We’re shining a spotlight on celebrities who are absolutely unafraid of being themselves – online and irl!

Nadia  Jaftha
She’s had her fair share of hate from netizens, but that has not stopped this top influencer from grinding. What started as a fun pastime during her gap year, launched her into success. She’s even featured in her first film, Who’s Your Daddy?, just last month, and the Namies (the Nadia Jaftha fandom) are loving it! Not to mention all the #couplegoals content we’ve been seeing across social media with her new bae, Xavier Haupt. 

Youngstacpt
Fans of this Capetonian rapper will know that YoungstaCPT doesn’t shy away from giving us everything about his life in his music. Relaying messages about injustice and negligence towards minority groups, the star is all about optimism and changing your life for the better. He has risen to be quite the male figure for young coloured people with his lyrical realism and relatable advice. 

Troye Sivan
Our Spud is all grown up! He’s been making top-tier music and modelling in the most gorgeous, boundary-shattering images. After coming out in 2013, Troye Sivan hasn’t shied away from experimenting with fashion and femininity. However, he has also expressed how he struggles with accepting his effeminate side, and that he is bravely continuing on the journey to self-acceptance.

Halima
Breaking the mould of fashion and runway models, Halima has made a  name for herself as one of the biggest hijabi inspirations. From Somalia, Halima worked in a hospital and did other odd jobs for a living before making it as a runway fashion model. She has always spoken openly about her experience as a hijabi in the fashion world, and how  she stays true to herself and her beliefs. 

Zoë Kravitz
The Catwoman of our dreams, and one of the most influential celebrities of the 2010s. Zoë is game for a challenge, especially where politics, race, body image and Hollywood are concerned. She is a little ‘strange’ in terms of her method of acting, but that adds to her charm. And frankly, she doesn’t give a [redacted]. Like Selina Kyle, Zoë is a tough, street-smart person. 

Elliot Page
With various accolades such as Oscar, BAFTA and Emmy nominations, and recently starring in The Umbrella Academy, Elliot has become a household name. After many years of speaking up about his gender and sexuality, Elliot came out as transgender back in December 2020. The actor spoke up about the life-changing challenges and positive experiences of being transgender, and having body dysmorphia.

Lasizwe
Whether it’s from a video a friend shared about school life or a Fanta advert, Lasizwe launched into our lives with hilarity, and his success has led him to be featured on Forbes Africa 30 under 30 list in 2022. Lasizwe has grown to show his comfort in using androgyny in his clothing. Plus, how cool do you need to be to stand in the ‘known by a mono-name’ class with the likes of Zendaya and Beyoncé?!

Thickleeyonce
A true advocate for the body positivity movement, we support ThickLeeyonce. With her bright personality and cool lifestyle, we can’t help but stay glued to her socials. From sporting fitness wear, to posting quotes about loving your body and yourself, ThickLeeyonce is all for being your best self through your clothing, style and passions. She’s also started her own clothing store, LeeBex. 

Danielle Brooks
Clap! Back! At! The! Haters! Danielle Brooks is known for owning the hateful comments she gets on her social media and turning it into something valuable. Back in 2016, she did a campaign shoot with other stars, such as Gabourey Sidibe, where they read some of the negative comments they get – all this while smiling, laughing and showing that they don’t let that dull their shine. 

Words by Saadiqah Schroeder
Photography: gallo/gettyimages, Courtesy Images