In every issue, we feature ‘movers and shakers’ from Africa’s past or present whose talent, initiatives and endeavours pave the way for all of us.
Fifty Four mag’s mission is to honour distinct regions and cultures throughout Africa’s 54 countries. One way we do that is by highlighting the changemakers who hail from or work within them. Get to know our top picks for this issue.
Sophia Boutella
Not only a dancer, actress and model, Sophia is an enigmatic force of creativity transcending conventional labels.
Born in Algeria and raised in France, her journey to stardom is as captivating as her performances on screen. Her magnetic presence first captivated audiences as a professional dancer, where she showcased her unparalleled talent in various music videos and live performances for renowned artists like Madonna and Rihanna.
Sophia transitioned from the dance floor to the silver screen, making her mark in Hollywood with roles that are as diverse as they are memorable. Whether portraying the fierce Gazelle in Kingsman: The Secret Service or the iconic Ahmanet in The Mummy her performances exude intensity, depth and undeniable charisma.
In an industry often defined by constraints, Sofia defies expectations and inspires audiences worldwide with her boundless creativity and unwavering passion for her craft.
Instagram: @sofisia7
Teca Miguel Garcia (Titica)
Titica, born Teca Miguel Garcia in Luanda, Angola, chose her stage name, meaning ‘worthless’ or ‘useless’ in Portuguese, as a powerful statement of empowerment in reclaiming the hurtful words aimed at her as a trans woman.
Initially a backup dancer, she unexpectedly launched her music career after lending her voice to a track for Noite & Dia. Her debut album Chão... propelled her to international fame, with her single OlhaoBoneco reaching the top of music charts in Portugal and Brazil.
Beyond her musical talents, Titica’s advocacy work as a UNAIDS Goodwill Ambassador has been instrumental in raising awareness of HIV and AIDS and promoting LGBTQ+ rights.
Despite facing discrimination and adversity, Titica fearlessly uses her platform to challenge societal norms and combat prejudice in Angola and beyond. Her resilience and talent transcend boundaries, making her an inspiring figure in the face of adversity.
Instagram: @titicacantora
Photo: Antoine Tempé.
Dominique Zinkpè
Dominique Zinkpè’s art is a mesmerising exploration of culture, identity and the human experience.
Hailing from Benin, West Africa, Dominique’s work is a testament to his rich heritage and unwavering commitment to storytelling through visual expression.
With bold strokes and vibrant colours, Dominique’s creations transport viewers into a world where mythology and contemporary life intertwine. Drawing inspiration from traditional African folklore and modern influences, his pieces evoke a sense of wonder and introspection, inviting audiences to delve into the complexities of the human condition.
From humble beginnings in Cotonou to international acclaim on gallery walls worldwide, he has remained true to his roots while fearlessly pushing the boundaries of his craft.
Instagram: @atelierzinkpe
Samantha Mogwe
Botswana musician Samantha Mogwe blends R&B, jazz, and African influences into her captivating music.
From her early performances with My African Dream to winning Gabz Karaoke Idols and representing Botswana at Idols East Africa, Samantha’s journey has been marked by talent and determination.
Her albums Transition and VII showcase her soulful vocals and heartfelt lyrics. In addition to her musical achievements, Samantha’s advocacy for local artists led to significant changes in Botswana’s music industry, including the implementation of an 80/20 airplay ratio for local music on broadcasting platforms.
Through her collaborations with other female artists like Mpho Sebina, Samantha emphasises the power of unity and diversity in creating impactful music.
As she continues to inspire future generations, Samantha’s legacy as a trailblazer in the music industry grows ever stronger.
Twitter: @samanthamogwe
Diébédo Francis Kéré
More than an architect, Diébédo Francis Kéré is a visionary whose designs embody the transformative potential of architecture to shape communities and inspire change.
Born in Burkina Faso, Diébédo’s architectural philosophy is rooted in a deep appreciation for his homeland’s traditions and a profound commitment to sustainability and social responsibility. His designs blend form and function, creating aesthetically breathtaking spaces deeply rooted in their cultural and environmental contexts.
From the award-winning Gando Primary School in Burkina Faso to the Serpentine Pavilion in London, Diébédo’s work transcends borders, bridges cultures and fosters dialogue through the universal language of architecture.
Beyond his architectural achievements, he is a tireless advocate for education and empowerment, using his platform to champion initiatives that uplift marginalised communities and promote sustainable development across the globe.
Website: www.kerearchitecture.com.
Photo: Dan Carter.
Chef Coco Reinarhz
Chef Coco Reinarhz, a Burundian culinary maestro and TWISPER Ambassador (an app recommending places to eat), leads the modern African food movement from Epicure, Johannesburg. His innovative take on traditional African cuisine attracts global food enthusiasts.
Growing up in his mother’s Kinshasa restaurant, Coco’s culinary passion ignited early. After formal training in Belgium, he returned to Africa, dedicated to elevating African cuisine. Coco’s commitment to authenticity shines through in every dish, reflecting cultural roots deeply – from Kinshasa to Abidjan and now Johannesburg, his culinary journey blends classic French techniques with vibrant African flavours.
Restaurants like Sel et Poivre and Le Petit Sel acclaim his Afro-fusion cuisine, placing him among Africa’s top chefs.
Beyond cooking, Coco shares his passion through initiatives like TWISPER and culinary education, inspiring future chefs to explore African flavours. His journey celebrates Africa’s resilience and creativity, leaving a lasting impact on global gastronomy.
Instagram: @ _chefcoco_
Photo: Afrovideo.
Mayra Andrade
Defying categorisation Mayra Andrade isn’t just a singer-songwriter, she embodies a captivating force of artistic expression.
Hailing from Cape Verde, Mayra’s journey to musical prominence is as spellbinding as her soulful melodies. With roots in Afro-Latin rhythms and jazz influences, she captivates audiences with albums like Lovely Difficult and Manga.
Mayra’s lyrical prowess, sung in Portuguese, Creole and French, resonates with themes of love and self-discovery. Her style exudes elegance and cultural resonance, making her a beacon of inspiration in the global music scene and solidifying her place as a modern-day musical icon.
Instagram: @mayraandradeofficial
Barthélémy Toguo
Cameroonian painter and visual artist, Barthélémy Toguo bridges classical African and contemporary art at the visual arts centre Bandjoun Station.
Born in 1967, he studied visual arts in Abidjan in Côte d’Ivoire, Grenoble in France and Düsseldorf in Germany.
Barthélémy champions sustainable development through agricultural projects and fosters social cohesion within communities. Notable exhibitions include the Venice Biennale and the Marcel Duchamp Prize.
His works, exploring migration, colonialism and race, are housed in prestigious collections worldwide. And his commitment to ethical art is evident in his political stands such as his refusal to participate in exhibitions for ethical reasons.
As a UNESCO Artist for Peace, he continues to use art to question and denounce societal dysfunctions.
Website: www.barthelemytoguo.com.
Adrienne Yabouza
Adrienne embarked on her writing journey at the tender age of ten. Fleeing the civil war in the Central African Republic as a young woman, she sought refuge in the Republic of the Congo before finding sanctuary in France.