Chinua wrote the famous “Things Fall Apart,” a novel that has been translated into more than 50 different languages and has sold more than 10 million copies around the world. American hip hop artist Curtis Jackson (aka 50 Cent) asked to use the title “Things Fall Apart” as the title of a movie, offering Achebe $1 million for his permission. The writer turned him down.
Didier Drogba, 33, Côte d’Ivoire Soccer Player
On top of being a striker for England’s Chelsea Football Club and captain of the Côte d’Ivoire national team, Drogba is a political activist, having helped establish peace for Côte d’Ivoire after five years of civil war. He did this in a dramatic, televised gesture when, in the middle of the World cup in Germany, he dropped to his knees and begged the warring factions to give up their arms. They agreed.
Akon, 38, Senegalese Musician
When the Senegalese-American hip-hop artist released his single “Locked Up” in 2004, he came to be regarded as one of the top acts in the U.S. as well as Africa. Since then, the artist has released three albums, each selling millions of copies internationally. Akon also owns the record label Kon Live, which helped kick off Lady Gaga’s and T-Pain’s careers, as well as the Konvict clothing line.
Salif Keita, 62, Malian Musician
Keita is not only the founder of the Mali Empire but he is also considered one of the pioneers of Afro-pop, an unpredictable title for him when he broke tradition with his wealthy family and set out to become a musician. At age 18, Keita was banished from his village because the villagers feared albinos brought bad luck. But from there, Keita went on to play for Les Ambassadeurs—a Malian music group—and released several independent albums that have been wildly successful. His most recent album, “La Différence,” was written to raise awareness of the stigmatization of albinos around the world.
Oumou Sangare, 43, Malian Musician
Sangare made Wassoulou—a popular Malian genre of music named for a region—beloved around the world. She is one of the top musical icons in Malian culture. Wassoulou is traditionally performed by all women and accompanied by traditional instruments such as the djembe drum and the kora (a traditional African harp). Lyrics tend to be about women’s right and feminism—perfect for Sangare, a U.N. Goodwill ambassador who has long been an advocate for the disintegration of polygamy. Sangare is also an ambassador for the Food and Agriculture Organization.
Haile Gebrselassie, 38, Ethiopian Athlete
Gebrselassie is the top long-distance runner in the world and a four-time winner of the Berlin Marathon. The Ethiopian idol also holds two Olympic gold medals and won the Great Manchester run in England. Gebrselassie lives to run, and proved that when he announced his retirement several years ago, only to take back his announcement a few days later when he decided to run in the 2012 London Olympics.
Samuel Eto’o, 30, Cameroonian Soccer Player
Eto’o became the highest-earning athlete, not only in soccer but, in all sports, when he accepted a $29-million salary from the Russian club, Anzhi Makhachkala. Eto’o also receives generous endorsements from brands like Ford and Puma.
Alek Wek, 34, Sudanese Supermodel
After fleeing the turbulent political climate in Sudan, Wek walked into the spotlight on the American catwalk. At the age of 18, she was already a featured model in Tina Turner’s and Janet Jackson’s music videos and today she can be seen in ads for Calvin Klein, Victoria’s Secret and Christian Lacroix. Wek is also a member of the U.S. Committee for Refugees Advisory Council, and an ambassador for Doctors Without Borders.
Liya Kebede, 33, Ethiopian Supermodel
Kebede became internationally famous in 2000 after Gucci offered her an exclusive contract for its fall-winter 2000 fashion show. Since then, Kebede has done shows for Victoria’s Secret, Tommy Hilfiger, Escada, Louis Vuitton and Estee Lauder. Kebede is also a goodwill ambassador for Maternal, Newborn and Child Health and has her own foundation which funds initiatives that promote simple, low-cost strategies to save the lives of mothers and children.
Genevieve Nnaji, 32, Nigerian Actress
Held in the same regard as Julia Roberts, Reese Witherspoon and other high-profile Hollywood stars, Nnaji has been acting since the age of 8, when she had a supporting role on a Nigerian TV series. Today, she is considered the face of Nollywood and one of Africa’s most recognizable faces.
source: afkinsider.com
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