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It is a woman’s world, and we are just living in it. Right from our very own homes, it is a well-known idea that ‘a happy wife means a happy life’. And at the workplace, we are becoming increasingly aware of gender balance, giving women opportunities to show their ability to be great, visionary leaders.
Refinery29, an entertainment review website notes that the role of women in film, alone, is revolutionary not only because they make up a majority of the audience, but also live out the cultural change they want to see on screen. Here are some black women who have ruled the entertainment industry.
Lupita Nyong’o
On matters of film, Kenya can rightfully brag about being where one of the biggest breakout stars of the decade is from; Lupita Nyong’o. In 2009 She charmed us with her polished skills on the MTV series, Shuga, where she played a vivacious and confident college student, creating awareness about HIV/AIDs on the continent. Before we could grasp just who the well-spoken beauty was, she was already in Hollywood starring in an Oscar-winning film, 12 years a Slave. Lupita is respected for her work ethic and indisputable talent and adored by her country for flying its flag high.
Mo Abudu
Closer home, there is Nigerian media connoisseur Mo Abudu, who runs the renowned media conglomerate, Ebonylife Media. The entertainment group has signed multiple international production deals, including one with Netflix, BBC Studios and Sony Pictures Television. Forbes has described Abudu as one of the most powerful women in global media. “In 2006, Abudu started Ebonylife TV, a network that now airs in more than 49 countries across Africa, as well as in the UK and the Caribbean,” Forbes reports.
Oprah Winfrey
One of the most powerful women on TV would undoubtedly be Oprah Winfrey. The American talk show host, actress and TV producer was the first black woman to make it onto the Forbes Billionaire’s list. Her talk show has been described by Time Magazine as “the most successful talk show of all time.”
Wendy Williams
Oprah has set the tune for other powerful hosts that have come after her like the sassy radio-queen turned talk show host, Wendy Williams. While William’s Emmy nominated show is coming to an end after an entertaining 14-year run, she has been commended as a trailblazer, powerhouse and guru in her own right. “As the self-proclaimed “Queen of All Media,” Williams has been sharing her distinctive take on pop culture for decades, starting a sensation on New York radio before going mainstream with her hit talk show,” The Hollywood Reporter wrote in 2019.
