The Most Famous African, Ranked
Voting rules: Choose the African you think is the most famous!
Updated on May 6, 2024 07:02
Throughout history, numerous Africans have shaped not only their own continent but also the world at large through diverse contributions in areas such as politics, science, arts, and sports. By compiling a list of the most famous among them, we gain a clearer understanding of these influencers and their enduring legacies. This ranking helps to highlight the significant achievements and the stories that might otherwise be overlooked in the broad sweep of history.
By participating in the voting process, users have the unique opportunity to voice their opinions and influence who is recognized as the most impactful. Each vote contributes to a dynamic hierarchy that reflects the current public perception of these figures' relevance and legacy. This engaging process not only enriches our appreciation but also encourages a deeper connection with the histories and lives of these remarkable individuals.
Who Is the Most Famous African?
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159votesHe was a South African anti-apartheid revolutionary, political leader, and philanthropist who served as President of South Africa from 1994 to 1999. He was the country's first black head of state and the first elected in a fully representative democratic election.Nelson Mandela was a South African anti-apartheid revolutionary, politician, and philanthropist who served as President of South Africa from 1994 to 1999. He is widely regarded as one of the most influential and inspiring figures of the 20th century.
- Born: July 18, 1918
- Died: December 5, 2013
- Political Affiliation: African National Congress (ANC)
- Imprisonment: Spent 27 years in prison (1962-1990)
- Awards and Recognition: Nobel Peace Prize (1993), Bharat Ratna, Presidential Medal of Freedom, and more
Nelson Mandela in other rankings- Position 1 of 10 in Most famous convict
- Position 1 of 10 in Most famous leader
- Position 2 of 10 in Most famous freedom fighter
- Position 2 of 10 in Most famous rebels
- Position 7 of 10 in Most successful Prime Minister in the world
- Position 9 of 10 in Most famous African American
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226votes
US Mission in Geneva · Public domainHe was a Ghanaian diplomat who served as the seventh Secretary-General of the United Nations from January 1997 to December 2006. He was the first black African to hold the post.Kofi Annan in other rankings- Position 1 of 10 in Most brilliant person in Ghana
- Position 2 of 10 in Most famous ambassador
- Position 2 of 10 in Most famous Ghanaian
- Position 4 of 10 in Most famous person in Ghana
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324votes
Stuart C. Shapiro · CC BY 3.0He was a Nigerian novelist, poet, professor, and critic. He is best known for his first novel, Things Fall Apart (1958), which is the most widely read book in modern African literature.Chinua Achebe in other rankings- Position 1 of 10 in Most famous African writer
- Position 2 of 10 in Most famous professor in Nigeria
- Position 9 of 10 in Most brilliant person in Nigeria
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418votes
Benny Gool · Public domainHe is a South African Anglican cleric and theologian known for his work as an anti-apartheid and human rights activist. He was the first black Archbishop of Cape Town and later served as the Chairman of the Truth and Reconciliation Commission.Desmond Tutu in other rankings- Position 2 of 10 in Most famous Bishop
- Position 2 of 10 in Most famous person in South Africa
- Position 8 of 10 in Most famous humanitarian
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520votes
Frankie Fouganthin · CC BY-SA 4.0He is a Nigerian playwright, poet, and essayist. He was the first African to be awarded the Nobel Prize in Literature in 1986.Wole Soyinka in other rankings- Position 1 of 10 in Most famous professor in Nigeria
- Position 2 of 10 in Most famous African writer
- Position 4 of 10 in Most brilliant person in Nigeria
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611votesShe was a South African singer, songwriter, and civil rights activist. She was known as Mama Africa and was one of the first African musicians to gain international recognition.Miriam Makeba in other rankings
- Position 1 of 10 in Most famous South African singer
- Position 1 of 10 in Most famous singer in South Africa
- Position 3 of 10 in Most famous musician in Africa
- Position 7 of 10 in Most famous person in South Africa
- Position 9 of 10 in Most famous person in Tanzania
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711votesHe was the last Emperor of Ethiopia from 1930 to 1974. He was a prominent figure in the Pan-African movement and played a key role in the establishment of the Organization of African Unity.Haile Selassie in other rankings
- Position 1 of 10 in Most famous Ethiopian
- Position 2 of 10 in Most famous member of the Rastafarian belief system
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85votes
His master’s voice record company. · CC BY-SA 4.0He was a Nigerian musician and activist known as the father of Afrobeat. His music was inspired by African rhythms and he used his platform to speak out against corruption and oppression.Fela Kuti in other rankings- Position 1 of 10 in Most famous musician in Africa
- Position 6 of 10 in Most brilliant person in Nigeria
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96votesShe was a Kenyan environmental and political activist who was the first African woman to receive the Nobel Peace Prize in 2004. She founded the Green Belt Movement, which has planted over 51 million trees in Kenya.Wangari Maathai in other rankings
- Position 2 of 10 in Most famous Kenyan
- Position 2 of 10 in Most famous environmental engineers
- Position 9 of 10 in Most famous ecologist
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106votesHe is an Egyptian professional footballer who plays for Liverpool and the Egypt national team. He is widely considered one of the best footballers in the world and has won numerous awards and accolades.Mohamed Salah in other rankings
- Position 1 of 10 in Most famous Arab football player
- Position 1 of 10 in Most handsome African player
- Position 2 of 10 in Most handsome player in Liverpool
- Position 3 of 10 in Most famous Egyptian
- Position 3 of 10 in Most famous Arab celebrities
- Position 5 of 10 in Most famous players in football
Missing your favorite African?
Graphs
Discussion
Ranking factors for famous African
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AchievementsTheir contributions to the fields of arts, science and technology, politics, sports, entertainment, business, and/or philanthropy.
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International recognition and impactTheir influence not only in their home country but also on a global scale.
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Popularity and media coverageTheir level of fame, popularity, and prominence in the media and cultural landscape.
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Historical significanceTheir role in shaping African history or their impact on society at large.
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Cultural representationTheir representation of Africa's diverse cultures and traditions.
About this ranking
This is a community-based ranking of the most famous African. We do our best to provide fair voting, but it is not intended to be exhaustive. So if you notice something or African is missing, feel free to help improve the ranking!
Statistics
- 1872 views
- 182 votes
- 10 ranked items
Voting Rules
A participant may cast an up or down vote for each African once every 24 hours. The rank of each African is then calculated from the weighted sum of all up and down votes.
More information on most famous african
Africa is a continent rich in culture, history, and diversity. It is home to more than 1.2 billion people and boasts of some of the world's most famous personalities. From Nobel laureates, renowned artists, and celebrated athletes, Africa has produced some of the most iconic figures in history.
When it comes to identifying the most famous African, the task might seem daunting considering the vast array of personalities to choose from. However, some names stand out due to their global appeal and significant impact on the world stage. From former South African president Nelson Mandela, who fought against apartheid and advocated for racial equality, to the celebrated Egyptian footballer Mohamed Salah, who has won numerous awards and accolades for his exceptional talent, Africa has produced some of the most remarkable figures in the world.
The most famous African is a highly contested title, with various individuals making a strong case for themselves. Ultimately, it comes down to personal opinions, and with StrawPoll, you can cast your vote and see who the world considers to be the most famous African.
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