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25 Black Influencers You Should Be Following Right Now

There are so many influencers who have outdone themselves globally and have made contributions that are valuable. However, there is a group of black influencers who have managed to achieve the inevitable in a field designed to bring them down. The list of these influencers is endless and they each contribute to the black community one way or another.

These influencers are active in various fields such as entertainment, sports, fashion, beauty, activism, and business using their various social media platform such as Instagram and You Tube. Some of these Black influencers include, Beyonce, Rihanna, Lewis Hamilton and Winnie Harlow just to mention a few. Here are top 25 black influencers you should follow right now.

1.Beyoncé Knowles Carter

Photo by Asterio Tecson via

When it comes to music, Beyoncé has made headlines. She is simply an iconic figure globally and one of the most loved musician. She not only a talented singer with great vocals, she is also a talented songwriter, rapper and actress, who has cemented a name for herself.

Her career took off after she separated from a girl’s group she was in called Destiny’s Child. The group was made of Michele, Kelly Rowland and Beyoncé herself. She got married to Jay Z, another Black influencer, and together they built an empire of their own.

Beyoncé and her husband have used her platform to advocate for Black Beauty and women’s rights, which can be seen from her powerful lyrics.  She has recently been on tour with her daughter and she has sold out almost all her tickets for her show. She is truly an icon in the music industry and her music will leave on.

2.Serena Williams

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The sports industry is without a doubt filled with black influencer. One of them is tennis player, Serena Williams. She is one of the most accomplished in history with several of accolades attached to her name.

With 23 Grand Slam singles titles she has achieved a lot as a black female professional tennis player. She has been an inspirational to many black women and even minors who desire to be like her in the future. She has created a path for all the women who aspire to have careers in the athletic world.

3.Trevor Noah

Black influencers are not only athletic, for some being funny is talent enough. No one better fits this category better than Trevor Noah. He is a South African Comedian, former television host, and political commentator. He even hosted being events such the White House Correspondence Dinner in 2022 and he also hosted the Grammy’s thrice, in 2021, 2022 and 2023.

He was the host of The Daily Show, a show that brought out different perspective on global news and social issues. Using his humour he would address serious issues such as racism and politics. He quit and decided to go on the road on tour.

4.Rihanna

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Rihanna was born in Barbados and her career took off after she was invited by producer Evan Rogers to record Demo tapes. She is a multi-talented artist known for her music, fashion, and beauty ventures. Her most successful business venture is Fenty Beauty which has opened branches across the world.

As a singer, she has achieved chart-topping success, such as What’s My Name, Diamonds, We Found Love, Only Girl(In The World) while also collaborating with stars such as Ne-Yo, Jay-Z and Drake. Earlier this year, the singer performed at the Super Bowl Halftime Show where she managed to impress the world with her skills.

5.Lupita Nyong’o

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Lupita Nyong’o is a talented Kenyan- Mexican actress who made her debut in the American entertainment industry. She is also an Academy Award-winning actress known for her roles in  12 Years a Slave, The Jungle Book, Star Wars sequel triology, Us, Shuga and Black Panther

Her father is a well-known politician Peter Anyang’ Nyongo and has always been her number one supporter. She studied in the United States and eventually started a career as a production assistant. She has always been an activist of women and animal rights and she has convinced many to join her in the industry.

6.Lebron James

Lebron James, United States is one of the greatest basketball players in history. He plays for the Los-Angeles Lakers of the National Basketball Association. At times he is compared to Michael Jordan, one of the greatest players in history. Initially, he played for the Cleaveland Cavaliers for 7 years, he then played for the Miami Heat before going back to the Cleaveland.

In 2018 he transferred to Los Angeles Lakers where he still plays. In terms of awards, he has received several awards that are a clear indication of his talent. He has also established initiatives like the LeBron James Family Foundation and More Than a Vote to address systemic issues.

7.Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie

Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie is a Nigeria feminist and author of novels and short stories.  She writes non-fiction books that aspire so may. Some of her novels include, Half of a Yellow Sun, Americanah, The Thing Around Your Neck and We Should All Be Feminists.

Adichie has won awards such as MacArthur Fellowship 2008, International Nonino Prize 2009, PEN Printer Prize 2018, National Books Critics Award for Fiction 2014. Her books revolve around themes such as race, identity, and women’s rights.

8.Naomi Campbell

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Born in the United Kingdom, Naomi Campbell is one of the most talented black super models. She has made undeniable statements in the fashion industry. Naomi has also made acting appearances in shows and has started of her music career in the R&B genre.

9.Ava DuVernay

Ava DuVernay is a talented film director and producer born in the United States. Her work is highly regarded and they include works such as Selma2014 and the TV series When They See Us, I Will Follow, Middle Of Nowhere, Queen Sugar just to mention a few.

She has been vocal about racial injustice and the experiences of marginalized communities. DuVernay has also received awards such as the Primetime Emmy Award, Golden Globe, NAACP Image Award, Academy award and BAFTA Film Award.

10.Idris Elba

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Idris Elba is a talented English actor, DJ, artist and producer. Idris is famous for his roles in films like Luther, Luther: The Fallen Star, Beast, The Mountain Between Us, The Suicide Squad and The Wire. He is extremely versatile as an actor as he has showcased his talent. Elba has received several awards and has been nominated for awards like the golden globe awards for best actor.

11.Issa Rae

Actress, Issa Rae is well known for her ability to engage in versatile act including writing and being a producer. One of her big hits is the HBO series, Insecure which is a film based on black women, their relatable problems while including drama and humour.

She made her debut in the web series The Misadventures of Awkward Black Girl, which majorly consisted if short films about black people. She has starred in other roles such as Little, The Photograph, The Hate U Give, The Lovebirds just to mention a few.

12.Shonda Rhimes

By (Photo/Sarah E. Freeman/Grady College,

Listed as one of the richest women in America, Shonda Rhimes is an icon to watch out for. She is a renowned as a talented television producer and screenwriter and founder of Shondaland. Shonda was also listed as top 100 most influential people by the Time.

Shows like Grey’s Anatomy, Scandal, and How to Get Away with Murder put her on the map in the entertainment industry. She is always one step ahead and she has taken part in big projects such as the Bridgerton 2020, Queen Charlotte A Bridgerton Story 2023.

13.David Oyelowo

David Oyelowo is an accomplished English director, actor and producer. He is known for his role in Selma as Martin Lurther King Jr. He also played important roles in the films, Queen of Katwe, Nitingale, The Butler, A United Kingdom, The Help and Jack Reacher.

He received an award for his role in Selma, the NAACP Image Award for the best actor in a movie. He also received a Golden Globe Award for best actor in motion picture- Drama. He has won the hearts of many and has been people’s favourite ever since.

14.Yara Shahidi

Yara Shahidi. Photo by ColliderVideo.

Yara Shahidi is a young and extremely talented American actress. Yara has gained popularity after her role in TV series Black-ish and its spin-off Grown-ish.” She has also played the leading role in the movie The Sun is Also a Star.

Yara began collage in 2018 where she studied interdisciplinary sociology and black American studies in Harvad University. She has always been passionate and ready to take on any challenge. May young women look up to her and view her as a role model.

15.Janelle Monáe

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American singer, songwriter, and actress Janelle Monáe is one to look out for when it comes to influential people. With over 8 Grammy Award nominations, she has a unique approach to her work that makes her stand out.

Monáe has also explores music in genres like R&B, Pop, Funk, Hiphop, Progressive Soul, and Psychedelic Soul. Her single We Are Young was certified diamond from the recording industry association of America. Her acting skills in Glass Onion of 2022 were showcased, and fans loved her.

16.Anthony Joshua

Anthony Joshua is an English professional boxer and Olympic gold medallist his nickname is AJ. He has excellence in his career and his boxing record is a clear indication. He is currently at 28 fights, 25 wins and 3 losses.  He has often brought out that boxing was a way of getting out of violence, encouraging many young men. He was listed by the annual Powerlist as one of the most influential black Britons in 2021.

17.Meagan Monique Good

 Meagan Monique Good is an influential actress who first gained notoriety for her work in Eve’s Bayou and Cousin Skeeter. With a net worth of 5 million dollars, she has shown over and over that she is deserving of her roles.

She is passionate about acting but as at times branched out to the music industry appearing in music videos of musicians such as Memphis Bleek, Tyrese, Imajin, 50 Cent and Will Smith. She is gifted and a true inspiration to aspiring young Black women who want to pursue an acting career.

18.Lewis Hamilton

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Lewis Hamilton is one of the most successful Formula 1 racing drivers who has made an outstanding record. He holds the record of F1 winning titles and has one of the most remarkable success stories that are very inspiring to fellow young aspiring drivers.

He was only 9 years old when he walked upto Ron Dennis, the boss of Mc Laren team him, “Hi, I’m Lewis Hamilton. I won the British Championship and one day I want to be driving your cars. Lewis was signed to Mc Laren Driver Development Programme officially in 1998 making him the youngest driver to be contacted by an F1 team.

19.Winnie Harlow

photo by Georges Biard,

Winnie Harlow is a Canadian model and activist in embracing our unique appearances inside and out. She simply aspires to change the beauty standards.  She says that she tries to focus on her opinion rather than that of others.

She has faced a lot of bullying as she was growing up merely because she was diagnosed with vitiligo, a disorder that leads to white patches on the skin that is different from one’s skin colour. With her success, she has helped many people overcome their fears and embrace their flaws.

20.Mahershala Ali

Born in the United States Mahershala Ali has showcased great talent from his acting skills. He is an Academy Award-winning actor, Golden Globe Award and Prime Time Emmy Award winner. He made his debut in the Television series, Crossing Jordan and made his break in the film The 4400 as Richard Tyler.

He was also featured in Moonlight which won him the Academy Awards for the best supporting actor. He then became the first Muslim actor to win an Oscar. He has not always been Muslim but converted in 2000 and that’s when he changed his name to Ali.

21.Trevor McDonald

Trevor McDonald is a renowned journalist and news presenter born in Trinidad and Tobago. He has been active in the industry since 1973 at the Independent Televisions News. At the time there were not many black people in the industry and he was just a general reporter. Either way he became the first black reporter to work in Independent Televisions New.

He was promoted in 1992 and has made way for other black journalists in the industry. He has been recognized and awarded honours for his work like the British Academy Television Awards.

22.Michaela Coel

Michaela Coel has had a fair share to sit at the big table as an English actress. She is simply talented and apart from acting she is also a screenwriter and producer. Series Chewing Gum put her on the lime light and she won an award at the British Academy Television Awards for the best female comedy performance.

One of her other famous creation is I May Destroy You, she won an award and managed to address trivial issues such as race, consent, and sexual assault. Her parents are Ghanaian and she has always stayed true to her roots and that can be seen from the dress she wore at her mother’s own design at the British Academy Television Awards.

23.Misty Copeland

Misty Copeland is a ballet dancer who became the first African American female principal dancer at the American Ballet Theatre. This alone is one of her biggest achievements and has written history while doing so. She has paved a huge way for all aspiring African American’s who share a similar dream.

Both her parents are of African American decent with her father being half German and the mother Italian. She has been through a lot with a custody battle and trying to achieve her dream. She has also given her story on the challenges she has experienced as a Ballerina, A Ballerina’s Tale. Overall, she is talented and keeps on encouraging young talents.

24.Samuel L. Jackson

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Samuel L. Jackson is one of the biggest names in the acting scene. From recent reports, he is the highest- grossing actor of all time. He is simply an icon. The films he featured in are simply masterpieces and he absolutely never disappoints.

 The list of his works is endless, however some of the most famous works include. Pulp Fiction, Marvel Cinematic Universe, Coming To America, Against The Wall, Die Hard With A Vegence,  A Time To Kill, Star Wars Prequel Trilogy, The Phantom Menace, Glass, The Incredibles just to mention a few.

25.Stormzy

Stormzy is a British rapper and songwriter who became famous for his unique music. He first gained popularity after his freestyle in Wicked Skengman series. His single Shut Up became number 8 on UK singles chart which was first released as a freestyle on YouTube.

These 25 black influencers from around the world have made huge contributions in the black community paving way for upcoming artists, dancers, musicians and actors. They have become influential in their different capacities and continue to inspire. Their success stories will be written in history and will certainly not be forgotten.