From Hollywood ingenues to unshakeable social changemakers, CNN's African Voices takes a look back at some our incredible featured guests who have been innovating, raising and changing Africa and the diaspora over the last 12 months.
What a year for the Kenyan actress Lupita Nyong'o whose breakout role in "12 Years A Slave" was the start of a monumentally successful twelve months. Not only was she honored with the coveted Best Supporting Actress Academy Awards gong, she's become a fashion icon, hit the top of numerous Women of the Year lists and joined the star-studded cast of the highly anticipated upcoming "Star Wars" film.
Abbas Gullet —
Six months after the horrific tragedy at Westgate shopping mall, the Kenya Red Cross boss Abbas Gullet sat down with CNN to reveal how he bravely faced a terrorist attack on home soil.
Adama Paris —
Frustrated with a lack of black models strutting their stuff on the world's catwalks, celebrated Senegalese fashion designer Adama Paris decided to do something about it by founding Black Fashion Week. Back in March, the bubbling fashionista told CNN about her stylish triumphs and why she wants to move into TV.
Filbert Bayi —
In May, CNN caught up with Commonwealth record-holding athlete Filbert Bayi in Dar es Salaam, Tanzania. Forty years after setting the incredible record, he remembers how he revolutionized running during his illustrious career.
Sanaa Hamri —
In February, Moroccan music video and film director Sanaa Hamri explained how a chance conversation at a temp job at a post-production company in New York put her on a path that would lead her to her mentor, Mariah Carey. She'd grown up in a traditionally male-dominated society and with the help of Carey, Hamri's creative career path would also illustrate her rebellion against gender stereotypes.
Angelique Kidjo —
Ahead of her much anticipated performance at London's Southbank Centre in November, Grammy Award-winning singer-songwriter Angelique Kidjo had a few choice words to explain the media's representation of "Fear-bola." The celebrated artist is well-known for her outspoken personality, and she didn't disappoint fans.
Mayam Mahmoud —
Early on in 2014, 18-year-old Egyptian rapper Mayam Mahmoud came to London to receive the Index Freedom of Expression award for her work towards women's rights. Ahead of her win, she stopped by the CNN bureau to discuss why she refuses to accept that women in Egypt must be subservient to men.
In September, creator of ethio-jazz Mulatu Astatke gave us a lesson in the musical genre, explaining its roots and how it continues to evolve.
Mulenga Kapwepwe —
CNN sat down with Mulenga Kapwepwe in August to explore how she has become Zambia's de facto patron of the arts.
Olajumoke Adenowo —
In December, Nigeria's star architect, Olajumoke Adenowo confessed her next lofty aspiration in re-imagining her homeland's landscape -- to design something on the scale of Paris' Effiel Tower or New York's Empire State Building.
Refilwe Modiselle —
South African Refilwe Modiselle is making waves as the continent's first albino model. CNN caught up with the fashion industry leader to discuss how she's tackling perceptions of beauty and albinism in South Africa.
Jean Claude Nkusi —
Twenty years after the appalling violence that saw 800,000 Rwandan Tutsis die in the 1994 genocide, CNN met a group of young survivors in April to discuss how they are coping with the scars left behind two decades on.
Uyi Stewart —
Tech innovator Uyi Stewart understands the need to go abroad for training and experience -- but told CNN in February that Africans should come back to the continent and make a difference at home.
