Forbes Africa has released its annual 30 Under 30 list, which celebrates the achievements of exceptional young entrepreneurs, innovators, and leaders under the age of 30.
Dubbed “The Newest Self-Made Young Innovators and Leaders Scripting a New Vision for Africa,” this year’s list recognizes the outstanding accomplishments of 30 “multi-tasking multi-hyphenate entrepreneurs, innovators, and leaders” who are driving Africa’s progress on their own terms. The list features Tems, Ayra Starr, Asisat Oshoala, Blessing Joel Abeng, and Khloe ‘Koko’ Abiri.
The finalists were selected from a pool of over a thousand applicants, which included former Forbes Africa 30 Under 30 alumni, an editorial team led by Under 30 curator Chanel Retief, as well as a panel of independent external judges and subject-matter experts. The rigorous selection process considered factors such as innovation, scalability, social impact, and overall contribution to the development of Africa.
“In a post-pandemic Africa, everything is evolving all over again; everything is a work in progress. That was evident in the pool of talent we received… because here is a young batch of people completely cognizant of the changes the continent is going through and who are coming up with ideas and solutions for some of these very new problems. There are also problems that have been around for a long, and they are now trying to tackle them quickly. I think the speed with which they are trying to execute some of these ideas is what we need to highlight. They are also building their own brand and changing the image of the continent,” says Renuka Methil, Managing Editor of Forbes Africa.
And the class of 2023 are:
• Dr Wedu Tose Somolekae, 29, Botswana – Founder, Medi-Glow Aesthetics
– Industry: Aesthetic medicine
• Khethokuhle ‘Kay Yarms’ Ngonyama, 29, South Africa – Beauty Influencer
– Industry: Content creation
• Koaile Monaheng, 29, Lesotho – Associate Director and Shareholder, Khantša Energy
– Industry: Renewable Energy
• Mutethia Mbaabu, 29, Kenya – Co-founder and CEO, MarketForce
– Industry: E-Commerce
• Oluwabusayo Victoria Abiri, 29, Nigeria – Founder and CEO, Koko By Khloe
– Industry: Beauty and Skincare
• Rosalia Nghitalesheni Joseph, 28, Namibia – Regional Coordinator, Women in Vector Control (WIVC), Central
and Southern Africa
– Industry: Medical entomologist/public researcher
• Temilade Openiyi / ‘Tems’, 27, Nigeria – Singer-songwriter
– Industry: Music and Entertainment
• Oyinkansola Sarah Aderibigbe / ‘Ayra Starr’, 20, Benin/Nigeria – Singer
– Industry: Music and Entertainment
• Dr Olivier Uwishema, 29, Rwanda – Founder, Oli Health Magazine Organization (OHMO)
– Industry: Medicine/Research
• Lethabo ‘Focalistic’ Sebetso, 26, South Africa – Rapper
– Industry: Music and Entertainment
• Joel Embiid, 29, Cameroon – Center for Philadelphia 76ers National Basketball Association
– Industry: Professional Basketball Player
• Nompumelelo ‘Mpoomy’ Ledwaba, 29, South Africa – Entrepreneur/Digital Creator
– Industry: Digital Marketing
• Yvette Ishimwe, 25, Rwanda – Founder and CEO, Iriba Water Group
– Industry: Water Solutions
• Hansel Ndu Okeke, 28, Nigeria – Co-founder and CEO, Weevil Company
– Industry: Technology
• Germain Ndu-Okeke, 24, Nigeria – Co-founder and Chief Operation Officer, Weevil Company
– Industry: Technology
• Asisat Oshoala, 28, Nigeria – Striker for Spanish Liga F club FC Barcelona and the Nigeria women’s national
team
– Industry: Professional Footballer
• Jacques Jordaan, 27, South Africa – Co-founder and Director, Specno
– Industry: Entrepreneur/Technology
• Blessing Joel Abeng, 28, Nigeria – Co-founder and Director of Communications, Ingressive For Good
– Industry: Branding and Communications
• Jessica Mshama, 27, Tanzania – Founder and CEO, Nakua Na Taifa Langu, Director of Assumpter Digital
Schools
– Industry: Entrepreneur/Social Impact
• Dricus ‘Still Knocks’ du Plessis, 29, South Africa – Professional mixed martial artist in the Middleweight division
of the Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC)
– Industry: Mixed Martial Arts (MMA)
• Isaack Damian Buhiye, 28, Tanzania – CEO, Firm 23 Limited
– Industry: Digital Enterprise Solutions
• Emmanuel Whajah, 29, Ghana – Creative Director, Videographer and owner of Emzy Production Films
– Industry: Film and entertainment
• Cheslin Denman, 29, South Africa – Managing Director and Co-Founder, Trustlink Africa Hub
– Industry: Fintech
• Mhlengi Mluleki Ngcobo, 28, South Africa – Founder and CEO, CoffeeMM
– Industry: Agriculture
• Talifhani Tshitwamulomoni, 29, South Africa – Chief Operation Officer, Green Development Foundation
– Industry: Sustainability
• Cody Gordon, 26, South Africa – Co-founder and CEO, CG Technology Group (be frank, Constructive Candor
and It’sOk)
– Industry: Mental Health Technology
• Thembi Kgatlana, 26, South Africa – A Forward for NWSL club Racing Louisville FC and South Africa
women’s national team
– Industry: Professional Football
• Mohammed Kudus, 22, Ghana – Attacking midfielder for Eredivisie club Ajax and the Ghana national team
– Industry: Professional Football
The “Rhythm & Blues” video is out and Ayra Starr‘s fans can now take pride in their music as the video of the song sweeps everyone off their feet with sweet romance and chills.
The beautifully voiced and talented Ayra Starr is a signee to the Mavin Records record label, and her musical journey has been exceptional, with each song giving out its dose of vibe to every listener.
“Rhythm & Blues” is her latest single, and the video has just been released, making waves in the music scene.
This track, produced by Sparrq, offers a blend of rhythm and blues that will captivate your ears and heart. Ayra Starr’s soulful vocals and lyrical coordinates shine through in the “Rhythm & Blues”, making it a must-listen for everyone everywhere.
To bring this musical masterpiece to life visually, Ayra Starr has unveiled the official video for “Rhythm & Blues”,
The video, directed by the Earthboi, complements the song’s essence perfectly, providing a visual narrative that enhances the overall listening experience.
In this captivating video, Ayra Starr’s artistry is on full display as she takes you on a visual journey that matches the rhythm and blues of the song. From the romance to the swift moves with her partner in the video, every element has been carefully crafted to create an intense pleasure.
In the video, Ayra Starr is seen singing and making loving moves around her partner, further showing how much he is her “Rhythm & Blues”.
To establish herself as one of the music industry’s rising stars, “Rhythm & Blues” stands as a testament to her exceptional talent and dedication to her craft.
So, if you’re ready to engage yourself in some romantic vibing and groove, this video has all the view you need.
Skipping breakfast is a common practice, with up to 25% of adults regularly skipping the meal. While it is often believed that breakfast is the most important meal of the day, there is increasing evidence to suggest that skipping breakfast may actually have some health benefits.
These health benefits are numerous and should be taken seriously if you want them effective for you. This is not to say that you should starve yourself or deprive yourself of healthy morning food. It just means that skipping breakfast sometimes can be beneficial for your health.
What are the benefits of skipping breakfast?
1. Weight loss:
Skipping breakfast can help you reduce your calorie intake for the day, which can lead to weight loss. A study found that people who skipped breakfast lost more weight over a 16-week period than those who ate breakfast. So, if you are among those trying to loose weight or burn down calories, you should consider skipping breakfast sometimes.
2. Improved blood sugar control:
Skipping breakfast can help to lower blood sugar levels and improve insulin sensitivity. This may be beneficial for people with type 2 diabetes or prediabetes. It has been discovered that people with type 2 diabetes who skipped breakfast had lower blood sugar levels throughout the day than those who ate breakfast.
3. Increased growth hormone levels:
Growth hormone is a hormone that helps to build and repair muscle tissue. Skipping breakfast can lead to an increase in growth hormone levels, which may be beneficial for people who are trying to build muscle mass or lose weight.
You wonder how this is possible when you think you need food to build the body and body tissues, right? Growth hormones do not necessarily need food especially when they can get whatever nutrients they need from the body reservoir.
4. Improved cognitive function:
Skipping breakfast can improve cognitive function, such as memory and attention. Sometimes eating in the morning makes you very dull through the day especially when it is a heavy meal. So when you skip breakfast, your body becomes more aware of what is happening and coordinates better.
5. More time to sleep:
This is for the leisure and relaxation folks. You find that the time you would use in making breakfast can buy you sleep if you skip that breakfast. Thank me later. Skipping breakfast can give you more time to sleep in the morning. If you are short on time, it may be a good way to get a few extra minutes of sleep or whatever.
We have talked about what not eating breakfast sometimes can do to us positively. What about what it does to us when we indulge too much or excessively? While we should skip breakfast sometimes, it is highly advised that it should not come off as a habit because it has its side effects.
What are the side effects of not eating breakfast regularly?
Do you skip breakfast for any of the reasons stated above? We all have our reasons for forgoing breakfast in the morning. However, keep in mind the things you are about to read below just as a guide to not overdo it.
1. Deficiency of vital nutrients:
Skipping breakfast means missing out on essential nutrients like fibre and vitamins that are crucial for sustaining your energy throughout the day. Consistently skipping breakfast can lead to inadequate intake of these nutrients, potentially leading to long-term health issues.
2. Adverse effects on energy levels and mood:
If you’ve been making a habit of skipping breakfast daily and have noticed increased irritability and decreased energy levels, your breakfast-skipping habit could be to blame. In other words, the side effects of breakfast omission can manifest as reduced energy levels and mood swings. So, the next time you find yourself feeling fatigued and irritable without an obvious cause, consider whether you’ve had breakfast.
3. Impacts on cognitive functioning:
Regular breakfast consumption has a positive influence on cognitive functioning. While it is true that skipping breakfast could help you perform better cognitively because it makes you more aware, scientific research has shown that individuals who skip breakfast on a regular basis exhibit worse cognitive performance compared to those who just skip sometimes.
4. Slowing down of metabolism:
Can you function without food indefinitely? Certainly not. Food provides the energy necessary to sustain us throughout the day. Consequently, if you neglect to nourish your body with breakfast, the first meal of the day, your body’s functioning may be compromised.
5. Encourages unhealthy cravings:
Skipping breakfast means your body hasn’t received any energy or nutrients since your last meal, which could have been 12 to 14 hours ago. Worse still, this can lead to poor dietary choiceslater in the day. Who can resist the allure of doughnuts when hunger strikes? Even if you’re not particularly fond of breakfast, your organs require it to function effectively. Breakfast, whether it’s a quick bowl of oatmeal or a hard-boiled egg, provides essential nutrients early in the day and helps maintain steady blood sugar levels. So with this, do not skip breakfast on a regular basis.
6. Skipping breakfast can trigger migraines:
One of the potential consequences of forgoing breakfast regularly is an increased susceptibility to migraines, particularly if you are already prone to them, probably because you have gotten used to not eating in the morning. Skipping your morning meal regularly can lead to low blood sugar levels, which may elevate blood pressure and raise the likelihood of experiencing a migraine attack. This is why it is advised to skip breakfast sometimes, not regularly.
7. Weakened immune system:
When you skip breakfast on a daily basis, your immune system can be compromised. This is because breakfast omission can adversely affect your immune cells. The body relies on consistent nutrition to maintain a healthy supply of immune cells capable of combating illnesses and enhancing the function of T-cells.
Having gone through the benefits and side effects of skipping breakfast, you should consider what to eat on the days you decide to eat breakfast. This will help your balance the equation.
What should I eat for breakfast?
The list of healthy foods to be eaten as breakfast goes on and on as it is endless, but let us see a few of them below:
Eggs
Greek yoghurt
Oat meal
Fruits
Cheese
Tea
Nuts
Protein shakes
Smoothies
Any of these foods eaten as breakfast is good for your health, but be mindful not to overeat or indulge all the time.
It is also needful to listen to your body and eat breakfast if you are hungry. But, if you are not hungry in the morning, there is no need to force yourself to eat.
To be sure that you are on the right track when skipping a breakfast, check out these tips below:
Make sure you are getting enough sleep the night prior.
Drink plenty of water throughout the day.
Eat healthy snacks throughout the day, such as fruits, vegetables, and nuts.
Avoid sugary drinks and processed foods.
If you are taking any medications, please and please again, do not skip breakfast. If you must, talk to your physician first.
What are your final thoughts?
The bottom line is that eating a healthy breakfast is essential to living a healthy life. Skipping breakfast sometimes is very good to the body, but… Not when you do it regularly or on a daily basis. If you do it daily, the side effects will put you at the risk of many health concerns.
So, go for a breakfast that is full of nutrients and DON’T SKIP IT REGULARLY!
Ishaya Bako, the director of “The Royal Hibiscus Hotel” and “Road To Yesterday,” will direct the film adaptation of Adaobi Tricia Nwaubani‘s award-winning 2009 novel “I Do Not Come to You by Chance.”
Below is everything you should know about the adaptation.
This project secured a spot in the Toronto International Film Festival (TIFF) 2023 Centrepiece program. This carefully curated selection includes 47 titles from 45 different countries and serves as a platform to honour and celebrate contemporary achievements in global cinema.
The film is set to star Paul Nnadiekwe, who makes his debut appearance on the big screen, alongside Blossom Chukwujekwu. Joining them are Jennifer Eliogu, Sambasa Nberibe, and Beverly Osu. It follows a struggling Nigerian graduate whose seemingly sole option involves assisting his dubious uncle’s fraudulent email scam.
The film presents its story in both English and Igbo, with Femi Awojide taking on the role of Director of Photography.
Speaking on the Centrepiece program, Nataleah Hunter-Young, the TIFF International Programmer for Africa and Arab West Asia, said,
“It’s been an extraordinary year for African cinemas on the international festival circuit, and that continues to be reflected in this year’s exciting line-up of 9 African titles (8 features and 1 short) representing 9 different countries, more so when you include the directors of African descent living and working in the diaspora (Ladj Ly, Noura El Hourch, Mehdi Fikri, Sally El Hosaini).”