African Influence: The Global Reach of Culture, Economy, and Innovation
In recent years, African influence has been on the rise, reshaping culture, economics, and innovation worldwide. From art, fashion, and Music to tech and entrepreneurship, the continent is leaving its imprint as a vital player in the global arena.
As Africa’s influence expands, it becomes clear that the continent is not just a player but a force behind the future of our globalized world. With its rich cultural heritage and rapidly emerging economic opportunities, Africa is poised to leave its lasting mark on the world stage. Here is our list of 5 influential Africans making Impacts.
1.Quarraisha Abdool Karim is a renowned South African epidemiologist whose pioneering research on HIV/AIDS, particularly women’s health, has won her the recognition she enjoys today. Born on July 3, 1965, in Durban, she graduated with her Bachelor of Science and medical degrees from the University of Natal and later acquired her Master of Medical Science in Epidemiology.
Abdool Karim is the associate director of the Centre for the AIDS Programme of Research in South Africa (CAPRISA). Her CAPRISA 004 trial work was groundbreaking, demonstrating the efficacy of tenofovir gel as a pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) against HIV infection in women. This research has had a significant influence on public health policy and HIV transmission suppression strategies.
She has received various awards for her contributions, including fellowships at prominent scientific academies and accolades from international health agencies. Apart from research, Abdool Karim is a keen supporter of women’s health rights with a focus on improving access to healthcare and service among marginalized communities infected with HIV/AIDS. Her success continues to be a motivation to fight against global health challenges.
2. Dr. Arinze Madueke hails from Ukpor in the Nnewi South Local Government Area of Anambra State. He was born into the family of Chief and Mrs. Madueke brought up in a simple way, which taught him the values of hard work, humility, and resilience. His early education at Abot Boys Secondary School in Ihiala was characterized by daily long-distance walking, which molded his character and strength.
Dr. Madueke originally considered a career in medicine, and he gained a reputation for himself through his commitment to medicine. However, his interest in working to fix the issues of society at large prompted him to switch to business. He started a business specializing in foreign travel, education, and medical tourism services, drawing on his own experiences studying abroad to assist others.
Dr. Madueke expanded his business interests into other sectors like agriculture, pharmaceuticals, renewable energy, technology, and media throughout the years. His business enterprises resulted in the creation of the Zidora Group, a conglomerate that has subsidiaries from logistics, and real estate, to sport.
In line with his interest in empowering youth and minimizing unemployment in Anambra State, Dr. Madueke initiated a sports training program that collaborated with a specialized training institution to provide 200 trainees with holistic skill training. The project is an example of his interest in empowering local communities through practical interventions.
Dr. Madueke contested the seat of the House of Representatives of Nnewi North, Nnewi South, and Ekwusigo Federal Constituency on the All Progressive Grand Alliance (APGA) ticket in 2019. This move showed his commitment to public service and development.
Dr. Madueke’s books have been honored with a myriad of awards, such as being awarded the Paul Harris Fellow by the Rotary Organization and given the esteemed title of Ezeana Okaka na Ukpor by his people for his charitable work. Fidelity Bank awarded him the Distinguished Customer Award of Excellence and won the Ambassador of Peace and Security Award in 2019 from The Lagos Watch. His academic qualifications are a Doctor of Business Administration from Commonwealth University and a certification in Business Management and Leadership from London Graduate School in 2019.
He was, in 2020, honored for his humanitarian services as a Driver of Commerce and Industry by the University of Nigeria, Nsukka, and an Icon of Humanitarian Service by the Nigeria Youth Advocacy for Good Governance Initiative. Of all the many awards he received, Dr. Madueke also emerged winner of the Africa Illustrious Award and Yessiey Awards for his humanitarian work.
Dr. Madueke’s charitable philosophy is evident in his donations to various philanthropic causes, such as those that cater to vulnerable populations and orphaned children. His actions have touched numerous lives in Anambra State and beyond.
Dr. Arinze Madueke’s rags-to-riches experience from humble origins to a renowned entrepreneur, philanthropist, and political hopeful is a testament to his commitment to making an enduring difference in society. His awards and endeavors speak to a steadfast dedication to philanthropy, innovation, and humanitarian work that inspires numerous individuals in Anambra State and beyond.
3. Wangari Maathai (1940–2011) was a renowned Kenyan environmentalist, political activist, and the first African woman to receive the Nobel Peace Prize in 2004.
She was born in Nyeri, Kenya, to a farmer and developed a strong passion for nature in her rural background. She received a scholarship to study in the U.S., where she received a master’s degree in biological sciences and a doctorate, becoming one of the first women in East and Central Africa to earn these degrees.
Maathai founded the Green Belt Movement during the 1970s that included tree planting, environmental conservation, and the empowerment of women. The movement saw over 51 million trees planted and made Kenya’s environmental issues prominent in the limelight.
Maathai was equally a firm protector of human rights and democracy who was often at the receiving end of political intimidation, harassment, and imprisonment. She emphasized that environmental degradation went hand in hand with social injustice.
Her Nobel Peace Prize acknowledged her activity as a contribution to sustainable development and peace, bearing witness to her belief that addressing environmental emergencies is an essential part of social justice.
Maathai’s legacy continues to motivate political activists worldwide, and in her books, including her memoir “Unbowed,” she illustrates her commitment to environmental stewardship and justice. She passed away in 2011, but her impact remains, motivating us to continue to acknowledge the power of grassroots movements.
4. Van kosi-calebs, February 22, 1991, in Dzorwulu, Ghana, has become one of the most important people in the dance world with his creative approach to choreography and richness in emotion. Educated in education at Wisconsin International University and Adisadel College, he has gained a very unique vision of art that reflects his life experience and culture.
The period of the last seven years witnessed Van kosi-calebs become popular by virtue of his ability to blend richer emotional tales into his dances. His record-breaking hits like the contemplative solo dance performance “Base” reflect his ability to turn inwards’ struggles into compelling shows. His co-creation of 2018 with Ghanaian musician Noella Wiyaala to unveil the fashionable “Rock Body” form of dance injected yet another sophistication into Ghana’s modern dance heritage.
In 2020, his choreographic works were exhibited at the National Museum of Ghana, their significance in promoting Ghanaian dance and culture both locally and internationally. Moreover, in 2013, he founded the Van Calebs Walking Stick Foundation, a foundation that aimed at nurturing future dancers and new talent within the community.
Respect for his contribution to the arts, Van kosi-calebs has received many awards, such as awards for his humanitarian work, demonstrating his scope beyond the stage. At 32 years old, he continues to influence the next generation of dancers and choreographers, while emphasizing the importance of emotional expression and cultural storytelling through movement. His ongoing work is a demonstration of the power of dance as a means of connection and expression in Ghana and worldwide.
5. Damola Ayegbayo is an influence in modern African art, but most fitting are the loads of works about identity, culture, and daily life as told through African women. Damola was born in 1988 in Ejigbo, Osun State, Nigeria. Having studied art at Obafemi Awolowo University, Damola creates at an unbridled rate and has reached over 1,500 works to date. This puts him among the prolific artists of his generation.
His works have gained international recognition and are known for their very expressive colors, with deeper narratives. Damola’s practice in painting ÀBÈFÉ-means “pleaded to be loved”-carries depth into his cultural heritage and an artistic promise to bring out the beauty and strength of black African women. Inspiration against stereotypes, celebration of African identities in all their complexity, stand within the larger context of contemporary African art.
In February 2023, acclaimed English actor Jimmy Akingbola shared his enthusiasm for the artwork of the Nigerian contemporary artist Damola Ayegbayo. Akingbola expressed his delight at having Damola’s pieces displayed in his home, emphasizing how beautifully they complement his living space.
Moreover, his piece “Purpose of Existence” served as cover art for a campaign promoting Black women’s mental health by Cambridge University Press in 2022.
Damola featured in a feat as the only African artist to be featured in the major World of Women NFT project, which put into light the idea of women’s beauty through digital art. The collection included 15 artists from different parts of the world, voicing the growing relevance of NFTs in modern-day art, mainly to increase representation. His involvement in this project underlines not only his artistic ability but also the importance of increasing diversity in the digital face of art.
Damola’s work, especially his “Culture 4,” reflects his commitment to depicting the multi-dimensional experiences of African women. This painting, later adapted into an NFT, is a striking depiction of a traditional African woman against a lively village scene. This photo essay by Damola captures the beauty of his subjects and the cultural contexts that inform their lives. His ability to merge traditional artistic techniques with modern digital formats speaks volumes about his versatility and relevance in today’s art scene.
Damola’s work is more than just aesthetically pleasing; his paintings are historical documents that pay homage to lost heroes and cultural narratives. Some of his works, however, were showcased in Osogbo-a monumental painting in remembrance of the heroes among them. These displays in public also remind one of the future, educating on past heritage. This is evident to art historians from the area of study and also leaders within the community: the artworks act as a very vital ingredient toward their identity and continuity.
Again, the relevance of Damola in the current scenario is underlined by the participation of this artist in big projects, for example, the World of Women NFT project, where he was included as the only African among 15 globally known creators. Participation in such high-profile exhibitions first and foremost attests to the recognition of African artists on the international arena and shows just how vital their contribution is to global articulation.
Art critics have placed Damola in the contemporary movement of fusing traditional African themes with modern techniques to create a dialogue between past and present. The ease with which he moves between painting and drawing reflects a mastery of his craft that sets him apart from his peers. While many of the established collectors in Nigeria have built collections that sometimes boast works from several different artists, the commitment Damola has to amassing an extensive portfolio of originals underlines his singular position within the art world.
Essentially, the work of Damola ayegbayo stands out not only for its artistic merit but also for its role it plays in preserving and celebrating the culture of Africa. His contributions have been recognized from art collectors, critics, and community leaders, which are affections that he is an important contemporary voice to reckon with in the African art movement. As his works continue to gain visibility, they act as a vital link to the past and an inspiration for future generations.
