Usher Takudzwa Nyambi, a Zimbabwean cultural consultant with a decorated portfolio spanning Africa, Europe, and America, has been selected as one of the speakers for TEDx Sunninghill. The editor and speak is set to present a talk on the topic: Africa's youth-led cultural revolution in music, art and fashion.
"Honestly, it still doesn’t feel real, at least not yet. There’s this quiet disbelief, like I’m inside a moment I’ve dreamt about for a long time and I’m waiting for someone to tap me on the shoulder and say, 'Okay, back to reality mate.' But at the same time, I’m incredibly present. I’m allowing myself to sit with it, to soak it in, to feel the weight and the joy of what it represents," shared Nyambi on the feeling of being selected.
As a storyteller Nyambi has been a long-time admirer of TED and its mission to champion ideas that matter. Over the years, he has turned to TED Talks for inspiration, perspective, and sometimes reassurance, especially as his own journey as an international speaker has evolved.
TEDx is the independent, community-based version of the larger TED. It is supported by a group of volunteers, who want to create TED-like events in their respective areas.
Nyambi's talk will be centred on how Africa is exerting global soft power through a youth-led cultural revolution across music, art, and fashion. Something he says in many ways, feels like a story he's been writing his entire life, both consciously and subconsciously.
"Over the years, I’ve had a rare front-row seat to this movement. From my time in editorial at Rolling Stone Africa as Southern African Editor, to contributing to platforms like GQ, OkayAfrica, and others, I’ve witnessed firsthand how African creatives are shaping global conversations, influencing trends, and redefining what cultural leadership looks like," he stated.
"This topic feels deeply personal because it’s a lived experience. We’re watching culture move from the margins to the centre of economic and political conversations. Africa’s youth are leading this shift boldly and unapologetically, and I believe it’s one of the most important stories of our time."
Nyambi is an accomplished cultural consultant, editor, speaker, and entrepreneur with a decorated portfolio. The skilled storyteller and International Relations graduate, has been featured in leading publications such as Rolling Stone Africa (where he served as Southern African Editor), Trace, BBC 1Xtra,OkayAfrica, Men’s Health, Hypebeast Africa, GQ, and Glamour South Africa, telling compelling stories from over 20 countries around the globe.
As a journalist, he has covered numerous events across the continent such as the Trace Awards, South African Fashion Week, NBA BAL Finals, Red Bull Symphonic, FNB Art Joburg, Latitudes Art Fair, The Skeyi and Strobo Fabrik Party. He is the founder of Samora Central, a Harare-based PR and Communications Agency connecting the world to Africa.