Nigerian filmmaker Ifan Micheal and singer Divine Ikubor, popularly known as Rema have both been named on the prestigious Forbes 30 Under 30 list, for class 2021, alongside Wale Lawal the founder and editor-in-chief of The Republic, Timilehin Bello, the CEO and founder of Media Panache, Temidayo Oniosun, the founder of Space in Africa and Amarachi Nwosu, Nigerian self-taught visual artist, storyteller, and CEO of Melanin Unscripted.
The June July edition of the 7th annual 30 Under 30 Forbes Africa magazine themed Africa’s Young Innovators And Risk-takers In A Pandemic Year, had over 1,000 applicants and nominees pour into via the online portal, and the curation team also dredged them from its 30 Under 30 alum and research, after which it narrowed down to the 30 finalists across the business, technology, sports and creative sectors.
Explaining the selection process, Forbes Africa said all decision-making and interviews were conducted digitally as the pandemic did not enable meetings in person, and the criteria employed was the most rigorous it has ever been as nominees needed to provide valid evidence of their endeavors. Background checks were done to ascertain their calibre, conduct and personal track-record and with audit partner SNG Grant Thornton, the team said it was able to assess their company financials from losses to growth margins to overall revenue and profits since incorporation.
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Adding that the final list it came out with is only but a small indication of the inspiring young talent on the continent who will no doubt grace the pages of FORBES AFRICA in the months and years to come, Forbes Africa said all it was looking for while curating the list was CHANGE-MAKERS VERSUS Covid! “After all, 2021 marks an entire year that has disrupted the world. Businesses pivoted and so did our lives as we navigated the pandemic, and realized that the old ways of doing things”, Forbes Africa said.
The judging team had external experts whose role was to survey all the finalists, rank them and provide commentary on which, the likes of Nigerian businesswoman Uche Pedro, the founder, and CEO of BellaNaija, Olugbenga Agboola, the cofounder and CEO of Flutterwave, Dr John Kani, a South African actor, author, director, and playwright known for his roles in Marvel movies Captain America: Civil War and Black Panther as well as The Lion King, Tendai ‘Beast’ Mtawarira, a Zimbabwean-born professional rugby player who plays for Old Glory DC in Major League Rugby and previously for the South African national team and the Sharks in Super Rugby and SNG Grant Thornton, the audit partner.
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“Members of this year’s list of under 30s have one thing in common: A NEW COVID-INDUCED AGENDA FOR SOCIAL CHANGE. So what would a historic pandemic year throw up? ground-breaking entrepreneurs and thinkers. Our 2021 class of under 30s are just that: influential creatives, imaginative business owners, innovative techies, and gifted sports stars. Celebrating seven years of the Forbes Africa 30 Under 30 list, these achievers prove that now more than ever, they are crucial to The African Growth Story. This year’s list-makers – the youngest being 19 – will go down in history as the Under 30s who survived and thrived during one of the most turbulent chapters on earth. The following pages are a record of the enduring tenacity and fighting spirit of Africa’s young leaders charting a nonlinear trajectory to success”, Forbes Africa wrote.
Below are the Forbes Africa 2021 30 Under 30 (Nigerians first):
Divine Ikubor (also known as Rema), Nigeria, musician
Wale Lawal, Nigeria, founder and editor-in-chief of The Republic
Ifan Ifeanyi Michael, Nigeria, Creative artist and filmmaker
Timilehin Bello, Nigeria, CEO and founder of Media Panache
Temidayo Oniosun, Nigeria, founder of Space in Africa
Amarachi Nwosu, Nigerian self-taught visual artist, storyteller, and CEO of Melanin Unscripted
Cleo Johnson, South Africa, founder and director of NUECLEO
Lebohang Moeletsi Phadi, South Africa, CEO of Basadi Logistics
Sepenica Darko, Ghana, founder of FarmerTribe Company
Deborah Mutwemwa, Zambia – South Africa, founder and CEO Tsumbo Scott Incorporated
Bontle Tshole, South Africa, CEO and founder of BAAA Health
Brian Kakembo, Uganda, founder, and CEO of Weye Clean Energy Co. Ltd
Hertzy Kabeya, DRC – South Africa, founder and CEO of The Student Hub
Felix Byaruhanga, Uganda, founder of Skyline media and Management LTD
Harrykrishna Niadassen Poonoosamy Padiachy, Mauritius, founder of NKH Energy
Shakemore Timburwa, Zimbabwe, founder of Energy Plus
Mihlali Ndamase, South Africa, creative and digital influencer
Reinhard Mahalie, Namibia, fashion stylist and founder of RM Fashion Styling
Tendai Kevin Zhou, Zimbabwe, founder of VP Hostings
Kabelo Motha (also known as Kabza De Small), South Africa, producer and DJ
Kgaogelo Moagi (also known as Master KG), South Africa, music artist and producer
Li-Chi Pan, South Africa, art director and digital influencer; founder of Li Chi Pan Studios
Hayze Engola, Malawi, musician, creative, and founder of KNQR Investments
Tilka Paljk, Zambia, swimmer
Lukhanyo Am, South Africa, rugby player
James Kang’aru MwangI, Kenya, founder and CEO of Epitome School of Chess
Julio “Beast” Bianchi, South Africa, e-gamer, FIFA Player
Cheslin Kolbe, South Africa, rugby player
Thabo Moloi, South Africa, e-gamer, FIFA Player
Antonio Depina, Cape Verde, founder, Overseas Basketball Connection, Praia League
