At Rolling Stone Africa, we set out with a bold belief: that Africa is not emerging — Africa is leading. Looking back at our journey, I am proud to say that this belief has not only guided us, it has been proven by our actions, our impact, and our growing global influence.
In 2025, we told Africa’s stories at scale and with intention. We produced more than 20 magazine covers, including our powerful Future of Music series, spotlighting the next generation of African talent shaping global culture. Alongside these rising stars, we collaborated with some of the continent’s most iconic voices — Davido, Angélique Kidjo, Uncle Waffles, Don Jazzy, and many more — reaffirming Africa’s place at the center of the world’s creative conversation.
Our growth has been both cultural and structural. What began as a lean team of 20 visionaries expanded into a global collective of 50 professionals across continents.
Beyond media, we created moments of historic significance following the nomination of our Editor-In-Chief – Gwen Madiba. We accompanied Ciara to Benin as she reclaimed her heritage, becoming the first Afro-descendant to gain Beninese citizenship under the country’s new law — a deeply symbolic act of reconnection and restoration. We also convened power and purpose by welcoming Ms. Francia Márquez, the first Afro-descendant Vice President of South America, to Senegal for our inaugural Sisterhood and Culture private dinner, creating a bridge between African and Afro-descendant leadership across the globe.
Our influence extended into boardrooms as well, as we initiated relationships with several Fortune 500 companies, signaling Rolling Stone Africa’s position as a trusted cultural and commercial partner. At the same time, our community grew exponentially — from fewer than 10,000 followers to over 150,000 across social platforms — proving that our audience is hungry for authentic, African-led narratives.
As we look ahead to 2026, our ambitions grow even bolder.
We will establish both Francophone and Anglophone offices across Africa, deepening our presence and ensuring that regional voices are represented with nuance and authority. We will collaborate with 100 African designers and jewellers, expanding our commitment to creative industries beyond music and into fashion, craftsmanship, and luxury.
In print, we will release six collectible magazine issues with distribution across key global markets, reinforcing the timeless power of storytelling in physical form. Digitally, we aim to reach one million followers, building one of the most influential cultural communities connected to Africa. And creatively, we will redefine excellence — producing the best covers in our history and hosting a dedicated launch celebration for every cover, every month, turning storytelling into experience.
This is more than growth. This is movement-building.
None of this would be possible without our artists, partners, readers, and the extraordinary team that believes in this mission every day. Rolling Stone Africa exists to honor legacy, ignite futures, and position Africa not as a trend, but as a permanent force in global culture.
The journey continues — and the best is yet to come.
DR
CEO, Rolling Stone Africa
