This year’s GLAMOUR Women of the Year Awards, themed “The Game Changers Edition,” honoured 12 extraordinary women who are trailblazers in their fields. After a two-year hiatus, the event returned on Saturday, November 19.
The crème de la crème of the social scene and VVIPs attended the pink carpet event, which was held at the lovely Boschendal Wine Estate.
“With WOTY we are honouring and highlighting phenomenal women who are leaders in their chosen fields. These women are game-changers and deserve to be celebrated as outstanding individuals who are changing the narrative and pushing boundaries when it comes to the way they work, and this is the essence of the GLAMOUR brand,” says GLAMOUR’s Editor-In-Chief, Nontando Mposo.
See the list of winners below:
International Gamechanger
Peace Hyde
Peace is the creator and executive producer of Netflix’s first African reality TV series Young, Famous & African, as well as the Head of digital media and partnership and the West African Correspondent at Forbes Africa. She is the founder of Aim Higher Africa, a non-profit organization focused on improving the quality of education in impoverished communities across Africa. Her list of accolades includes being shortlisted amongst 200 leaders as part of the Obama Foundation Africa Leaders program and the African Social Impact Award at the House of Parliament, House of Commons in the UK in 2019.
Gamechanging Actress
Thuso Mbedu
The KZN born actress is making waves in Hollywood. She’s managed to capture the attention of global audiences with her range and work ethic. Her list of accolades includes a SAFTA for best actress in a TV Drama in 2018, a Hollywood Critics Association Award for TV Breakout Star in 2021, a Gotham Award for Outstanding Performance in New Series in the same year, as well as an Independent Spirit Award for Best Female Performance in New Scripted Series in 2022. Her most recent role in The Woman King alongside Viola Davis has also been critically acclaimed.
Gamechanging Entrepreneur
Siba Mtongana
The multi-award-winning, internationally acclaimed Celebrity Chef, author and founder of the Siba Company. She’s also the owner of Siba Restaurant which offers an iconic 5-star dining experience in the heart of Cape Town. Her list of achievements includes being hand-picked by the presidency to culinary direct and curate the VIP menu for President Cyril Ramaphosa’s inauguration, international awards for her book My Table as well as five 5 US Film and Television Awards, and four local awards for her TV shows.
Tech Gamechanger
Tashline Jooste
Chief Executive Officer for the Innovator Trust, created to support the growth of small black-owned Information and Communications Technology (ICT) businesses in South Africa. Her approach to social impact positions her as a trailblazer in the tech space. Tashline is an advocate for female entrepreneurship with extensive business experience and has done extraordinary work in terms of visibility for women in tech.
Beauty Gamechanger
Dr Vanessa Lapiner
Specialist Dermatologist and founder of root4 skincare, TASH360 and AD&L. Rooted in her integrative dermatology approach, her inclusive range is disrupting the skincare industry through cutting-edge technology and scientifically proven powerful active ingredients that benefit the skin’s health.
Mental Health Gamechanger
Shudufhadzo Musiḓa
Published Author and Mental Health Advocate. Shudu used her platform as Miss SA 2020 to launch her platform MindfulMondays in partnership with SADAG to raise awareness around mental health and continues to elevate the conversation. She has also been appointed as a Goodwill Ambassador for the Global Surgery Foundation.
Sustainability Gamechanger
Jackie May
Founder & Editor of Twyg she is championing sustainability through her NPO. Twyg promotes sustainable, circular, regenerative, caring and ethical living. The content she publishes on the platform is a commitment to exploring ways we can live well now while ensuring a kinder, inclusive, nature-friendly future for all. When she’s not producing content for her site, she works with Refashion Lab exploring inclusive and repurposed fashion.
Fashion Gamechanger
Yoliswa Mqoco
The award-winning social media influencer, stylist and digital creator has positioned herself as a game changer in the design and fashion spaces. As a plus-size model, she continues to elevate the conversation around representation through her beautifully curated content on Instagram and the liberatory practice of expressing yourself. Yoliswa wears confidence and self-love and encourages curvy women to have just as much fun dressing up as everybody else.
Gamechanger in Music
DBN Gogo
DJ and producer Mandisa Radebe, popularly known as DBN Gogo, has cemented herself as an influential figure on the SA music scene. The ‘Khuza Gogo’ hitmaker is at the peak of her career and has helped shape the amapiano wave. Her music has taken on a unique form, and her hit songs feature on playlists across the country as a DJ, and she dominates the charts.
Sports Gamechanger
Janine van Wyk
Not only is she the captain of the Women’s National Football team but she plays for her own club, JVW. She is the highest-capped player in South Africa with 180 appearances and the highest-capped female in CAF. During her tenure as captain, Banyana Banyana has done exceptionally well. Led by Coach Desiree Ellis, the team was also crowned the 2022 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations champions.
Icon Award
Anele Mdoda
The award-winning broadcaster has a long-standing career in radio and TV which spans over 17 years. Her show The 947 Breakfast Club with Anele is one of the most popular radio shows. The 947 radio host speaks with lots of passion and her longevity can be attributed to her infectious personality and take on current affairs, parenting and lifestyle-related topics. Anele is also an award-winning television presenter hosting various shows including SA’s Got Talent, and Miss SA and winning a SAFTA for her talk show Real Talk with Anele.
Next Gen Gamechanger
Rabia Ghoor
Swiitch Beauty is one of South Africa’s most popular beauty brands. Rhabia started her makeup range Swiitch Beauty at just 14 years old. Seven years later Swiitch Beauty has grown into the innovative digital makeup brand we know and love. Rhabia created an affordable local beauty brand for South Africans that has the same variety and quality as other countries. The range features 20 products including cosmetics, skincare and sunscreen and has recently expanded to the retail space at We Are Egg in Cavendish Square.
Nollywood star Toyin Abraham took a stand against online bullying on May 14, 2024. The actress and producer specifically addressed her fans and followers on her Instagram story, urging them to stop bullying or hurling insults at others in her name.
Her message highlights a growing concern about celebrity fan culture and the potential for online harassment. Toyin Abraham likely wants her fans to express their support positively, and she emphasises that she doesn’t condone negativity directed at others.
She said,
“Please don’t use a fan page created in my name to bully or curse anyone let people bully curse and abuse me as long as they wish or want. The Lord is my strength and will always be my strength please.”
— TOYIN ABRAHAM AJEYEMI (@toyin_abraham1) May 14, 2024
Her decision to share the post resonated with her audience. Many of her followers and supporters expressed their approval in the comments section.
A fan commented,
“Omo, people Dey do a lot this days… I understand sometimes that we have to reply them or interact with them, because only gods knows what you did wrong that they always find fault in what you do. God be with you Mum Ire.”
“You expect Someone like me to folds hands…?? Be like you don forget where I de follow U from, you have forgotten days of humble beginning abi? Make person soil ur name, make I fold? TOYIN, AYA AJEYEMI bami soro na,” another fan said in her defense.
“We no go hear, any slander or insult to you or your personality will be met with equal and proportionate response,” said another defensive fan. “No matter how good you are to people, they will still get back at you with ill and defame words.”
However, not everyone agreed with her stance. A comment that caught many eyes read, ”
“When you fuvked up… Netizen will treat your fuvk up. That’s what it is, we don’t celebrate hypocrisy and the masses matter.”
Nigerian music star BNXN is putting a stop to online comparisons. Influencer-fueled debates about who the better singer is, BNXN or Ayra Starr, recently took social media by storm. But BNXN isn’t here for it. On May 13th, 2024, he took a stand on his social media platform, urging fans to ditch the comparisons and appreciate artists for their individual talents.
stop pitting me against my friends for entertainment.
BNXN is a force to be reckoned with in the Nigerian music industry.
He is renowned for his music, and he’s consistently impressed audiences since bursting onto the scene. This isn’t the first time BNXN has encountered online comparisons. He clearly remembers the public feud with fellow singer Ruger that erupted after similar comparisons on social media.
Thankfully, cooler heads prevailed, and BNXN and Ruger ended their disagreement. They even collaborated on a successful EP titled “RnB,” featuring hits like “Romeo Must Die” and “Ilashe.” This proved that collaboration can be much more fruitful than competition.
Meanwhile, Ayra Starr seems unfazed by the online noise.
She’s laser-focused on the upcoming release of her highly anticipated sophomore album, “The Year I Turned 21,” expected to drop this May.
The Grammy-nominated artist recently unveiled “No Bad Vibe,” featuring Seyi Vibez, as the album’s lead single. But that’s not all! The full project boasts an impressive lineup of guest appearances, including Asake, Giveon, Coco Jones, Anitta, and even her brother Milar. This star-studded collaboration hints at the diversity fans can expect from the album.
So, it’s clear that both BNXN and Ayra Starr are prioritising making music for their fans, not getting caught up in online comparisons. Their dedication to their craft is evident, and their talent deserves to be celebrated individually.
Let’s appreciate their unique styles and contributions to the Nigerian music scene, and keep an eye out for the release of Ayra Starr’s album; it’s bound to be a smash.
Big Brother Naija “Shine Ya Eye” winner Whitemoney, also known as Hazel Oyeze Onou, recently explained why he skipped the 10th Africa Magic Viewers’ Choice Awards (AMVCA).
The AMVCA took place on Saturday, with celebrities rocking stunning outfits on the red carpet at Eko Hotel and Suites in Lagos. Vee, for example, wowed in an all-pink lace gown with a flowing cape and matching gloves.
In a video on his Instagram page, Whitemoney revealed that the high cost of attending the AMVCA was a major factor in his absence. He explained that creating an AMVCA-worthy outfit can cost millions of Naira, not even including stylist fees! Feeling the pressure to look his best, and since he doesn’t identify as an actor, Whitemoney opted to skip the event altogether.
On a separate note, Whitemoney also urged his fellow celebrities to pay the designers behind their extravagant AMVCA looks to avoid any awkward situations.
He said,
“I’ve been getting calls about my absence from the AMVCA. How would I go, are you not seeing what these brothers are wearing? Take a look at Neo Akpofure’s dress. Elozonam was dripping in an all-white outfit, like an angel deported from heaven to go create his own heaven on earth. Saga was like all these pink Barbie gentlemen. His dress was awesome.”
“I can’t match their styles. To make an outfit befitting for the AMVCA, you would spend not less than one million naira, and you will still have to pay for a stylist. I’m not an actor, so I’m not even bothered.”
“AMVCA na pressure. Imagine paying over a million naira for a dress you would only wear once. The ladies were just killing it. Next year we move. I can’t relate. But please, make sure you pay your designers in full to avoid them calling you out on social media.”
