultural commentator, former Editor-in-Chief of Business Day WANTED, and host of “A Meeting of Art & Insight”; and Bob the Stylist, the fashion entrepreneur and creative force behind “Boys of Soweto”, the fashion label which represented South Africa at Moscow Fashion Week in 2024.
The agency has also facilitated projects for leading consumer and lifestyle brands, including the Africa Magic Viewers’ Choice Awards (AMVCA), Moscow Fashion Week, Dark & Lovely, Glade (SC Johnson), Lux (Unilever), Nike Headquarters, and Lavazza in Italy.
These collaborations and the talents signed by the agency, as well as the agency’s digital-first approach and operations based in South Africa, underscore its intention to position African talent at the forefront of global campaigns while staying rooted in Africa.
“We are not just managing careers—we’re curating legacies”, says Tumelo Moema, founder of Hayani Africa, in a statement. “Our work reflects a commitment to integrity, innovation and deep-rooted African storytelling that resonates globally”.
The relaunch, which coincides with this year’s Africa Day celebrations, comes with the unveiling of a new website offering access to the Agency’s full portfolio of services and talent.