Celeste Ntuli and DBN Gogo Secure Prestigious Forbes Africa 2026 Cover Spots While Representing South African Excellence Across the Continent

There’s something special about seeing local talent get the kind of recognition that stretches beyond borders.

That’s exactly what happened when Celeste Ntuli and DBN Gogo landed coveted cover spots on Forbes Africa for its 2026 edition.

The February/March issue, themed around women shaping the continent right now, celebrates influential leaders in the annual #Over30Under50 list.

And this year, two of Mzansi’s brightest forces are front and center.

The Meaning Behind No DNA Just RSA

Branded with the bold phrase “No DNA, Just RSA,” the cover is more than a glossy photo shoot.

It’s a proud nod to South African excellence. Standing shoulder to shoulder with other powerhouse women like tech entrepreneur Dineo Lioma and engineer Pelonomi Moiloa, Celeste and DBN Gogo represent two very different industries — comedy and music — yet they share a common thread of cultural impact.

This marks the third year Forbes Africa has spotlighted women between 30 and 50 who are not just succeeding quietly, but actively shaping conversations and industries across the continent.

Celeste Ntuli From Empangeni to Continental Recognition

At 46, Celeste Ntuli’s career feels like it’s still climbing.

Born in Empangeni in KwaZulu-Natal, she has long described herself as “a rural girl with a gift,” and that humility still shows even as she dominates stages.

She made history years ago as the first Black female comic to record a one-woman special, and she has since built a loyal following with her sharp wit and relatable storytelling.

Beyond stand-up, she’s appeared in popular productions including the sitcom Muvhango and Netflix’s Seriously Single.

Currently touring with another installment of Celeste and The Big Dudes, she continues to pack venues nationwide.

For the Forbes cover, she turned to family, with her sister Fezile Ntuli styling her look through their fashion brand Amelia Wearhouse — a reminder that even at the top, she keeps it close to home.

DBN Gogo The Amapiano Powerhouse

At just 32, Mandisa Radebe — better known as DBN Gogo — has already carved out a formidable legacy in the Amapiano scene.

She’s not just a DJ; she’s a movement.

Her fashion choices are daring, often blurring the lines between streetwear and avant-garde, and her music has travelled far beyond South Africa’s borders.

She’s played on international stages, collaborated with some of the genre’s biggest names, and consistently champions emerging talent.

Taking to Instagram after the cover reveal, she shared her gratitude for being recognized, describing the moment as both humbling and motivating. For many fans, it felt overdue.

More Than Just a Magazine Cover

Being featured on Forbes Africa isn’t just about aesthetics.

The magazine, an extension of the globally recognized Forbes brand, focuses on business leadership, innovation, and influence across the continent.

Previous honorees have included entrepreneurs, creatives, and executives who’ve gone on to scale their impact even further.

So this nod signals that Celeste and DBN Gogo are not only entertainers — they are economic contributors and cultural architects.

South Africa’s creative economy has increasingly gained global traction, with Amapiano charting internationally and local comedy finding new streaming platforms.

Their inclusion reflects that shift.

What’s next?

For Celeste, the road ahead likely means bigger tours, potential international specials, and perhaps even more screen work.

With streaming platforms hungry for African content, her storytelling could easily reach new global audiences.

As for DBN Gogo, global festival circuits, brand partnerships, and cross-continental collaborations seem almost inevitable.

The Amapiano wave is still rising, and she remains one of its most recognizable faces.

One thing is clear — this cover moment feels less like a peak and more like a launchpad.

Summary

Celeste Ntuli and DBN Gogo have secured cover spots on Forbes Africa’s 2026 #Over30Under50 edition, celebrating women who are shaping industries across the continent.

Celeste continues to dominate comedy while staying rooted in her KwaZulu-Natal beginnings, and DBN Gogo remains a driving force in the global rise of Amapiano.

Their recognition signals not just personal success, but a broader acknowledgment of South Africa’s cultural and economic influence on the African stage.