10 SA Celebs Known for Their Global Influence

10 SA Celebs Known for Their Global Influence. They have not only made themselves proud, they have out the country on the map too. Be it sport, entertainment, majoritarian work, these individuals are a force to ve reckoned with. Learn more about them, and draw inspiration whilst at it.

1. Nomzamo Mbatha

Nomzamo has been involved with charity work and humanitarian projects in Africa and beyond. In 2017 she was appointed to be a High-Profile Supporter for the LuQuLuQu campaign, which led her to be chosen to be a Goodwill Ambassador at the United Nations Refugee Agency in 2019. In addition, she is an honorary member of the Golden Key International Honour Society. Recently, Nomzamo was one of the headline speakers at the Forbes Africa summit, held in Botswana.

2. Trevor Noah

Trevor is best known as the former host of The Daily Show, an American late-night talk show. H e held it down from 2015 to 2022. Noah has won various awards, including two Primetime Emmy Awards. He was named one of “The 35 Most Powerful People in New York Media” by The Hollywood Reporter in 2017 and 2018. Among other major awards shows, Trevor has hosted the Oscars and the Grammys. Since wrapping up his tenure as host of The Daily Show, the comedian has been hopping between continents to perform standup in some of the world’s greatest and most fascinating cities, from Berlin and Tokyo to Glasgow and Paris.

3. Charlize Theron

As a Messenger of Peace, Academy Award-winning actress Charlize Theron focuses on the prevention of HIV and the elimination of violence against women. She founded The Charlize Theron Africa Outreach Project (CTAOP) in 2007 with the mission to help African youth keep themselves safe from HIV. She also filmed a series of public service announcements in support of the Cape Town Rape Crisis Center, urging zero tolerance for rape or domestic violence. Ms. Theron traveled to the Democratic Republic of Congo in 2009 and 2011 to help raise awareness about the plight of women and girls victims of sexual violence.

4. Thuso Mbedu

Thuso got recognized internationally after starring in Barry Jenkin’s limited series The Underground Railroad, released on Prime Video in May 2021. She received critical acclaim for her role and won multiple awards, including for TV Breakout Star at the Hollywood Critics Association TV Awards and Best Female Performance in a New Scripted Series at the Spirit Awards. In April, Mbedu announced her first-look deal with Paramount+’s VIS Social Impact division. She will create, develop, and produce exclusive scripted and documentary programmes for the studio outside the US.

5. Tyla

Tyla is taking South Africa to the world through music. Her hit song “Water” reached number one in New Zealand and the top ten in Australia, Denmark, the Netherlands, United Kingdom, South Africa, Ireland, Sweden and United States. Tyla became the youngest-ever South African and the first South African soloist in 55 years to enter the Billboard Hot 100. The song topped Rolling Stone‘s list of the 40 best Afropop songs of 2023, and won the Grammy Award for Best African Music Performance in 2024. It is also nominated for Best International Song at the 2024 BRIT Awards.

6. Black Coffee

Black Coffee is another South African who has taken the music industry by storm. Today, he’s among the world’s most influential DJs and producers. His journey from humble beginnings to global stardom is a testament to his talent, hard work, and relentless pursuit of his passion for music. According to the official world DJ rankings governed by DJ Magazine, Black Coffee was ranked No. 13 in 2020, making him the highest-ranked African DJ ever. He has won several awards and performed at many international festivals and clubs.

7. Siya Kolisi

Siya Kolisi was named captain of the South African National Rugby Team, the Springboks, in 2018. He became him the first Black test player to captain the team in its 129-year history. In 2019, Kolisi led his country to victory in the World Cup finals against England, securing his position on the national and international stage. He was designated a Global Advocate for Spotlight Initiative effective 1 July 2020. Kolisi’s partnership with Spotlight Initiative, secured via Roc Nation Sports, includes activities that raise awareness of violence against women and girls, and the role men must play in ending violence for good. In March 2020, Mr. Kolisi and his wife Rachel Kolisi founded the Kolisi Foundation to alleviate extreme poverty, mentor underprivileged youth and promote equality.

8. Uncle Waffles

In less than three years, Uncle Waffles has transformed her entire life. She took her first steps behind the turntables, to becoming an internationally acclaimed DJ and producer. Uncle Waffels’ big break came after she posted a video of herself dancing to South African singer Young Stunna’s song “Adiwele.” The post went viral after Canadian rapper Drake shared it on Instagram, and Uncle Waffles was catapulted into stardom. Since bursting on the scene, Uncle Waffles has already started garnering awards attention. She was among the BET nominees in 2023.

9. Lebo M

Grammy award-winning producer, composer and vocalist Lebo M is famous for his internationally acclaimed production The Lion King. Since Lebo M’s initial collaboration with German composer Hans Zimmer on the original soundtrack in 1994, he has helped the classic Disney story echo its timeless roar from screen to stage. In its mission to promote talent worldwide, The Lion King has produced many stars in SA than any other production.

10. Khosi Twala

She is probably the biggest Big Brother break out star from the whole of Africa. The 26-year-old media graduate’s life changed the minute she was crowned King Khosi on the Big Brother stage and her loyal fan base. Since the show’s conclusion, Khosi’s schedule has been jam packed with hosting gigs like the DStv International Food and Music Festival and, appearing on radio stations in Zambia. Khosi also hosted the Women’s Choice Africa Awards in December 2023 in Accra, Ghana. She won big at the South African Social Media Awards and much more. Khosi’s charity organization Good Deeds, aims to empower communities across the continent by creating opportunities that lead towards ending poverty.