Africans building a Legacy

  African-owned brands have been exploding in popularity over the past few years, paving the way for a new wave of entrepreneurs. In a world where major brands seem to be owned by big corporations, it's refreshing to know that there are some amazing African-owned brands out there making a name for themselves.

 Here are 8 African owned brands that you should definitely keep an eye on:

1. Calendly 

Calendly, a popular online scheduling tool that helps busy professionals schedule meetings with ease is especially useful for booking last-minute appointments. The company was founded by Nigerian born, Tope Awotona, an entrepreneur who is the company's Chief Executive Officer.

2. Mandla 

Mandla is a revolutionary e-learning language app that is designed to help people learn African languages through interactive games and quizzes. The app provides users with a fun and easy way to learn African languages, and it also helps promote cross-cultural communication. The company was founded by a group of African students who were all first-generation immigrants Wenitte Apiou, Delanyo Mensah, Boluwaji (BJ) Odufuwa, Emeka Ezike, and Kwesi Afrifa from different African  countries including Burkina Faso, Ghana, Nigeria, and Kenya. For more on how to to learn a new language in a year, click here

3. Fatoumata Diawara

 This Malian singer-songwriter, activist and multiple Grammy Award nominee blends traditional and contemporary African themes in her music. Why is this important? Because Fatoumata Diawara does not shy away from shining light on modern African dilemmas. Diawara sings in Bambara, the national language of Mali. Her music addresses themes such as modern slavery, female circumcision and religious fundamentalism. Her refusal to shy away from the issues that matter makes Diawara as much of an activist as a global superstar.

 4. NKUBAR

NKUBAR is a luxury African-inspired lifestyle brand and design studio that offers a range of sustainable products including soap, candles, and cloth. The name NKUBAR was heavily inspired by Nku, a term used to refer to shea butter in the local Akan language, Twi.
Shea butter is a staple in traditional African skincare and has been used for centuries to nourish and protect the skin. NKUBAR is designed to support a zero-waste lifestyle with products that embody the heritage and functionality of authentic African design.
The company was founded by friends Daryl, the son of an African diaspora from America, and William, a son from the Fante tribe in Ghana.

5. KOLI & OLUM

 KOLI & OLUM is designed to introduce African languages to young children through playful illustrations, engaging colors, and images of everyday items that young children will recognize. KOLI & OLUM is an extremely useful tool for teaching African languages in a fun and interactive way. The company was founded by Ada-Ari and Oge Okonkwo.

6. Taofeek Abijako,

 Taofeek Abijako immigrated from Lagos, Nigeria when he was 15. Two years later, and at only 17, he launched his own clothing brand. Taofeek continues to interweave his Nigerian heritage into his designs. The name of his brand, Head of State is a direct reference to a song “Coffin for Head of State” by Nigerian activist and musician Fela Kuti. Abijako’s first womenswear collection for his brand draws inspiration from the Festival of African Culture (FESTAC) ’77, widely recognized as the largest gathering of Black arts and culture in West Africa. Abijako with help from Burkina Faso born architect, Diébédo Francis Kéré plans to build a school in his parents’ village.

7. Angeline Makore

 Zimbabwean women's and girls’ rights activist. Angeline Makore has made it her mission to advocate for the ending of child marriage in Zimbabwe. Her NGO, Spark R.E.A.D was founded to empower young women to stand up against child marriage and violence against women.. Makore refused child marriage not once but twice in her own life, all before the age of 14. She went on to pursue a degree in psychology and works in the human rights field.

8. ILERA Apothecary

 ILERA Apothecary is a natural hair and skincare brand that specializes in products for people with Afro-textured hair. These organic products are made with natural ingredients and are designed to help people achieve healthy, beautiful hair. The company was founded by sisters Chinonye and Nneji Akunne in Detroit.

These brands celebrate and honor a rich African cultural heritage and you should check them out and see what they are up to.