A Further Five London-based Black Influencers Making Waves
It only takes a short time in London for it to be clear that it continues to be a vibrant, multicultural hub teeming with a wealth of innovative black talent. From fashionistas to fitness gurus, these unique individuals are key tastemakers who are inspiring millions with their creativity, hard work, and passion. Following our last blog post, we have curated a list of five more top London-based black influencers making significant strides in their respective fields.
So, whether you're seeking inspiration for your daily feed, in search of a new role model, or longing to immerse yourself in influential, relatable voices, we've got you covered. Prepare to be dazzled by the powerful, awe-inspiring work of these trailblazing influencers, each dedicated to leaving a lasting impact in their industries and beyond.
Without further ado, let's dive into the world of these exceptional London-based black influencers who are truly reshaping the social media landscape:
1. Dija Ayodele: Skincare Education & Public Speaking
Dija Ayodele, a renowned skincare expert, facialist, and author of "Black Skin: The Definitive Skincare Guide," is at the forefront of revolutionising beauty and skincare, especially for women of colour.
Founder of West Room Aesthetics and the multi-award-winning educational platform Black Skin Directory (BSD), Dija has over a decade of experience in understanding and treating skin health,. Her clinic, West Room Aesthetics, has become a sought-after destination for Black women seeking skin rejuvenation treatments for a variety of topics, including aging, acne, rosacea, and hyperpigmentation.
Dija's impact extends far beyond her clinic and book. She is a GLAMOUR Magazine columnist, a Trustee of the Beauty Backed Trust, and an Advisory Board Member for esteemed organizations such as the British Beauty Council, British Association of Beauty Therapy & Cosmetology (BABTAC), and Aesthetic Medicine Journal. Her expertise as a public speaker has been recognized at both industry and consumer events, including appearances at the House of Commons, Stylist Live, British Association of Dermatologists, Financial Times, Cosmoprof, and Refinery29. Furthermore, Dija collaborates with respected brands in the global beauty and cosmeceutical industries, serving as a consultant and Key Opinion Leader (KOL) for companies like Walgreen Boots Alliance and L’Oréal.
Diva’s mission is clear: to provide trustworthy knowledge and information, ensuring that women who look like her can look and feel their best. In her own words, Dija is unapologetically pursuing excellence and working tirelessly to revolutionize how women of colour access the beauty and skincare world. Her commitment to providing tools for education and her advocacy for inclusivity are making a profound impact on the beauty industry.
To gain insights from Dija's wealth of knowledge and experience, follow her on her social media platforms and be part of the movement to ensure that everyone feels seen and valued in the realm of beauty and skincare
Follow Dija on:
Instagram - @dija_ayodele
X - @dija_ayodele
2. June Saprong: Broadcaster, Writer, & Campaigner
With an illustrious two-decade career in television, June stands as one of the most recognizable faces in British broadcasting. She is internationally acclaimed as a broadcaster, writer, and fervent campaigner for diversity.
Her journey commenced as a DJ and presenter, gracing the screens of MTV, Kiss FM, and Channel 4's T4 youth strand for a decade.
June has enriched television screens as a prominent panellist on ITV's 'Loose Women' and currently lends her insights to Sky News' 'The Pledge.' She has also featured on shows such as BBC Question Time, ’Have I Got News for You' and Channel 4's '8 Out of 10 Cats.’ She has also hosted prestigious events like Nelson Mandela's 90th birthday celebrations and presented the MOBO Awards on multiple occasions.
However, June's influence extends beyond the screen, as she has evolved into a leading campaigner for diversity and inclusion since 2010. Her unwavering passion for catalyzing change in workplaces and championing greater media representation culminated in the authorship of two impactful books, ‘Diversify:Six Degrees of Integration’, ’The Power of Women' and ‘The Power of Privilege’
June Sarpong is a devoted diversity advocate, serving as the first Director of Creative Diversity at the BBC since October 2019. In 2010, June co-founded the Women - Inspiration and Enterprise (WIE) Alliance, dedicated to fostering female excellence and empowerment. She also co-founded the Decide Act Now (DNA) summit, fostering discussions and innovation.
She recently launched 'The HQ Creative Inclusion Lab' with Harper Collins, championing voices from underrepresented communities, with a focus on those with disabilities, marginalized ethnic backgrounds, and working-class roots. June's tireless efforts drive progress and inclusivity in the media landscape.
For inspiring content, updates on diversity and inclusion, follow June Sarpong on social media. Stay informed about her impactful initiatives and gain valuable insights into driving positive change.
Follow June on:
Instagram - @junesarpo
X - @junesapron
3. Nella Rose: Entertainment and Fashion
Nella Rose, hailing originally from Belgium but now based in London, has emerged as a renowned influencer in the realms of fashion, lifestyle, beauty, music, and entertainment. Her journey began at the age of eighteen when she ventured into content creation on her YouTube channel. Today, Nella commands a vast and devoted following across multiple social media platforms.
Fashion takes the forefront in Nella's content creation, and her Instagram serves as a canvas for a diverse array of style-related posts. Her feed boasts a collection of eye-catching outfit shots, OOTD (Outfit of the Day) updates, and intriguing mini vlogs, offering an exclusive peek behind the scenes of her fashion shoots. She launched her unisex streetwear brand, Faces London, which gained substantial recognition on Instagram, with one of her initial collections selling out within just 30 minutes of its launch.
Nella's YouTube channel serves as a platform for her infectious personality and wit. Here, she shares vlogs, takes on challenges, and narrates captivating story-time style videos, often featuring friends and family. It's no surprise that her subscriber count has soared. In fact, her popularity is underscored by the fact that she was honored with the official Pretty Little Thing YouTuber of the Year 2020 award.
Nella's online presence and influence in fashion led her to become an ambassador for fashion powerhouse Fashion Nova's Curve range. Additionally, she collaborated with Pretty Little Thing on a size-inclusive edit, an impressive collection consisting of a remarkable forty pieces.
Nella's multifaceted talents have allowed her to venture into presenting, hosting, and interviewing some of the world's biggest celebrities, including luminaries like Idris Elba, Adele, and Michael B. Jordan. Her notable appearances include presenting at the BRIT Awards 2022 alongside Munya Chawawa and her co-hosting role on MTV's Catfish UK. Her professionalism and range of skills in front of the camera are truly unmatched.
With her ever-expanding following and an impressive track record of successful collaborations with global brands, Nella Rose's journey promises to be an exciting one as she continues to make waves in the dynamic world of social media.
Follow Nella on:
Instagram - @nellarosee
TikTok - @nellarose
YouTube - @nellarose4758
X - @nellarose
4. Kayode Ewumi: Actor, Comedian, Writer and Director
Renowned for his multifaceted talents, Kayode Ewumi, a London-born actor, comedian, writer and director, has made an indelible mark in the world of entertainment.
He honed his skills by studying drama and theatre at City and Islington College before delving deeper into the art of theatre at Coventry University.
His meteoric rise began in 2016 as the star of a mockumentary series #HoodDocumentary on BBC Three. His character Reece Simpson first began to gain fame in Vine videos with the same hashtag.
Within a mere six months of its debut, 'Hood Documentary' accumulated over 3 million views, propelling Kayode into the spotlight. This newfound attention paved the way for his very own sitcom, 'Enterprice,' a testament to his creative prowess and comedic genius.
Kayode's unique perspective on the world has resonated with a diverse audience, and his remarkable acting abilities have left audiences in stitches.
With his multifaceted talents and innovative storytelling, Kayode Ewumi continues to captivate and entertain audiences worldwide and makes him a person to watch.
Follow Kayodi on:
Instagram - @kayewumi6
X - @kayewumi
5. Natasha Ndlovu: Fashion
Natasha Ndlovu is a multi-talented individual who excels in various creative domains, including modelling, photography and lifestyle blogging. With a BA in Visual Arts from the University of British Columbia, she is also a creative consultant in fashion and beauty marketing, having worked with several brands to help them achieve sales, customer engagement and maintain their brand image.
Natasha consistently mesmerizes her captivated audience with a breathtaking array of carefully curated posts that provide a glimpse into the vibrant and chic culture of London. Her style is a unique fusion of minimalism, sleekness, and elegance and her innate ability to effortlessly blend classic and contemporary styles appeals to a wide range of followers.
Beyond her Instagram presence, Natasha has carved out a niche for herself with her blog, 'Bisous Natasha.' This platform offers a refined and well-rounded mix of fashion, beauty, and travel experiences. Bisous Natasha has been featured in many publications, such as Vanity Fair, British Vogue, Company Magazine, Hunger Magazine, as well as collaborating with many recognised brands including Boodles, Jimmy Choo, All Saints, Topshop and Asos, to name a few.
Aside from her creative journey, Natasha is multi-lingual, being fluent in English, Ndebele, Spanish and French, whilst also currently learning Russian.
Following Natasha is an opportunity to embark on a journey towards refining your personal style while savoring the essence of London's chic culture through her lens. She is undeniably an influencer worth following for those seeking inspiration and guidance in the realms of fashion and lifestyle.
Follow Natasha on:
Instagram - @natashandlovu
TikTok - @@natasha_ndlovu
YouTube - @fnatasha.ndlovu
X - @natashandlovu
Embrace the Power of Connectivity
These outstanding London-based black influencers represent the gamut of industries, from fashion and beauty to fitness and the creative arts. As you follow their journeys and engage with their content, you'll be inspired by their individual achievements and witness the immense power of connectivity they harness. This is where Soundsdafrique excels, as it plays an instrumental role in forging meaningful connections for London's Afro-Caribbean community through its legendary Afrobeats Day Parties.
As you immerse yourself in the vibrant world of these trendsetting influencers, we encourage you to join us at our next Soundsdafrique event, experience unforgettable moments, and create lasting memories while reveling in the richness and diversity of Afrobeat culture. Don't miss out - find out more about our upcoming events and secure your tickets now!