2024 has been the year where Black women unapologetically owned their power in entertainment. They showed us that the stage is wherever they decide to stand, and the spotlight belongs to them—not by luck, but by sheer talent, vision, and relentless drive.
Whether it was proving that racism couldn’t drown out the rhythm of a talented black woman, creating impressive collections of awards, proving Afrobeats is a global movement, or becoming unstoppable cultural icons, they redefined what success looks like across different spheres of the entertainment scene.
Their stories are filled with bold risks, and they showed us that representation isn’t a trend; it’s a necessity. Each woman proved that when you own your narrative, you own the game. And the effect of their success stretches far beyond personal glory—it uplifts communities, inspires the next generation, and sets a precedent that the entertainment industry cannot ignore.
As you read their incredible achievements, let their stories remind you that boldness isn’t just about taking up space; it’s about transforming it. These are the women who lit up the world, proving once again that when Black women thrive, the world shines a little brighter. They are the 20 Bold Women Who Shaped The Entertainment Scene In 2024.
Annatoria Chitapa — Annatoria lit up 2024 with her soulful voice and undeniable talent. The Zimbabwe-born R&B gospel star rose to fame after winning The Voice UK in 2020, and is known for her hit Stay With Me, a favorite among gospel fans. Annatoria balanced faith and artistry seamlessly this year, collaborating with Maverick City on the Afrobeat-inspired track “In The Room” and releasing her debut EP Full Circle.
Her second album had set the stage for even bigger moves, and 2024 saw her solidify her place in gospel music globally. Raised the UK, but from Zimbabwe, Annatoria’s journey has always been about blending cultures and sounds. In 2024, she didn’t just shine—she brought her light to gospel fans everywhere, proving that her star is only just beginning to rise.
Aya Nakamura — Aya Nakamura owned 2024 with unapologetic Black excellence. The world watched in awe as the Malian-French artist took center stage at the Paris Olympic Games Opening Ceremony, strutting across a bridge over the Seine in a dazzling gold feathered dress. Belting out her smash hit “Pookie” with a live band led by France’s Republican Guard, she was the moment.
But the path to that spotlight wasn’t smooth. Racist backlash followed the announcement of her performance, with critics claiming her African roots disqualified her from representing France. Yet Aya stood tall, clapping back with the iconic phrase: You can be racist but not deaf. Her triumphant Olympic performance silenced the naysayers and cemented her as France’s most streamed artist worldwide. In 2024, Aya proved that gold looks better when you’ve earned it against the odds.
Ayra Starr — Ayra Starr ruled 2024 with undeniable star power. The Nigerian singer became the most-viewed Nigerian female artist on YouTube, amassing a jaw-dropping 811 million views. Her anthem Rush, with 395 million views alone, continued to dominate playlists worldwide. And Ayra didn’t stop there. With The Year I Turned 21, her sophomore album, she delivered chart-topping collaborations with global stars like Giveon, Coco Jones, and Anitta, cementing her international appeal.
She brought the fire to Coldplay’s Music of the Spheres World Tour as its opening act, electrifying audiences in Australia and New Zealand. The accolades kept rolling in. Ayra snagged MTV EMA nominations for Best New Artist and Best Afrobeats, while crossing the 2 billion Spotify streams milestone. For Ayra Starr, 2024 was a story of stardom written in gold ink. And what a story it is!
Cynthia Erivo — Cynthia Erivo has firmly established herself as one of the most versatile talents in Hollywood and on Broadway. This year, she has solidified her status in the entertainment scene with Wicked, taking on the iconic role of Elphaba in what is being hailed as one of the biggest cinematic projects of 2024. Known for her powerful voice and magnetic performances, Cynthia’s rendition of hits like “Defying Gravity” and “The Wizard and I” has earned her a fresh wave of fans.
She first captured attention with her award-winning portrayal of Celie in The Color Purple on Broadway, which won her a Tony, Grammy, and Emmy, making her just one Oscar shy of the coveted EGOT status. Her film breakthrough came in 2019 with Harriet, where she brought abolitionist Harriet Tubman to life and earned dual Oscar nominations for acting and songwriting. With the 2nd part of Wicked set to be released in 2025, Cynthia’s star only continues to rise.
Danai Gurira — Danai Gurira has been nothing short of inspiring in 2024. This year, she represented African Women in the UN Security Council as a UN Women Goodwill Ambassador, using her influence to spotlight the growing nightmare that is conflict-related sexual violence in Africa. Her writing also gained well-deserved recognition—earning a Black Reel Award nomination for her work on The Walking Dead: The Ones Who Live.
Danai also reprised her iconic role as Michonne Hawthorne in the highly anticipated The Walking Dead spin-off, reminding fans why her character remains one of the franchise’s most beloved. As an actor, playwright, and activist, she has always fought for African stories to be told with dignity and depth. Whether it’s championing all-female Broadway plays like Eclipsed or sharing valuable ideas on African authenticity, 2024 cemented her as a bold voice in Hollywood and beyond.
Golloria George — In 2024, Golloria George turned the beauty industry on its head. She didn’t just critique brands—she pushed them to do better. The South Sudanese-born beauty influencer, known for her viral TikToks on inclusivity, held brands accountable like never before. She called out Youthforia’s shade range, sparking a firestorm that forced the company to expand. Yet, even their “fix” didn’t meet up to her inclusive standards. Golloria’s critiques were impactful. Her platform of 1.6 million followers became a rallying cry for tone inclusivity in makeup.
This year, she also hinted at plans to launch her own makeup line—a bold step toward solving the problem herself. As a refugee turned powerhouse influencer, George’s journey from feeling invisible to being a voice for millions is nothing short of extraordinary. “Inclusivity isn’t a luxury,” she says. “It’s the bare minimum.” And in 2024, she made sure the world listened.
Issa Rae — In 2024, Issa Rae proved she could do it all—and then some. From Hollywood to hospitality, she expanded her empire with flair. She opened Somerville, a chic new restaurant in Los Angeles, bringing a modern twist to the rich cultural history of Black South Central L.A.
At Georgia State University, her career became the syllabus. Law students pored over her multimillion-dollar deals, dissecting real contracts she had signed in her meteoric rise. Issa was also honored with the Pandora Leader of Change Award at The Fashion Awards in London—an accolade that cemented her as a cultural icon. She also had Hollywood talking again with One of Them Days, a comedy she produced starring Keke Palmer and SZA. In every corner of entertainment and business, Issa Rae wasn’t just shining. She was unstoppable.
Keke Palmer — In 2024, Keke Palmer showed us why she’s not just a star—she’s a force in motion. She had the internet buzzing when she brought the house down with a performance at the BET Awards. Then, Keke added “author” to her ever-growing résumé with Master of Me, a book blending career anecdotes, affirmations, and interactive exercises.
She also stepped into the beauty business as chief brand officer for Creme of Nature, infusing her entrepreneurial flair into a heritage hair-care brand. The multi-talented powerhouse will star in One of Them Days, a buddy comedy where she and SZA lit up the screen as two broke besties navigating LA chaos. From viral memes to thought-provoking podcast episodes, Keke cemented her status as a content queen who creates across every platform imaginable.
Leah Sava Jeffries — Leah Sava Jeffries knew starring as Annabeth Chase wouldn’t be easy. She also knew it would matter. Playing the fictional daughter of Athena in Disney+’s Percy Jackson & the Olympians sparked racist outrage in some circles, but Leah held her head high. For the role, she won the NAACP Outstanding Performance by a Youth award. She was also nominated for the BET YoungStars Award, solidifying her spot as one of Hollywood’s brightest young talents.
Leah became a symbol of representation for young Black girls everywhere. Unapologetically bold, undeniably brilliant and unambiguously black. She brought depth, wisdom, and grace to the screen—and the world took notice. It was a stellar year for Leah, but something tells us she’s just getting started.
Lupita Nyong’o — Lupita Nyong’o is no stranger to making history, but in 2024, she rewrote it. This year, she became the first Black person to chair the Berlin International Film Festival jury in its 74-year existence. She also joined Chanel as their newest global ambassador, proving once again that diversity is always in style. The Kenyan-Mexican actress announced her first-ever podcast, Mind Your Own, a 10-part series unpacking the stories of Africans in the diaspora. From co-starring in A Quiet Place: Day One (out in 2025) to being cast in Christopher Nolan’s next blockbuster, Lupita’s career is a masterclass in range.
She is already halfway to achieving EGOT status as she has won an Academy Award for her debut movie 12 Years A Slave, has a Tony nomination under her belt and she won a Daytime Emmy in 2021. This was the year Lupita shined as both an artist and a trailblazer, reminding us all why she’s the ultimate star of her generation.
Nambitha Ben-Mazwi — Nambitha Ben-Mazwi, or “Lady Nam” as her adoring fans call her, owned 2024 with unmatched grace and grit. She kicked off the year with a Showmax Masterclass, sharing her career secrets with aspiring creatives. Nambitha also hosted the Essence Film Festival in New Orleans, bringing her South-African flair to the festival. She also won a National Film and Television Award for Best Actress in Savage Beauty and Empini.
Known for making waves both locally and globally, she also celebrated her record-breaking six Netflix International credits. Lady Nam’s journey from Beyoncé’s handpicked star in Black Is King to her activism for staunch dark-skin representation continues to inspire us. This year, she proved her versatility by balancing her acting, business, and advocacy work with flair. With her global #SheSpeaks movement thriving and her star burning brighter than ever, 2024 was the year Lady Nam cemented her place as a South African icon.
Quinta Brunson — In 2024, Quinta just kept winning. Fresh off her 2024 historic win as the first Black woman in 42 years to win the Emmy for Outstanding Lead Actress in a Comedy Series, she has been nominated again as Outstanding Lead Actress in a Comedy Series for the 2025 Emmys. However, for Quinta, it’s never about the trophies—it’s about making Abbott Elementary a show that makes audiences laugh and think.
This year, she also took home the EMA Futures Award for her environmental advocacy, proving that artistry and sustainability can go hand in hand. Quinta also returned to her alma mater, Temple University, to deliver a commencement address and receive an honorary degree—because why not? As the first Black woman in 42 years to win her category at the Emmys, she’s blazing trails for others to follow. With her wit, heart, and boundless talent, 2024 reminded us why Quinta Brunson is comedy royalty.
Rimon — For Rimon, 2024 was a year that proved her star is only rising. The release of her album Children of the Night cemented her as a force in indie R&B. From her beginnings as a young refugee in the Netherlands to headlining sold-out shows across continents, RIMON’s journey is inspiring. This year, her soulful lyrics and surreal production brought her music to even bigger stages, including major festivals and the renowned COLORS sessions.
Beyond music, RIMON also graced global campaigns for Mercedes-Benz and Nike, proving her artistry transcends mediums. Now, she’s setting her sights on giving back, envisioning a music program in Ethiopia to uplift her roots. With resilience, creativity, and authenticity, RIMON continues to turn every challenge into art, making 2024 a shining year in her remarkable story.
Tatiana Clark — In 2024, Tatiana Marie Clark turned her viral fame into great success. The 22-year-old Mississippi native, known for her SpongeBob SquarePants remix, didn’t just go viral—she went global. Two billion plays on TikTok later, her clever Afrobeat twist on the nostalgic tune had celebrities like Viola Davis and Taraji P. Henson singing her praises. She collaborated with Brandy and Leslie Odom Jr. and has showcased her vocal arranging skills and elevated her artistry.
Tatiana also earned a spot on Drake’s tour, solidifying her place as one of the industry’s rising stars. By day, she still mentored youth at the Boys & Girls Club, balancing fame with her grounded roots. Her journey, from a spontaneous viral remix to one of The Hollywood Reporter’s A-List Black Creators, proved one thing—Tatiana’s talent isn’t just a moment; it’s a movement. And she’s only getting started.
Tems — This year, Tems proved she wasn’t just making music—she was making history. The Nigerian sensation dropped her debut album Born in the Wild, a masterpiece that had critics raving and fans worldwide singing along. She toured the globe. From London to Australia, every stage she graced became a moment to remember.
Her song “Me & U” won hearts and clinched the BET Award for Best Gospel/Inspirational Song. Tems earned a Billboard nomination for Top Afrobeats Song and landed a spot on Obama’s summer playlist with “Love Me Jeje.” Her Grammy nominations for Best R&B Song, Best Global Music Album, and Best African Music Performance reinforced her place among music royalty.
Thandiswa Mazwai — 2024 marked 20 years since Thandiswa Mazwai’s iconic debut album Zabalaza redefined South Africa’s soundscape. Thandiswa Mazwai reminded the world why she’s a cultural powerhouse and a voice of her generation. And instead of simply celebrating the past, she gifted us Sankofa, an album that boldly weaves Xhosa archival music, jazz, and West African rhythms into a rich tapestry of healing and identity.
Her electrifying Tiny Desk performance, now approaching a million views, became a global love letter to her artistry. Across the U.S. and U.K., from London’s Barbican to New York’s LPR, she left audiences spellbound. The Sankofa tour was a huge success. Even Harvard took notice, inviting her to speak at the Centre for African Studies. “Sankofa,” Mazwai said, “means going back to fetch what honors you.” In 2024, she did just that—honoring her legacy, healing through music, and proving she’s still unstoppable.
Tisa Chigaga — For the filmmaker, screenwriter and Program Manager of the African Film Festival, Tisa Chigaga, 2024 was groundbreaking. Her short film Bride of Zambia became the country’s first production to openly challenge traditional gender roles. With a fearless vision, she started conversations and brought to light the uncomfortable truths often avoided in cultural discourse. The film created ripples far beyond Zambia. Critics praised her daring storytelling, while audiences resonated deeply, with many saying, “I’ve been waiting for someone to say this.”
What makes her work stand out is her approach: Bride of Zambia shifts focus to the women who perpetuate these norms, questioning why they enforce standards that often bring them pain. For Tisa, 2024 was more than just creating films; it was about shifting narratives and opening doors for dialogue. With her sharp storytelling and cultural introspection, she proved one thing this year — change doesn’t just happen; it’s created.
Tyla — Tyla’s 2024 was legendary. At just 22, she has cemented her place as one of Afrobeats’ brightest stars with eight Billboard Music Award nominations. She released her eponymous debut album in 2024 and the chart-topping tracks Water, Truth or Dare, and Jump kept the world dancing, earning her three entries in the same category — an impressive feat. And then came the MTV EMAs. Tyla dominated, winning Best Afrobeats Artist, Best African Act, and Best R&B Artist, making history with every step.
Her debut album smashed records on Spotify, crossing 1 billion streams faster than any other African album. It was also a first for any South African artist. This year, Tyla took the stage by storm, with double wins at award shows and the announcement of a Coachella performance in 2025. 2024 was more than just another year for her; it was the Tyla era.
Victoria Monet — Victoria Monét made 2024 her personal stage, and what a show it was! This R&B powerhouse, already revered for hits like “On My Mama,” ventured into a new territory with her debut children’s book Everywhere You Are, charming fans of all ages. Her album Jaguar II also earned critical acclaim and smashed records, with “On My Mama” securing a Grammy nod for Record of the Year. At the 66th Annual Grammy Awards, Victoria walked away with seven nominations and three golden gramophones—including Best New Artist and Best R&B Album.
One victory, however, was groundbreaking: she became the first Black woman to win Best Engineered Album, Non-Classical in the Grammys’ history. Victoria’s light kept shining at the BET Awards, where she celebrated multiple wins, including Video of the Year and the BET HER honor. She honored her mother by bringing her onstage to receive the award, encouraging the women in the room to continue to work together. Victoria Monet is a star, a trailblazer, and a true inspiration.
Zineb Koutten — 2024 a year of changing narratives for Zineb Koutten. Inspired by her own roots, she returned to Morocco to launch WLAD CHA3b, an ode to the working class. With her lens, Zineb captured raw, authentic stories from the bustling medinas of Casablanca. She also unveiled Paris Through Their Lens, a moving exhibition in Casablanca that amplified the voices and experiences of 20 hijab-wearing women in France. Bold and intentional, she shone her creative light on overlooked narratives.
For Zineb, it was more than creating art, it was activism, challenging stereotypes and reshaping how society views veiled women. She reminded us all to question tradition, embrace individuality, and fight for representation. Through every frame and project, Zineb proved one thing this year: when your work shines from the inside, it illuminates the world. And hers was the brightest light of them all.
