4. Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie, 37 (Novelist/Writer)

The prolific Nigerian-born author is perhaps the most popular contemporary writer to come out of Africa. A powerful literary voice, her novel Half of a Yellow Sun, was awarded the 2007 Orange Prize for Fiction.

3. Omotola Jalade “OmoS£xy” Ekeinde, 37 (Actress)

Ranked as one of the Most Influential People in the World on the 2013 TIME Magazine, Omotola Jalade Ekeinde is a woman of consequence. An actress, singer, and philanthropist, she has received a plethora of high-profile awards. An accomplished and perhaps the most successful actress in Nollywood, she has featured in over 300 films, selling millions of copies. With her massive, incredible fan base, she is rated Nigeria’s Best Actress and Africa’s biggest star.

2. Femi Kuti, 52 (Musician)

The eldest offspring of veteran Afrobeat legend Fela Anikulap-Kuti, Femi Kuti has many traits of his father. In 2001 he collaborated with American acts, Common, Mos Def and Jaguar Fight on his album, Fight to Win, which sold over 500,000 copies. The album is widely considered as the most influential Neo-Afrobeat album of the 21st century. Reminiscent of his father, Femi attempts to use his music to fight corruption, poverty, and other socio-economic issues prevalent in Nigeria and Africa through his lyrics.