The ONE Campaign today announced the launch of the ONE Diaspora Creative Council, a groundbreaking collective of creatives, athletes, and artists committed to changing the global narrative about Africa and advancing solutions to the most urgent challenges facing the continent.
This first-of-its-kind Council will harness the power of creativity, culture, and innovation to spotlight inequality and mobilize new audiences to help advance ONE’s mission to fight for a more just world by demanding the investments needed to create economic opportunities and healthier lives in Africa.
“ONE’s Diaspora Creative Council puts storytelling and representation at the core of the fight for justice and equality,” said ONE ambassador Danai Gurira. “I celebrate this effort to unite international perspectives in seeking a more just, accurate narrative of the continent.”
This new initiative builds on ONE’s long-standing history of collaborating with global talent to elevate important issues, amplify African voices, mobilize people and influence policy. The Council will serve as a vibrant community of changemakers, connecting diasporic leaders with campaigns that champion African-led solutions. Members will also help elevate major cultural and policy moments through storytelling, advocacy, and strategic partnerships.
“At ONE, we are committed to challenging outdated narratives about Africa and promoting a future where the continent is respected, invested in, and an equal player on the world stage,” said Ndidi Okonkwo Nwuneli, CEO of the ONE Campaign. “When our co-founder Bono asked me to take on this role, we agreed that challenging—and changing—these narratives was imperative. So I am proud to partner with this extraordinary group of visionary leaders whose creativity and influence will help advance this work.”
Co-founded by Bono, and now led by Ndidi Okonkwo Nwuneli, ONE fights for a more just world by demanding the investments needed to create economic opportunities and healthier lives in Africa.
Background on the Formation of the Council
The Diaspora Creative Council is a bold new initiative launched by ONE to tap into the power of African and African diaspora creatives, artists, influencers, and athletes. Through storytelling, culture, and innovation, this council will help shift public narratives and influence global conversations about development, health equity, and Africa’s agency on the world stage.
The Council builds on ONE’s long history of mobilizing cultural leaders to shift perceptions, spotlight solutions, and spark global action on development issues.
Purpose of the Council
The Council will champion a more dynamic and empowering narrative about Africa. One that highlights resilience, creativity, innovation, and leadership.
Members will leverage their platforms to bridge audiences across Africa and the diaspora. They will combine culture and advocacy to bring ONE’s mission to fight for a more just world by demanding the investments needed to create economic opportunities and healthier lives in Africa to a new set of audiences.
Why Council Members Joined
Members are motivated by their deep personal ties to Africa and its diaspora. They want to counter outdated stereotypes and replace them with narratives that reflect Africa’s leadership and innovation.
The Council also serves as a collective where members are able to surround themselves with others who are passionate and can work towards the same goal in different creative spaces.
Shifting the Narrative on Africa
Africa’s cultural and creative influence is undeniable and growing. Yet the way the world talks about Africa remains outdated and often rooted in dependency, not partnership. The Diaspora Creative Council exemplifies ONE’s work to reframe the narrative: Africa is not a passive recipient of aid but a key player in solving global challenges.
Africa’s influence on art and culture is paramount. Today, we are motivated by a compelling narrative about Africa, as a complex continent with 54 diverse countries, told by Africans. A narrative focused on Africa’s agency and contribution to development is imperative to achieve our vision of a more just world.
As creatives, this group has a unique skillset of innovation and storytelling and will help us dream up big ideas to renew these issues in the hearts and minds of the public. Together, we can reshape the conversation and inspire change through creativity and collaboration.
Council Activities and Impact Area
Members will bring the Council and ONE’s work to cultural moments and activations in North America, Europe and on the continent. This could include global summits like the UN General Assembly, COP, and G7/G20 or more pop-culture moments that celebrate art, sports, food and entertainment.
The council members will partner with media, brands, and influencers to elevate narratives that showcase Africa’s role in solving global challenges.
Overview of the Project Everyone Dinner/Launch Event
ONE is officially launching the Diaspora Creative Council at the Be Hope: Innovation and Creativity Dinner on Tuesday, 23rd September 2025 from 7:00-9:00 at Goals House in New York City, alongside the United Nations General Assembly.
This intimate dinner is co-hosted by ONE and Project Everyone and will bring together high level changemakers from business, government, pop culture, philanthropy and media to explore how technological and cultural innovation have the potential to catalyze progress and public confidence. From breakthrough AI applications to frontline health and agricultural tools, technology’s ability to drive progress is vast, but real impact depends on powerful storytelling, public imagination and shared narratives. With a spotlight on Africa’s creative and innovation landscape, the evening will bring together a cross-sector group of global leaders to explore how cultural influence and technological advancement can work together to build opportunity, resilience and hope.
Special guests from the Council will include Danai Gurira, Barkue Tubman-Zawolo, Gwen Madiba, Jibolu Ayodele, and Pops Mensah-Bonsu.
Council Members Include:
Alexis Belton | Kenya/USA
Professional Golfer, Media Personality, Founder Belton Drive
Barkue Tubman-Zawolo | Liberia/USA
Global Strategist & Founder, MBL Intl Group & Power WalkHer Global 25 / Chief Community Officer, Essence Ventures
Charity Ekezie | Nigeria
Content Creator and Brand Influencer
Chiney Ogwumike | Nigeria/USA
Two-Time WNBA All-Star & ESPN Host
Danai Gurira | Zimbabwe/USA
Actress; Playwright; Screenwriter; Producer; Founder, Love Our Girls; Co-founder, Almasi Arts
Danielle Alakija | Nigeria/UK
Olympic athlete; Founder & CEO The SOLI Group
Ego Nwodim | Nigeria/USA
Saturday Night Live, Comedian and Actress
Jibolu Ayodele | Nigeria/USA
General Partner + Founder, The Playmaker Entertainment Group
Gwen Madiba | Gabon/Senegal/Canada
Founder, Equal Chance; Editor in Chief, Rolling Stone Africa
Kiara Nirghin | South Africa/USA
Co-Founder at Chima; Gen Z technologist and a trailblazer in Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics
Martins Imhangbe | Nigeria/UK
Actor
Munya Chanetsa | South Africa
Founder of Masters Of The Industry (M.O.T.I)
Nikki Amuka-Bird | Nigeria/UK
Actress
Patoranking | Nigeria
Award-Winning Musician, Humanitarian and UNDP Regional Goodwill Ambassador for Africa
Pops Mensah-Bonsu | Ghana/USA
Founder & CEO of Sankofa Seven; President of Seed Academy; Former NBA player & executive
Source: ameyawdebrah.com/
