Ayakha Ntunja
Actor and Cultural Influencer

Sector: Film and TV
South Africa

Ayakha’s talent, authenticity and versatility have positioned her as one of South Africa's most exciting young screen actors. Since making her television debut, she has built an impressive body of work across streaming, television and film, earning widespread recognition for her breakout performance as Amo in Showmax's Youngins. She has since expanded her range with leading roles in Inimba and the feature film Loved Out, demonstrating a remarkable ability to bring depth and emotional honesty to every performance. Beyond acting, Ayakha is fast becoming a cultural influencer, collaborating with leading lifestyle and beauty brands while inspiring a new generation of young African women through her authenticity and confidence. Her growing presence across entertainment, fashion and digital media reflects the evolution of modern stardom. With exceptional talent, professionalism and an exciting career trajectory, Ayakha represents the future of African storytelling and is undoubtedly one of the industry's brightest emerging stars.

Lesego Soke
Producer

Sector: Film and TV
South Africa

Lesego’s work is redefining what it means to be a creative producer in South Africa's film and television industry. Through Moodboard Media, she combines strategic storytelling with creative production, delivering authentic, culturally relevant content across film, television and branded media. Beyond her own productions, Lesego is committed to creating opportunities for others. She is the founder of Female Film Trailblazers (FFT), an initiative dedicated to connecting emerging women filmmakers with established industry leaders through mentorship, networking, education and professional development. At a pivotal moment for African storytelling, Lesego is building not only compelling content but also the next generation of creative leaders. Her ability to bridge storytelling, business strategy and industry development sets her apart as one of the sector's most exciting emerging voices. With a clear vision for a more inclusive and collaborative industry, Lesego is already making an impact that extends well beyond the screen and signals an extraordinary future ahead.

Promise Twala
Publicist  

Sector: Film and TV
South Africa

Promise is redefining the role of public relations within South Africa's film and television industry. As one of the country's pioneering young Black female Unit Publicists, she has championed the integration of strategic communications into the production process, demonstrating that audience engagement begins long before a film reaches the screen. Through her work, Promise has helped shift industry thinking, advocating for public relations, marketing and audience development to be recognised as essential components of successful productions rather than afterthoughts. Beyond her professional achievements, she is passionate about highlighting the diverse career opportunities that exist behind the camera. Her innovative approach to storytelling, communications and audience strategy is helping productions connect more effectively with audiences while strengthening the commercial success of African content. With a bold vision for the future and a growing influence across the creative sector, Promise is undoubtedly one of the industry's most exciting emerging leaders.

Yolisa Letshwene
Screenwriter, Producer, Entrepreneur

Sector: Film, TV and Entertainment Technology
South Africa

Yolisa Letshwene is a rising star whose work is shaping the next chapter of Africa's film industry. As a screenwriter, producer, educator and founder of Upstreem, she is combining powerful storytelling with bold ideas that address the future of the creative economy. Her feature screenplay Green Home earned international recognition with a Cannes Film Awards nomination, while her award-winning short films have screened at festivals around the world, championing authentic African stories and underrepresented voices. Beyond filmmaking, Yolisa is already making her mark as an advocate for creators' rights, contributing to industry conversations through the Directors Guild of South Africa, the Independent Directors Association Africa and engagements with UNESCO. Through Upstreem, she is developing innovative solutions that promote transparency, intellectual property protection and fairer opportunities for filmmakers. With her unique blend of creative talent, entrepreneurial thinking and industry leadership, Yolisa represents a new generation of African creatives who are not only telling stories but helping shape the future of the industry.

Mbali Mashaba
Director

Sector: Film and TV
South Africa

Mbali’s bold storytelling and commitment to championing African cinema are establishing her as one of the continent's most exciting emerging filmmakers. An award-winning director, curator and creative entrepreneur, she is recognised for telling deeply authentic stories that centre the experiences of Black women and girls while challenging conventional narratives. Her internationally acclaimed short films, including Umlindelo, alongside the development of her debut feature, The Girls We Once Were, demonstrate a distinctive creative voice with global appeal. Beyond her own filmmaking, Mbali is actively shaping the future of African cinema through Behind Her Lens Visuals and the Reel to Reality Film Festival, platforms that have showcased more than 180 independent African films and created vital opportunities for emerging filmmakers. Recognised as one of the Mail & Guardian's 200 Young South Africans and selected to represent African film at Cannes, Mbali is not only building an exceptional career but helping create a stronger, more inclusive future for African storytelling.

Gabisile Shabangu
General Manager

Sector: Music
South Africa

Gabisile’s unique combination of creative instinct, commercial strategy and technical expertise is helping shape the future of Africa's music industry. Rising through the ranks at Content Connect Africa from A&R intern to General Manager, she has built an exceptional career at the intersection of talent development, digital distribution and music technology. Today, she oversees multiple business divisions, including A&R, publishing, technology, reporting and human resources, while continuing to work directly with artists such as Lelowhatsgood and Mx Blouse. Her ability to bridge creativity with the legal, operational and digital infrastructure that powers the modern music business sets her apart as an emerging industry leader. As streaming, publishing and digital rights continue to transform the global music landscape, Gabisile is helping ensure African artists are equipped to compete, grow and thrive. Her innovative leadership and forward-thinking approach make her one of the continent's most exciting women to watch.

Erin Elliot & Amy Tjasink (Pretty Loud)
Singers and Entrepreneurs

Sector: Music 
South Africa

Erin Elliot & Amy Tjasink are rising stars whose vision is helping redefine the future of South Africa's music industry. As the co-founders of Pretty Loud, the country's first women-focused music hub, they have created a groundbreaking platform that gives female artists, songwriters, producers and music professionals access to recording studios, mentorship, writing camps, workshops and a collaborative creative community. Together, they are addressing one of the industry's greatest challenges—not a lack of talent, but a lack of access and opportunity for women. Alongside their own successful careers as acclaimed singer-songwriters and creative entrepreneurs, Erin and Amy are building an ecosystem where women can create, collaborate and thrive. Their bold vision has already positioned Pretty Loud as one of South Africa's most exciting new music initiatives, demonstrating that the future of the industry will be shaped not only by great artists, but by women creating the spaces where the next generation can succeed.

Nissi Ogulu
Creative Entrepreneur, Musician & Founder

Sector: Music, Technology, Animation & Design
Nigeria

Nissi Ogulu is a rising star whose multidisciplinary career is redefining what it means to be a modern African creative. As a singer-songwriter, engineer, visual artist and entrepreneur, she seamlessly bridges music, technology, design and storytelling to create innovative businesses with global impact. Beyond her growing music career, Nissi is the founder of Creele Animation Studios, developing original African stories for global audiences, and the co-founder and CEO of Kemet Automotive, an electric vehicle company designing sustainable mobility solutions for Africa. Her ability to combine creativity with engineering and entrepreneurship demonstrates how entertainment can drive innovation far beyond the stage or screen. Through every venture, she champions African ingenuity, cultural identity and future-focused thinking, inspiring a new generation of creatives to build businesses, own intellectual property and embrace interdisciplinary careers. Nissi is proving that Africa's next creative leaders will be defined not by a single discipline, but by their ability to innovate across industries.

Gugu Peteni
Founder & Creative Director, GUGUBYGUGU

Sector: Fashion
South Africa

Gugu’s bold design aesthetic and commitment to sustainable African fashion are redefining the continent's place on the global fashion stage. Founder and Creative Director of the award-winning label GUGUBYGUGU, she is celebrated for blending African heritage with contemporary streetwear silhouettes through luxurious knitwear crafted from locally sourced merino wool and mohair. After graduating Cum Laude in Fashion and Textile Design from Nelson Mandela University, Gugu quickly emerged as one of South Africa's most exciting young designers, earning recognition from Design Indaba, competing as the youngest contestant on Project Runway South Africa, and showcasing at South African, Lagos and international fashion weeks. Her 2024 Paris Fashion Week award cemented her growing international reputation as a designer to watch. Through innovative design, responsible production and a passion for reshaping global perceptions of African fashion, Gugu is inspiring a new generation of creatives while proving that African luxury, craftsmanship and storytelling belong on the world's biggest runways.

Ayra Starr
Singer, Songwriter & Global Music Artist

Sector: Music
Nigeria

Ayra ‘s fearless artistry and global success are redefining the future of African music. Since emerging in 2021, the Nigerian singer-songwriter has become one of the leading voices of a new generation of Afrobeats, blending Afropop, R&B and soul into a distinctive sound that resonates with audiences worldwide. Her chart-topping hits, Grammy nomination, critically acclaimed albums and international collaborations have established her as one of Africa's most influential young artists. Beyond her music, Ayra has become a cultural icon, inspiring millions through her bold fashion, unapologetic confidence and commitment to empowering young women to embrace their individuality. Her impact has helped accelerate the global rise of Afrobeats while proving that African artists can lead mainstream popular culture without compromising their identity. With record-breaking achievements, international acclaim and an unwavering creative vision, Ayra Starr is not only shaping the future of African music but redefining what global stardom looks like for a new generation of African women