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Rolling Stone Africa

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Rolling Stone Africa
The cover of the 1st edition of Rolling Stone Africa, August, 2024
Editor-in-ChiefGwen Madiba
Staff writersTakudzwa Nyambi
Ify Obi
Krystie Lee Yandoli
Lemi Ghariokwu
Victoria Goldiee
Rahel Aklilu
Kalia Richardson
Chiderah Sunny
Caroline Akinyele
Christine Ochefu[1]
CategoriesMusic
First issueJuly 2024
CompanyMwankom Group
CountryNigeria
Based inLagos
LanguageEnglish, French
Websiterollingstoneafrica.com

Rolling Stone Africa is the African edition of the United States' Rolling Stone magazine devoted to music, politics, and popular culture, published monthly.[2]

History

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Rolling Stone Africa was launched in August 2024,[3] announced by Gus Wenner (CEO of Rolling Stone) as a join venture with the Mwankom Group to "expand its presence in Africa". Rolling Stone Africa is operated under licence by the Mwankom Group, the group was founded by David Romuald "DR" Bellegarde-Smeralda.[4][5] The magazine was launched in August 2024 with two covers, one featuring Fela Kuti and another featuring the work of Laolu Senbanjo.[6][7] Published quarterly the magazine features articels from editors across various African countries and is distributed in Nigeria, South Africa, Ghana, and Zimbabwe.[8][9] A South African edition of Rolling Stone was previously published from 2011 to 2014.[10][11]

Gwen Madiba was appointed as the first editor-in-chief in June 2025,[12] Madiba had previously received the Order of Ottawa and a King Charles III Coronation Medal for his contributions to equity and representation in the world of journalism.[13][14]

Since June 2025 the magazine became available in French as Rolling Stone Afrique.

Covers

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The first cover for the magazine was crafted by Rolling Stone Africa's contributor, Lemi Ghariokwu featuring musician and activist, Fela Kuti as an introduction to the launch of the magazine in Africa, followed by covers of Laolu Senbanjo.[15] In January 2025, Portuguese professional footballer and left winger, Rafael Leão was featured as the cover of Rolling Stone Africa.[16] In February, Uncle Waffles became the first female artist to be on the cover of Rolling Stone Africa.[17][18] In March, Nigerian-American singer and songwriter, Davido was featured as the fifth cover of Rolling Stone Africa.[19] The first six issues featured, in order of appearance:

  1. Fela Kuti
  2. Laolu Senbanjo[20]
  3. Rafael Leão
  4. Uncle Waffles
  5. Davido
  6. Ciara and Ari Lennox

Notable contributors

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See also

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References

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  1. ^ "Rolling Stone Africa Staff". Rolling Stone Africa.
  2. ^ Editorial Staff (28 June 2024). "ROLLING STONE launches ROLLING STONE Africa". Rolling Stone Germany. Retrieved 19 January 2025.
  3. ^ Arthur, Erica (2 July 2024). "Rolling Stone Africa Launches in Nigeria with headquarters in Lagos". Aftown. Retrieved 14 January 2025.
  4. ^ Muleya, Khumbulani (22 September 2024). "Nyambi in key appointment at Rolling Stone Africa". The Standard. Retrieved 14 January 2025.
  5. ^ "Rolling Stone lancia Rolling Stone Africa in partnership con Mwankom". Rolling Stone Italy. 28 June 2024. Retrieved 20 February 2025.
  6. ^ Obioha, Vanessa (1 August 2024). "RollingStone Features Fela on Cover, Officially Launched in Africa". This Day. Retrieved 14 January 2025.
  7. ^ Hansen, Gabriel (2 August 2024). "Fela Kuti featured on first Rolling Stone Africa cover". Music In Africa. Retrieved 14 January 2025.
  8. ^ Medeme, Ovwe (6 July 2024). "Toyosi Etim-Effiong Announces Arrival Of Rolling Stone Africa". Independent. Retrieved 14 January 2025.
  9. ^ Muleya, Khumbulani (22 September 2024). "Nyambi in key appointment at Rolling Stone Africa". NewsDay. Retrieved 14 January 2025.
  10. ^ Olivares, Bambina Wise (6 December 2011). "Rolling Stone Launches in South Africa". Women's Wear Daily. Retrieved 14 January 2025.
  11. ^ Van Wyk, Lisa (30 November 2011). "Rolling Stone: International standards with a local twist". Mail & Guardian. Retrieved 14 January 2025.
  12. ^ Agency, Africa News (2025-06-20). "Gwen Madiba : when Rock Rhymes with Africa". Africa News Agency (in French). Retrieved 2025-06-30.
  13. ^ Ukonu, Ivory (8 July 2024). "Toyosi Etim-Effiong Joins Board of Rolling Stone Africa". The Will. Retrieved 14 January 2025.
  14. ^ Muzivoreva, Leo (13 September 2024). "Usher Nyambi Joins Rolling Stone Africa as Contributing Editor". South African Times. Retrieved 14 January 2025.
  15. ^ Ghariokwu, Lemi (2 August 2024). "Art As Rebellion: Lemi Ghariokwu on Fela, Revolution, and the Power of Music". Rolling Stone. Retrieved 16 January 2025.
  16. ^ Rolling Stone (7 January 2025). "The Double Face of Rafael Leão". Rolling Stone. Retrieved 18 January 2025.
  17. ^ Mphande, Joy (17 February 2025). "Uncle Waffles becomes first female artist to grace cover of Rolling Stone Africa". TimesLIVE. Retrieved 20 February 2025.
  18. ^ "'Princess of Amapiano', Uncle Waffles makes history as first female artist on 'Rolling Stones Africa' cover". Independent. 18 February 2025. Retrieved 20 February 2025.
  19. ^ Ibeh, Ifeanyi (28 March 2024). "Davido Makes History On Rolling Stone Africa Cover". The Guardian Life Magazine. Retrieved 30 March 2025.
  20. ^ Asinugo, Nicole (1 August 2024). "Laolu Senbanjo: The World Is Your Canvas". Rolling Stone. Retrieved 16 January 2025.
  21. ^ Dickinson, Tim (22 July 2024). "'DEI,' 'Colored,' 'Jezebel': MAGA Attacks on Kamala Harris Are Getting Ugly". Rolling Stone. Retrieved 18 January 2025.
  22. ^ Sepinwall, Alan (3 July 2024). "Why Are the Emmys Categories So Damn Confusing?". Rolling Stone. Retrieved 18 January 2025.
  23. ^ Conteh, Mankaprr (7 July 2024). "How the Inseparable Lijadu Sisters Fought for Afropop as We Know It". Rolling Stone. Retrieved 16 January 2025.
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