40 MOST POWERFUL AFRICAN CELEBRITIES- FORBES

A handful of celebrities on this list have done very little to support social causes, but make the list anyway because of the overwhelming number of votes they received and the immense acclaim they enjoy across the African continent and the world.
Here’s a serenade of Africa’s 40 most powerful pop icons. They are the greatest influencers on African pop culture and their ideas, skill and actions bring us gratification and inspire conversations. Here are our powerful celebrities:

1. Chinua Achebe, 80, Nigerian, Novelist
2. Youssou N'dour, 51, Senegal, Musician

3. Didier Drogba, 33, Cote D'voire, Footballer
4. Angelique Kidjoe, 51, Benin Republic, Musician
5. Akon, 38, Senegal, Musician
6. Wole Soyinka, 77, Nigeria, Playwright
7. Salif Keita, 62, Mali, Musician
8. Yvonne Chaka Chaka, 46,South African, Musician
9. Oumou Sang, 43, Mali, Musician
10. Femi Kuti, 49, Nigerian, Musician
11. Toumani Diabaté, Malian, Musician

12. Oliver Mtukudzi, 59, Zimbabwean, Musician

13. Haile Gebrselassie, 38, Ethiopian, Athlete

14. Khaled Hadj Ibrahim, 51, Algerian, Musician

15. Samuel Eto'o, 30, Cameroonian, Soccer Player

16. Alek Wek, 34, Sudanese, Supermodel

17. Liya Kebede, 33, Ethiopian, Supermodel

18. Dobet Gnahoré, 29, Ivorian, Musician

19. Genevieve Nnaji, 32, Nigerian, Actress

20. Koffi Olomidé, 55, Congolese, Musician

21. Neill Blomkamp, 32, South African, Movie Director

22. Souad Massi, 39, Algerian, Musician

23. Baaba Maal, 58, Senegalese, Musician

24. Hugh Masekela, 72, South African, Musician

25. K'Naan, 33, Somali, Rapper

26. Amadou and Mariam, Malian, Musicians

27. Awilo Longomba, Congolese, Musician

28. Eric Wainaina, 38, Kenyan, Musician