2017 was a pretty good year for digital influencers – we saw budgets rising for digital media in general, and quite a few FMCG’s made their (substantial) contribution to the influencer economy. We predict 2018 will be even bigger for the influencer economy on the continent for both macro and micro influencers alike. And whilst we love the ‘OG’ influencers and industry vets – we love to see the new school entrants who pop up every year or so. These up and coming bloggers and #BellaStylistas have been working pretty hard to curate a name for themselves in the industry and are set to make a pretty huge splash this year! See our predictions for the It-girls who are set to  dominate 2018. Can you tell we are excited?

Hafymo

 

@hafymo

Hafymo is going places in 2018. The designer (her sister is Nura Ikhalea of Nuraniya fame) and fashion blogger, has consistently created relatable, but very fashionable content for her audience. Her Instagram is filled with inspiration and super cute #OOTDs.

Eki Ogunbor

@ekiogunbor

Eki Ogunbor is one of the next wave of style influencers to watch. The body positivity champion is not only a fashion blogger, she is a BellaNaijaStyle editor,  so she’s low-key an expert on engagement and has the entire ‘effortless everyday’ look on lock. We look forward to more ‘style to steal’ looks and enviable hair selfies from this curvy #kween.

Angel Obasi

@styleconnaisseur

This edgy blogger and model took the Insta-streets by storm in 2016 with her incredible editorial style. We particularly enjoy her unique take on traditional ankara pieces and her obvious love for high impact accessories. She’s bagged a campaign for Maju and is unofficial ambassador to many more, and we expect many more in the seasons to come.

Kayi & Kii Fundafunda

 

@mafashio_zambia

These Zambian fashion bloggers are slowly building an enviable social media presence. The wardrobe consultants and stylists regularly create content for brands like Bata and WayaWayaBags. We really hope for more cross over with Western and Eastern African brands in the coming seasons.

Sharon Mundia

@this_is_ess

Ordinarily, Sharon wouldn’t be on this list as she is pretty prominent in her homeland of Kenya, but the newly wed and new mother took a break in 2016 and only returned in the last quarter of 2017. We are really excited to see her back and can’t wait for more content from her in 2018!

Derin Odugbesan-Thomas

@derinfromisaleeko

The fashion blogger, stylist and StyleVitae contributor has done some exciting work in the past (including this LolaBaej lookbook) and regularly creates content for her blog and Instagram page. Her social media feeds read like an inspiration palette for the fashion girl’s fashion girl and her accessories game is ON. POINT. (Peep her sick Jacquemus slingbacks)