The debut list of The 40 Most Powerful Celebrities In Africa includes actors, cerebral authors, musicians, movie producers, supermodels, TV personalities and athletes, drawn from all across Africa and traverses the generational divide. Don’t be surprised to meet timeless artistic greats like Nigerian novelist Chinua Achebe (ranked No. 1) and Zimbabwe’s Oliver Mtukudzi listed alongside younger up-and-comers like famed Kenyan crooner Eric Wainaina, Ivorian soccer sensation Didier Drogba (No. 3) and Nigerian screen goddess Genevieve Nnaji. Perhaps not surprisingly, the list is dominated by musicians. full story: http://www.forbes.com/sites/mfonobongnsehe/2011/10/12/the-40-most-powerful-celebrities-in-africa/
No. 28. Eric Wainaina, 38, Kenyan, Musician
Kenya’s most famous singer-songwriter studied at Berklee College of Music. After the infamous 1998 Terrorist bombing in Nairobi, he instantly released Kenya Only- a song which went on to become the official mourning song for the period. His debut album, Sawa Sawa which he released in 2001 has sold over two million copies, making it one of the bestselling Kenyan albums of all time. The multi-award winner released his third studio album, Love and Protest earlier this year. In 2009 he produced the musical, Mo Faya which was shown at the New York Musical Theatre Festival and received rave reviews. 
No. 29. Binyavanga Wainaina, 40, Kenyan, AuthorThe Kenyan writer authored the essay “How To Write About Africa”- one of the most satirical pieces ever written about the continent. In June, the 2002 Caine Prize winner published his debut novel, One Day I Will Write About This Place which was selected by the Oprah Magazine for its 2011 summer reading list. Wainaina is one of Africa’s most popular new generation of storytellers and is the founder of Kwani, the first literary magazine in East Africa.
No. 30. Ngugi Wa Thiongo, 73, Kenyan, Author
Kenya’s most cerebral author and playwright published his first novel, Weep Not, Child in 1964. He was forced out of Kenya and sent on exile in the 70s because of his intense criticisms of the Kenyan government which he usually channeled through his plays and novels. In 2006 he published his first novel in two decades, Wizard of the Crow which tells the story of an imaginary African state governed by its despotic ruler. Currently serves as a Professor of Comparative Literature at the University of Irvine.
40. Patricia Amira, 33, Kenyan, TV PersonalityAfrica’s own answer to Oprah. The Kenyan-born media queen is one of the continent’s most popular talk-show hosts. Her daytime talk show, The Patricia Show is broadcast in over 45 African countries and watched by over 10 million people. The show focuses on indigenous achievements and human interest stories across Africa.
Patricia Amira makes it to Forbes Africa list
The influential global media company Forbes, publishes its inaugural listing of Most Powerful African Media Celebrities.
Seen as the authoritative source for listings including America’s Richest People, Forbes publication of African media stars reflects growing global African influence and recognition.
Leading pan African television talk show host and radio presenter, Patricia Amira makes the list as the sole television/radio personality from Africa, showing the strength of her M-Net television show, The Patricia Show, plus her recently launched syndicated radio show for Africa, The Essential Selection.
In a list largely dominated by prominent musicians, including; Youssou N’Dour, Salif Keita, Angelique Kidjo, Hugh Masekela, Patricia ranks alongside such luminaries as Chinua Achebe, Ngugi Wa Thiongo, and new generation representatives, authors, Binyavanga Wainaina and soccer stars Didier Drogba and Samuel Eto’o.
Commenting, Patricia said: “It is a genuinely unexpected and humbling experience to be considered amongst such individuals, many of whom have achieved a great deal more than I have.”
“This is a reflection of the achievement and talent of the whole production team who create the show and the many guests who give us their time and stories.”
Meanwhile, Patricia and her team are currently in pre-planning for the next series of her television show, which will include an online presence and mobile delivery this time round.
Patricia also contributes to a range of organizations including; ONE.org, African Leadership Network and Free World Generation and Kuona Trust.
source: http://www.capitalfm.co.ke/lifestyle/2011/10/18/patricia-amira-makes-it-to-forbes-africa-list/
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