Legends
Stories that inspire
We identify, honour, document and preserve the achievements of Africans and people of African heritage whose contributions have transformed communities, nations and the world.
Heritage spotlight
Legends of history
From medieval Mali to modern Britain, these lives remind us that African excellence has always shaped the world.
Ruler & patron of learning
Mansa Musa
c.1280 – c.1337
Ruler of the Mali Empire at its height, whose patronage helped make Timbuktu a renowned centre of scholarship.
Mali Empire
Diplomat & stateswoman
Queen Nzinga
c.1583 – 1663
A formidable diplomat and military leader who resisted Portuguese colonisation for decades.
Ndongo & Matamba, Angola
Writer & abolitionist
Olaudah Equiano
c.1745 – 1797
His autobiography, published in London in 1789, became a bestseller and strengthened the British campaign to end the slave trade.
West Africa & London
Nurse & pioneer
Mary Seacole
1805 – 1881
Travelled to the Crimean War at her own expense to care for wounded British soldiers.
Jamaica & Britain
Footballer & officer
Walter Tull
1888 – 1918
One of Britain's first Black professional footballers and one of the first Black officers in the British Army.
Folkestone, England
Statesman
Nelson Mandela
1918 – 2013
Spent 27 years in prison before becoming South Africa's first democratically elected president in 1994.
South Africa
Singer & activist
Miriam Makeba
1932 – 2008
“Mama Africa” carried South African music to the world and campaigned against apartheid.
South Africa
Novelist
Chinua Achebe
1930 – 2013
His 1958 novel Things Fall Apart is one of the most widely read works of African literature.
Nigeria
Environmentalist
Wangari Maathai
1940 – 2011
Founded the Green Belt Movement and, in 2004, became the first African woman to receive the Nobel Peace Prize.
Kenya
Recognition of excellence
Today’s
legends
We celebrate individuals and organisations whose achievements make a significant contribution to society.
Recognition through awards will always support broader charitable aims, including advancing education, preserving cultural heritage, promoting leadership, strengthening communities, and inspiring future generations.
Nominate a legendAreas we recognise
- 01Education
- 02Science
- 03Medicine
- 04Business
- 05Entrepreneurship
- 06Technology
- 07Arts
- 08Entertainment
- 09Sport
- 10Public service
- 11Humanitarian work
- 12Community development
Know a legend in the making?
Tell us about the people and organisations whose achievements deserve to be celebrated.