Across Africa’s creative industries, women are redefining what it means to build a career from talent and personal vision. From digital entertainment and filmmaking to acting, culinary arts, fashion and entrepreneurship, these five women are creating platforms that extend beyond visibility, using their influence to shape culture, build businesses and inspire new possibilities.
Ashmusy (Amarachi Amusi) – Award Winning Influencer, Serial Entrepreneur and Filmmaker
Amarachi Amusi, popularly known as Ashmusy, has developed a recognisable presence in Nigeria’s digital entertainment industry through comedy skits, brand campaigns and creative storytelling. Beginning her content creation journey in 2018, she built an audience through relatable and character-driven videos before expanding into acting, filmmaking and entrepreneurship. Her transition from social media creator to businesswoman reflects an ability to turn digital influence into commercial opportunity.
Beyond content creation, Amusi has established business interests through ventures including Diamond Crest Homes, a real estate company, and Magic Revive, a beauty brand. Her professional journey has attracted several industry recognitions, including influencer and content creation awards. In June 2026, she introduced Women Who Build, a year-long initiative designed to encourage women to pursue entrepreneurship and develop sustainable businesses. Her evolution illustrates the growing intersection of entertainment, personal branding and enterprise in Nigeria’s creator economy.
Efe Irele – Multiple Award Winning Actress
Efe Irele has built a respected career in Nollywood through performances that demonstrate versatility, screen presence and a commitment to her craft. She has featured in several film and television productions, including The Real Side Chics, Two Weeks in Lagos, Devil in Agbada, Four Four Forty Four and Farmer’s Bride. Her performance in Four Four Forty Four earned her the Africa Magic Viewers’ Choice Award for Best Supporting Actress in 2023, adding to her recognition at the City People Entertainment Awards.
Beyond acting, Irele has demonstrated a strong commitment to social impact. She established the Efe Irele Autism Foundation in 2017, inspired by her personal experience with autism within her family. Through the foundation, she has supported awareness, acceptance and assistance for families raising children with autism, including initiatives aimed at helping underserved households. She has also pursued filmmaking and production studies at the Met Film School in the United Kingdom, reflecting an interest in expanding her contribution to the industry beyond acting.
Chinonso Ukah (Nons Miraj) – Actress, Host and Entrepreneur
Chinonso Ukah, widely known as Nons Miraj, has established herself as a multi-dimensional entertainer whose career spans acting, comedy, digital content and television hosting. Known for her expressive characters and distinctive comedic style, she has built a substantial audience through social media while maintaining a presence in Nollywood. Her ability to move between scripted entertainment, online content and live presentation has positioned her among the recognisable personalities in Nigeria’s creator economy.
One of her notable entrepreneurial ventures is The Hunt Game Show, a reality dating programme that she hosts and produces. In 2025, she disclosed an investment of ₦200 million towards rebranding and expanding the show, signalling her ambition to build a larger entertainment property beyond her personal online brand. Her journey reflects a growing generation of African entertainers who are moving from content creation into ownership, production and the development of original entertainment formats.
Chef Abbys – Chef & African Food Creator
Abena Amoakoaa Sintim-Aboagye, professionally known as Chef Abbys, is a Ghanaian culinary entrepreneur and digital creator taking African food traditions to international audiences. What began as sharing cooking videos on Snapchat has grown into a platform dedicated to exploring the continent’s diverse cuisines, ingredients and culinary heritage. Her content moves beyond recipes, presenting food as a reflection of culture, identity and the histories of African communities.
Her growing international profile received significant recognition in 2025 when she was named among TIME’s 100 Most Influential Creators. She also represented Ghana at the Cannes Lions International Festival of Creativity, showcasing African food artistry on a global platform. Through Chefabbys School of Food, culinary tours and community initiatives such as The Big Street Feast, she is combining food education, cultural preservation and social impact. Her work demonstrates how African cuisine can become a powerful vehicle for cultural storytelling and global representation.
Tsakute Ladi Jonah – Nigerian model, artist, entrepreneur, and reality TV star
Tsakute Ladi Jonah, popularly known as Saskay, came into the public spotlight through her participation in the sixth season of Big Brother Naija in 2021. However, her interests in the creative industry extend beyond reality television. A model and visual artist, she has explored fashion, painting and other forms of artistic expression, building a personal identity around creativity, individuality and self-expression.
Saskay has also expressed her entrepreneurial interests through BlackGirlFly, a brand conceived to celebrate and elevate the identity of the Black African child, with an initial focus on art and cosmetics. Her journey from the reality television stage into modelling, art and business reflects the opportunities available to contemporary African personalities to develop influence across different creative fields. Through her work and public platform, she continues to explore the relationship between personal identity, African representation and creative enterprise.
Why SHE Matters
These women represent the expanding possibilities of African creativity and enterprise. Through entertainment, film, food, fashion and business, they are demonstrating how talent can become a platform for ownership, cultural influence and meaningful impact, while inspiring more women to pursue opportunities across industries.
