With various skin tones that symbolize the depth of our global heritage, human beings are a beauty of diversity. The amount of melanin in a person's skin determines how dark it is. People with more melanin tend to have much darker skin than those with less or no melanin.
In this article, we explore the fascinating universe of people with dark skin tones and celebrate the incredible variety of shades that distinguish some of the world’s blackest people. These magnificent skin tones, ranging from rich mahogany to deep browns, defy accepted ideals of beauty and representation. These skin tones also represent histories of tradition and geography.
Social media platforms, historical backgrounds, and cultural norms have always had an impact on how we view one's beauty. We must emphasize the wide variety of dark skin tones and the individuals who proudly bear them in the current day, and conversations about diversity and inclusivity pick up steam.
We will highlight the achievements, struggles, and particular experiences of being among the world's blackest people. These people have also broken barriers and reshaped beauty ideals into everyday heroes whose stories often remain unnoticed. The following is a list of 15 people with some of the blackest complexion globally;
| Full Name | Date of Birth | Age | Place of Birth | Nationality | Height | Weight | Occupation | Profile |
| Nyakim Gwatech | 27th January 1993 | 30 years | Gambela, Ethiopia | South Sudanese-American | 1.85m | 65kg | Model, Activist | |
| Khoudia Diop | 31st December 1996 | 27 years | Dakar, Senegal | Senegalese | 1.76m | 58kg | Model, Activist | |
| Duckie Thot | 23rd October 1995 | 28 years | Melbourne, Australia | South Sudanese-Australian | 1.79m | 65kg | Social media personality, Model | |
| Alton Devon Mason | 21st November 1997 | 26 years | Nebraska, United States | American | 1.88m | N/A | Actor, Model, Dancer | |
| Djimon Gaston Hounsou | 24th April 1964 | 59 years | Cotonou, Benin | France-American | 1.93m | 90kg | Actor, Model, Businessman | |
| Adonis Bosso | 10th July 1990 | 33 years | Aby, Ivory Coast | Ivorian-Canadian | 1.85m | 70kg | Model, Actor | |
| Alek Wek | 16th April 1977 | 46 years | Wau State, South Sudan | British-Sudanese | 1.80m | 60kg | Model | |
| Victor Ogonna Ndigwe | 7th February 1996 | 27 years | Anambra state, Nigeria | Nigerian | 1.82m | 62kg | Model | |
| Ajak Deng | 7th December 1989 | 34 years | Tonj, South Sudan | South Sudanese-Australian | 1.80m | N/A | Model | |
| Alpha Dia | 5th March 1992 | 31 years | Dioucoul, Seegal | German-Senegalese | 1.88m | N/A | Model | |
| Shanelle Nyasiaye | 3rd January 1997 | 26 years | Gambella, Ethiopia | Ethiopian-South Sudanese | 1.80m | N/A | Model | |
| Adut Akech Dio | 25th December 1999 | 23 years | Kakuma, Kenya | South Sudanese-Australian | 1.78m | N/A | Model | |
| Leomie Jasmin Francis Anderson | 4th February 1993 | 30 years | Wandsworth, London | British | 1.79m | N/A | Model, TV Presenter | |
| Ajok Maolel | 15th February 1993 | 30 years | South Sudan | South Sudanese-Australian | 1.78m | 59kg | Model | |
| Elibeidy Dani Martinez | 6th May 1997 | 26 years | Sankur, South Sudan | South Sudanese | 1.78m | 59kg | Model, Writer |
1. Nyakim Gatwech
| Full Name | Nyakim Gatwech [ Queen of the Dark] |
| Date of Birth | 27th January 1993 [30 years] |
| Place of Birth | Gambela, Ethiopia |
| Nationality | South-Sudanese American |
| Height | 1.85m |
| Weight | 65kg |
| Occupation | Model, Activist |
| Profile |
Nyakim Gatwech was born in Ethiopia to South Sudanese parents and grew up in a refugee camp in Kenya before immigrating to the US with her parents at 14. She began her modelling career in 2013 and has since appeared in campaigns for major brands. Nyakim is the spokesperson for Rihanna's Fenty Beauty and Savage x Fenty brands. The beauty has appeared in campaigns for popular brands, including L'Oreal, Victoria's Secret, and Dior. Gatwech has been featured in popular magazines like Vogue, Allure, and Cosmopolitan. She founded a non-profit organisation in South Sudan, the Balangaal Foundation, which provides economic and educational opportunities to girls and women. In 2019, Nyakim was named one of the top 100 most influential people in the world by Time Magazine.
Nicknamed the Queen of the Dark, Gatwech is a powerful advocate for self-love and acceptance. She is popularly known for her dark skin, which she has embraced as a source of pride. Nyakim has spoken out against colorism and discrimination against the black community. The model inspires people of all skin colours and is mainly helping change the world's beauty standards.
2. Khoudia Diop
| Full Name | Khoudia Diop [Melanin Goddess] |
| Date of Birth | 31st December 1996 [27years] |
| Place of Birth | Dakar, Senegal |
| Nationality | Senegalese |
| Height | 1.76m |
| Weight | 58kg |
| Occupation | Model, Actress |
| Profile |
While growing up, her classmates bullied Diop a lot due to her dark skin color. She always tried washing her skin off in the shower and was pressured to use skin-bleaching products. She started modelling at 15 and has since appeared in campaigns for popular brands like Louis Vuitton, Dior, and Chanel. Khoudia has also appeared in popular magazines like Vogue, Elle, and Harper's Bazaar. In 2023, the model was named one of Forbes’ 30 Under 30 in the category.
The beauty is largely known for her dark skin, short natural hair, and curvy body. She advocates body positivity and diversity in the modeling and fashion industry. Diop has spoken out against discrimination and colorism against black people.
3. Duckie Thot
| Full Name | Nyadak Thot [ Duckie, Black Barbie] |
| Date of Birth | 23rd October 1995 [ 28 years] |
| Place of Birth | Melbourne, Australia |
| Nationality | South Sudanese-Australian |
| Height | 1.79m |
| Weight | 65kg |
| Occupation | Social media personality, model |
| Profile |
Nyadak Thot is the firstborn in a family of 7, having been born and raised in Australia as a South Sudanese refugee. Her teachers and classmates could not pronounce her name, Nyadak, thus earning the nickname ‘Duckie.' In Australia, she found little success in modeling due to her dark complexion; thus, she opted to move to New York. There, she found countless offers to sign with modeling agencies and opted for New York Model Management. Since then, she has appeared in various modeling campaigns, including Fenty Beauty, Oscar de la Ranta, Fenty x Puma, and Balmain. In 2018, she was named one of Time magazine's 100 most influential people globally.
Thot is a huge supporter of the ‘Black Lives Matter movement. She uses social media to promote body positivity and self-love for dark-skinned people. Thot has spoken out against the lack of black people in the modeling industry and called for more opportunities for models of color. She empowers dark skin people like her to believe that black is beautiful and that they should love themselves for who they are.
4. Alton Mason
| Full Name | Alton Devon Mason |
| Date of Birth | 21st November 1997 [ 26 years] |
| Place of Birth | Nebraska, United States |
| Nationality | American |
| Height | 1.88m |
| Weight | N/A |
| Occupation | Actor, Model, Dancer |
| Profile |
Just like his mother, Alton Mason is a famous supermodel known for campaigning for significant brands. Alton was the first black male model to walk for ‘The Channel’ in 2018. He has campaigned for brands like Nike, Calvin Klein, and Yves Saint Laurent. He has walked for runways like Gucci, Louis Vuitton, Channel, and Dior. Alton has appeared in music videos for famous artists like Rihanna and Beyonce. The model has also starred in films like ‘All Rise' and ‘The Get Down'.
Known for his black looks, he has used his social media platforms to raise awareness about racial equity issues, body positivity, and fashion world representation.
5. Djimon Hounsou
| Full Name | Djimon Gaston Hounsou |
| Date of Birth | 24th April 1964 [ 59 years] |
| Place of Birth | Cotonou, Benin |
| Nationality | France – United States |
| Height | 1.93m |
| Weight | 90kg |
| Occupation | Actor, Model, Businessman |
| Profile |
Djimon Gaston began his career in music videos and made his film debut in 1990. He has appeared in over 70 films including, ‘Blood Diamond,' ‘Amistad,' ‘In America' and ‘Gladiator.' He is a successful businessman with a production company named ‘Djimon Hounsou Productions.' Djimon is the founder of JDH Foundation, a foundation that supports healthcare and education initiatives in Africa.
The actor, of black descent, is a powerful advocate for black people and uses his platforms to make a difference. He has spoken against police brutality and racial profiling. He has donated to and supported black community organizations and businesses. He has also raised awareness about the challenges that face black people in the US.
6. Adonis Bosso
| Full Name | Adonis Bosso |
| Date of Birth | 10th July 1990 [ 33 years] |
| Place of Birth | Aby, Ivory Coast |
| Nationality | Ivorian-Canadian |
| Height | 1.85m |
| Weight | 70kg |
| Occupation | Model, Actor |
| Profile |
Adonis Bosso is a black model known for his striking looks and versatile style. The model advocates for diversity and inclusion in the fashion industry. His modeling career began after he was spotted by a scout while shopping with his girlfriend in 2009 and signed into a modeling agency. He has modeled for brands like TOM FORD, Thom Browne, Belstaff, Dolce & Gabbana, and Banana Republic. Bosso has appeared in magazines like Vogue, Esquire, and GQ. He was named one of the ‘Top 50 Models' in 2018 and has featured in several fashion documentaries.
His black skin is an important part of his identity. He is proud to be a role model for young black people. Adonis speaks widely about the importance of the representation of black people in the modeling industry. He uses his social media platforms to inspire the world and other black models to follow their dreams.
7. Alek Wek
| Full Name | Alek Wek |
| Date of Birth | 16th April 1977 [46 years] |
| Place of Birth | Wau State, South Sudan |
| Nationality | British-Sudanese |
| Height | 1.80m |
| Weight | 60kg |
| Occupation | Model |
| Profile |
Alek Wek is a dark-skinned woman who has defied all odds to become a top model in the modeling industry. She was listed as one of the BBC's 100 women in 2015. Coming from the ‘Dinka' ethnic group in South Sudan, she suffered from a skin disease known as psoriasis from infancy until 14 years of age. After arriving in London, the skin disease started to heal, and she decided to venture into the modeling and fashion industry.
There were a lot of difficulties in her journey of becoming a model because of her dark skin. However, her hard work and dedication have given her a place in the modeling industry for almost two decades. Despite her skin color, she has been featured in famous British and American Vogue magazines.
8. Victor Ndigwe
| Full Name | Victor Ogonna Ndigwe |
| Date of Birth | 7th February 1996 [27 years] |
| Place of Birth | Anambra state, Nigeria |
| Nationality | Nigerian |
| Height | 1.82m |
| Weight | 62kg |
| Occupation | Model |
| Profile |
Victor Ndigwe is a Nigerian model who models for Elite Model Management in Italy. The model became the first Nigerian male model to appear at the fashion weeks in several countries. He has walked for famous runways in different countries, including London, Paris, and Milan. Victor has campaigned for brands like TOM FORD, Savage x Fenty, and Amiri. He is also a musician and a philanthropist involved in several initiatives to help the youth in Nigeria.
Known for his striking dark complexion, he is among the few dark-skinned models to succeed in the international modeling industry. Even though he is black, he will continue to achieve great things in years to come.
9. Ajak Deng
| Full Name | Ajak Deng |
| Date of Birth | 7th December 1989 [ 34 years] |
| Place of Birth | Tonj, South Sudan |
| Nationality | South Sudanese-Australian |
| Height | 1.8m |
| Weight | N/A |
| Occupation | Model |
| Profile |
Ajak Deng and her parents fled to a Kenyan refugee camp in 2003 due to the civil war in her country and later relocated to Australia. She began her modeling career at 16 after being scouted by a modeling agent in Melbourne. Ajak has walked for famous runways like Louis Vuitton, Calvin Klein, Thom Browne, and Valentino. She briefly quit modeling in 2016 after experiencing a personal crisis in the industry. She later returned to the industry and remained a successful and influential model.
Ajak has beautiful, dark, radiant skin that is smooth, even-toned, and has a healthy glow. She has opened up on how she cares for her skin, like cleansing, toning, moisturizing, and using sunscreen. Ajak Deng avoids using harsh chemicals and treatments on her skin to maintain her beautiful, dark, radiant skin.
10. Alpha Dia
| Full Name | Alpha Dia |
| Date of Birth | 5th March 1992 [31 years] |
| Place of Birth | Dioucoul, Senegal |
| Nationality | German-Senegalese |
| Height | 1.88m |
| Weight | N/A |
| Occupation | Model |
| Profile |
Alpha Dia was born in Senegal but later relocated to Germany with his parents at 11. He is based in New York and is known for his good looks and versatile modeling style. Alpha began his modeling career in 2014 and has quickly risen to prominence, appearing in campaigns for top brands. He campaigned for Calvin Kein, Prada, Dolce & Gabbana, and walks for runways like Dior, Saint Laurent, and Louis Vuitton.
Dia has dark skin, black hair, and brown eyes. He is among the most successful black models in Germany. His dark skin has helped him succeed in the fashion and modeling industry. He is never afraid to show off his black complexion in photos; he always looks confident and poised.
11. Shanelle Nyasiaye
| Full Name | Shanelle Nyasiaye |
| Date of Birth | 3rd January 1997 [ 26 years] |
| Place of Birth | Gambela, Ethiopia |
| Nationality | Ethiopian-South Sudanese |
| Height | 1.80m |
| Weight | N/As |
| Occupation | Model |
| Profile |
Shanelle Nyasiaye was born in Ethiopia, moved to Juba, South Sudan, at 9, and later to Nairobi, Kenya, at thirteen. The model is passionate about education and empowerment for the youth. Before she ventured into Modelling, she heard stories about how it was difficult for black people to venture into international modeling. However, that did not stop her, and today, she is among the top 500 people in the ‘Business of Fashion' globally.
Shanelle is a striking beauty with dark skin, black hair, and brown eyes. Her natural looks and slender build have helped her succeed in fashion. Nyasiaye’s natural looks combine her South Sudanese and Ethiopian heritage. Her black hair and dark skin nod to her Ethiopian roots, and her beautiful brown eyes are a great reminder of her South Sudanese heritage.
12. Adut Akech
| Full Name | Adut Akech Dio |
| Date of Birth | 25th December 1999 [ 23 years] |
| Place of Birth | Kakuma, Nairobi |
| Nationality | South Sudanese-Australia |
| Height | 1.78m |
| Weight | N/A |
| Occupation | Model |
| Profile |
Adut Akech is a South Sudanese Australian model who grew up in Kenya. In 2016, she began her modeling career and has become among the most sought-after models globally. She has campaigned for brands like Louis Vuitton, Prada and Dior. Akech has also walked the runways for major brands like Versace, Saint Laurent, and Chanel.
The beauty is known for her beautiful dark looks. She has dark skin, black hair, and brown eyes. Her beauty is described as exotic and timeless. Akech hopes her story might inspire many to become more invested in helping refugees like her. She has spoken out about the importance of representation for young black models. Akech has worked with organizations like Models of Color and the Fashion Spot to advocate for diversity and inclusion.
13. Leomie Anderson
| Full Name | Leomie Jasmin Francis Anderson |
| Date of Birth | 4th February 1993 [ 30 years] |
| Place of Birth | Wandsworth, London |
| Nationality | British |
| Height | 1.79m |
| Weight | N/A |
| Occupation | Model, TV Presenter |
| Profile |
Leomie Anderson is a British model, presenter, and activist. She began her modeling career at 14 and quickly became famous in the modeling industry. In 2019, she was named Victoria's Secret Angel, becoming the first British model to be titled an Angel in over a decade. Anderson has spoken out against racism and body shaming.
Anderson is a natural beauty with a flawless complexion, sparkling eyes, and a radiant smile. She urges other black models like her to use their platforms to speak out about racism. She has written an essay for The Cut about her experiences with racism in the industry. The model was once told that she was too dark to be on the cover of a magazine. Leonie is a powerful voice for black people and uses her platform to make a difference.
14. Ajok Maolel
| Full Name | Ajok Maolel |
| Date of Birth | 15th February 1993 |
| Place of Birth | South Sudan |
| Nationality | South Sudanese-Australian |
| Height | 1.78m |
| Weight | 59kg |
| Occupation | Model |
| Profile |
Ajok Maolel is an Australian-based model, activist, and entrepreneur. The model is a founder of the Malaika project, an NGO production that educates and supports girls in South Sudan. She advocates for refugees' and women's rights and uses her platforms to advocate for equality, education, and peace.
Ajok Maolel is a young, beautiful woman with a natural beauty that is striking and elegant. She has a beautiful, healthy, and radiant black complexion. Her beautiful skin is smooth and flawless. Ajok is proud of her skin and unafraid to show it off.
15. Elibeidy Dani
| Full Name | Elibeidy Dani Martinez |
| Date of Birth | 6th May 1997 [ 26 years] |
| Place of Birth | Sankur, South Sudan |
| Nationality | South Sudanese |
| Height | 1.78m |
| Weight | 59kg |
| Occupation | Model, Writer |
| Profile |
Elibeidy Dani is a model, activist, and writer. She has walked for runways like Prada, Channel, and Dior in her modeling career. She has also campaigned for brands like H&M, Nike, and L'Oreal. She also advocates for diversity and inclusion in the modeling industry. Dani is passionate about social justice and human rights.
Dani has a dark, beautiful complexion that she is not afraid to show off. Her skin has a healthy, glowing appearance and is smooth and blemish-free. Her dark, beautiful skin has a natural glow that comes from within.
Conclusion
It is important to note that skin color is a complex trait influenced by several factors, including genetics, diet, and environment. All people of color deserve to be treated with respect and dignity. The people mentioned above are just some of the world's blackest people. Despite their skin complexion, these people are making a difference.
