Noteworthy Names: The Top 10 African People You Should Know

African ethnicity has produced a wealth of notable people who have made significant contributions to various fields. Here is a list of the top 10 most popular celebrities and notable people from African ethnicity:

• Nelson Mandela: The former President of South Africa and anti-apartheid revolutionary is widely recognized for his role in ending apartheid and promoting racial reconciliation.




• Barack Obama: The 44th President of the United States, Obama is the first African American to hold the office. His presidency was marked by significant achievements, including the passage of the Affordable Care Act and the end of the Iraq War.




• Oprah Winfrey: A talk show host, actress, producer, and philanthropist, Winfrey is one of the most influential women in the world. She is known for her philanthropy and her work to empower women.




• Beyoncé: A singer, songwriter, dancer, and actress, Beyoncé is one of the most successful musicians of all time. She is known for her powerful vocals, energetic performances, and social activism.




• Jay-Z: A rapper, songwriter, record producer, and entrepreneur, Jay-Z is one of the most successful hip hop artists of all time. He is known for his intelligent lyrics, business acumen, and philanthropy.




• Will Smith: An actor, producer, and rapper, Smith is one of the most popular and successful actors in Hollywood. He is known for his comedic roles and his work to promote social justice.




• Lupita Nyong’o: An actress, Nyong’o rose to fame for her role in the film “12 Years a Slave.” She is known for her powerful performances and her work to promote diversity in Hollywood.




• Mo Ibrahim: A Sudanese-British businessman and philanthropist, Ibrahim is known for his work to promote good governance and economic development in Africa. He is the founder of the Mo Ibrahim Foundation, which awards an annual prize to African leaders who demonstrate outstanding leadership.




• Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie: A Nigerian writer, Adichie is known for her novels, short stories, and essays. She is a vocal advocate for gender equality and her work has been praised for its insights into contemporary African life.




• Trevor Noah: A South African comedian, writer, and political commentator, Noah is known for his work on “The Daily Show.” He is known for his sharp wit and his ability to discuss serious issues in a humorous way.

African Mystique: Unraveling Three Key Historical Legacies

The African community is one of rich and diverse heritage. From ancient civilizations to modern day, Africans have left an indelible mark on history. Here, we explore three of the most well-known historical inheritances associated with the African heritage.

1. Ancient Egypt: The Civilization that Endured

Ancient Egypt is often referred to as the cradle of civilization, and for good reason. This remarkable civilization existed for over 3,000 years, leaving behind breathtaking monuments, such as the pyramids of Giza and the Great Sphinx. The ancient Egyptians were renowned for their advanced knowledge in various fields, including architecture, medicine, and astronomy. Their hieroglyphic writing system and intricate burial practices serve as a testament to their sophisticated culture.

• The pyramids of Giza: These iconic structures are a testament to the incredible architectural skills of the ancient Egyptians. Built as tombs for pharaohs, they have stood the test of time and continue to awe visitors today.
• The Great Sphinx: This colossal statue with a lion’s body and a human head is one of the most recognizable symbols of ancient Egypt. The purpose of its construction and its true identity remains a topic of debate among historians.
• Hieroglyphics: The ancient Egyptian writing system consisted of pictorial symbols known as hieroglyphics. These intricate carvings were used for both decorative and communicative purposes.

2. Kingdom of Aksum: A Center of Trade and Christianity

The Kingdom of Aksum, located in present-day Ethiopia and Eritrea, was a powerful trading state that flourished from the first to the eighth century CE. It served as a hub for trade routes between Africa, Arabia, and the Mediterranean, making it an important economic center. Aksum’s adoption of Christianity in the fourth century CE made it one of the first African kingdoms to embrace the religion.

• Obelisks of Aksum: These towering stone structures were erected in ancient Aksum and served as markers or commemorative pillars. One of the most famous obelisks, the Obelisk of Axum, now stands in Rome after being transported from Ethiopia in the 1930s.
• King Ezana’s Inscription: King Ezana, a ruler of Aksum, left behind inscriptions boasting of his victories and the kingdom’s adoption of Christianity. These inscriptions provide valuable historical insights into the culture and beliefs of Aksum.
• The Chapel of the Tablet: Located in the Church of St. Mary of Zion in Aksum, the Chapel of the Tablet is believed to house the Ark of the Covenant. According to local tradition, the Ark was brought to Aksum by Menelik I, the son of King Solomon and the Queen of Sheba.

3. Transatlantic Slave Trade: A Dark Chapter in History

The transatlantic slave trade, spanning from the 15th to the 19th century, forcibly transported millions of Africans to the Americas and the Caribbean as slaves. This tragic chapter in history has had a lasting impact on African diaspora communities spread across the globe.

• The Middle Passage: The journey across the Atlantic Ocean, known as the Middle Passage, was a harrowing experience for enslaved Africans. It resulted in unimaginable suffering, loss of life, and the forced separation of families.
• African Cultural Retentions: Despite the brutal conditions of slavery, Africans managed to preserve and strengthen their cultural practices. Elements of African religion, music, dance, and language can still be found in African diaspora communities today.
• African Resistance and Abolition: Throughout the transatlantic slave trade, Africans resisted their enslavement through various means, including armed uprisings and acts of sabotage. It was through their resilience and the efforts of abolitionists that the slave trade was eventually abolished.

In a striking celebration of diversity, numerous prominent individuals proudly reflect a mosaic of Mestico, Bakongo and Kimbundu roots, highlighting the intricate interplay of cultures within their heritage. From accomplished leaders to acclaimed artists, these figures embody the rich lexical semantic tapestry of ethnic backgrounds, illustrating the vibrant spectrum of human experiences.

Ethnic Factsheet: The African People

Country	Population	Percentage of African Ethnicity
Nigeria	214 million	40%
Ethiopia	118 million	36%
Egypt	104 million	4.5%
South Africa	59 million	79%
DR Congo	86 million	75%

African Ethnicity: References and Resources

When it comes to exploring the various ethnic groups in Africa, there are numerous references and resources available to delve deeper into their unique cultures, traditions, and histories. These resources can provide valuable insights and knowledge into the diverse African ethnic groups. Here are some references and resources:

• “African Ethnonyms: Index to Art-Producing Peoples of Africa” by Jean-Baptiste Bacquart: This comprehensive book provides an index of the different ethnic groups in Africa and their associated art-producing traditions. It offers a rich collection of information and images.
• Library of Congress African & Middle Eastern Division: The Library of Congress has a dedicated division that houses an extensive collection of materials related to Africa. Their collection comprises books, articles, maps, photographs, audio recordings, and more, making it a valuable resource for research on African ethnic groups.
• “Encyclopedia of African Peoples” edited by Carol Ann Muller: This encyclopedia offers a wealth of information on the different ethnic groups in Africa. It covers topics such as history, geography, language, religion, art, and culture, providing a comprehensive overview of African peoples.
• AfricaBib: AfricaBib is an online database that encompasses a wide range of bibliographic references related to Africa. It includes resources such as books, articles, theses, and conference papers, allowing users to access information on various African ethnic groups.
• National Geographic Africa: National Geographic has an extensive collection of articles, photographs, videos, and interactive maps that cover different aspects of Africa. Their website is a great resource for learning more about African ethnic groups, their traditions, and their lifestyles.

Exploring these references and resources can provide a deeper understanding of African ethnic groups, their cultural heritage, and their contributions to the continent’s rich diversity. Whether you’re interested in art, history, anthropology, or simply want to broaden your knowledge, these resources offer a wealth of information to explore.