Africa is home to many talents. Some of the greatest singers, rappers, comedians, actors, models, and entertainers in the world are Africans. It is a continent bustling with many stars already born and many yet to be discovered.
However, while many African talents rise to fame within their home countries first, others take a different route. Some become household names in Western media, receiving international awards long before their own countries fully embrace just how big they have become.
From late-night television to Oscar-winning performances, these stars cracked the global scene first and then circled back home as legends. Here is a list of five of the greatest stars alive with African heritage who are also Western media sensations: 
1. Trevor Noah (South Africa)
Before being fully recognised in South Africa, Trevor Noah had already cracked the international comedy scene. His global breakthrough came with ‘The Daily Show’ in the US, where he became a household name long before many people back home fully clocked how big he was.
Trevor Noah has gone on to host the Grammys for six consecutive years since his hosting career began.
2. Lupita Nyong’o (Kenya)
The Oscar award-winning actress gained international recognition after her 2013 feature film ’12 Years a Slave’, where she played Patsey. She was born in Mexico because her dad was a visiting lecturer there but she later grew up in Nairobi, Kenya.
She acted in plays in Kenya when she was younger but it was not until after she graduated from Yale School of Drama that she landed her breakthrough role which gave her global recognition.
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3. Charlize Theron (South Africa)
Charlize was born in Benoni, South Africa. She built her entire career in Hollywood, first as a model before transitioning to acting and becoming an Oscar-winning actress, before many people connected her global stardom to her South African roots.
She has starred in popular movies like ‘Mad Max. Fury Road’ ‘The Old Guard 1 & 2’.
4. Wunmi Mosaku (Nigeria)
The Nigerian-British actress was born in Zaria, Nigeria, and emigrated to England with her parents when she was one year old. She has been in Hollywood since 2009 and is currently an Oscar-nominated Best Supporting Actress for her role in ‘Sinners’.
5. Djimon Gaston Hounsou (Benin)
Born to a Beninese father, Pierre Hounsou, Djimon immigrated to Lyon, France, at the age of 12. After dropping out of school and being homeless for a while, he met a photographer who introduced him to designer Thierry Mugler, who in turn encouraged him to pursue a career in modeling.
His TV career began with appearances in music videos until he made his film debut in Without You I’m Nothing. His performance in Blood Diamond earned him a nomination for the Academy Award for Best Supporting Actor.
Despite being global sensations, these stars constantly represent their heritage, never forgetting where they come from.
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