Kwita Izina 2023 will have a record 23 baby gorillas named. Here are the names of the Kwita Izina namers 2023:
Kevin Hart
Kevin Hart is an American comedian, actor, and producer. He gained fame through stand-up comedy specials like “I’m a Grown Little Man” and “Let Me Explain.” Hart has appeared in numerous films, including “Think Like a Man” and “Jumanji: Welcome to the Jungle.” He’s known for his humor and charisma, becoming a Hollywood superstar, showcasing his journey from a stand-up comedian to a prominent entertainer.
Sol Campbell
Sol Campbell is a former prominent English footballer renowned for his central defender career. He played for top clubs like Tottenham Hotspur, Arsenal, Portsmouth, and Newcastle United. Campbell’s highlight was being part of Arsenal’s unbeaten “Invincibles” team in the 2003-2004 Premier League season. He earned 73 caps for the England national team and later ventured into coaching and managerial roles, solidifying his status as a respected figure in English football.
Larry Green
Larry Green is a Board Trustee at the African Wildlife Fund. He is known for his passion for African wildlife and the preservation of their habitats.
Bernard Lama
Bernard Lama is a retired French football (soccer) goalkeeper. He gained recognition for his remarkable career in club and international football. Lama played for several clubs in France, most notably Paris Saint-Germain (PSG), where he achieved significant success. He was known for his shot-stopping prowess.
On the international stage, Lama represented the French national team during the 1994 FIFA World Cup and the victorious 2000 UEFA European Championship. After retiring from professional football, he remained involved in the sport through punditry and commentary, leaving a lasting legacy in French football history.
Ineza Umuhoza Grace
Ineza Umuhoza Grace is a Rwandan national, known for her founding efforts towards the establishment of “the green protector”. She is currently the chief executive officer of the Green Protector. Last year, Grace was recognized by Natgeo among the Young explorers. She also has a Global Citizen award to her name.
Anders Holch Povlsen
Anders Holch Povlsen is a Danish billionaire and CEO of Bestseller A/S, a major European fashion retailer. He is known for owning numerous clothing brands. Povlsen is also a notable Scottish landowner dedicated to conservation and rewilding initiatives. His efforts in both fashion and environmental conservation have made him a prominent figure in Denmark and beyond.
Audrey Azoulay
Audrey Azoulay is a distinguished French civil servant and diplomat. She served as France’s Minister of Culture from 2016 to 2017 before becoming the Director-General of UNESCO in November 2017, making her the first Jewish and second female to hold this role.
Audrey Azoulay’s tenure at UNESCO has been marked by a commitment to advancing education, culture, and scientific collaboration on a global scale. She has actively worked on initiatives related to cultural heritage preservation and media freedom, solidifying her reputation as a prominent advocate for cultural and educational diplomacy.
Winston Duke
Winston Duke is a Tobagonian-American actor known for his breakout role as M’Baku in Marvel’s “Black Panther” (2018) and “Avengers: Infinity War” (2018). His portrayal of M’Baku garnered critical acclaim. He also starred in Jordan Peele’s horror film “Us” (2019) and has showcased his talent and versatility in various film and television projects. Winston Duke has become a notable figure in the entertainment industry, admired for his acting skills and contributions to cinema
Jonathan Ledgard
Jonathan Ledgard is a British writer and journalist known for his works of fiction and non-fiction. His novel “Giraffe” (2006) delves into the life of an African pilot, while “Submergence” (2011) explores science, the environment, and human exploration. He has contributed to publications like The Economist and The New York Times, covering diverse topics including technology and global issues. Ledgard is celebrated for his thought-provoking writing and insightful commentary.
Zurab Pololikashvili
Zurab Pololikashvili is a diplomat serving as the Secretary-General of the United Nations World Tourism Organization (UNWTO) since 2018. In this role, he focuses on promoting responsible and sustainable tourism on a global scale.
Under his leadership, UNWTO has engaged in initiatives addressing tourism development, sustainability, and recovery, particularly in response to the challenges posed by the COVID-19 pandemic. Pololikashvili’s work has made a significant impact on the global tourism sector, fostering economic growth and societal benefits through responsible tourism practices.
Rt. Hon. Andrew Mitchell MP
Rt. Hon. Andrew Mitchell MP is a British Conservative politician who presently holds the position of Minister of State in the Foreign, Commonwealth, and Development Office in the United Kingdom. With an extensive political career, he previously served as Secretary of State for International Development. Mitchell is an active Member of Parliament, contributing significantly to the UK’s foreign affairs, development, and foreign policy initiatives.
H.E. Hazza Alqahtani
H.E. Hazza Alqahtani has served as the United Arab Emirates (UAE) Ambassador to Rwanda since 2018. Prior to this role, he was the advisor in the Department of African Affairs in the UAE Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation.
Idris Elba
Idris Elba is a versatile British actor, producer, musician, and DJ. He’s acclaimed for his diverse film roles, including Nelson Mandela in “Mandela: Long Walk to Freedom” (2013), Heimdall in the Marvel Cinematic Universe, and roles in “Beasts of No Nation” (2015) and “The Dark Tower” (2017) and his recent mini-series Hijack (2023). Beyond acting, he’s a successful musician and DJ. Elba’s talent and versatility have established him as a highly respected and sought-after figure in the entertainment industry.
Sabrina Dhowre Elba
Sabrina Dhowre Elba is a Somali-Canadian model and actress born in 1989. She gained fame in the fashion industry for her modeling work and is notable for her marriage to actor Idris Elba. The couple married in 2019 and is recognized for their philanthropic efforts in education and healthcare. Sabrina’s combination of modeling success and her high-profile marriage has established her as a notable figure in the entertainment and fashion world. She is currently a UN Goodwill Ambassador for IFAD
Danai Gurira
Danai Gurira is a Zimbabwean-American actress and playwright, born in Iowa in 1978. She’s renowned for her role as Michonne in “The Walking Dead.” Gurira is also a celebrated playwright, known for works like “Eclipsed,” focusing on African and African diaspora themes. Beyond her artistic pursuits, she’s a vocal advocate for social and humanitarian causes, making her a prominent figure in the entertainment industry and an influential voice on important issues.
Nick Stone
Nick Stone holds diverse roles in direct management, advisory, and director positions within portfolio companies. Formerly a Vice President at TPG Capital, he oversaw investments of $20 billion in revenue and $2.5 billion in equity capital. Stone’s prior experience includes work at KKR, where he focused on healthcare investments. Currently, he serves as the Project Manager for SoccerCity, a prominent San Diego ballot initiative. His extensive career and industry expertise make him a valuable asset in finance and strategic management.
Cyrille Bolloré
Cyrille Bolloré is a French businessman and a member of the Bolloré family. He is notable for his role as Chairman and CEO of the Bolloré Group, a multinational conglomerate with diverse interests in logistics, transportation, energy, and media.
Bolloré has been actively involved in managing and expanding the family business, which holds a significant global presence, particularly in Africa. His leadership and contributions have solidified the Bolloré Group’s position as a major player in various industries.
Prof. Özlem Türeci And Dr Sierk Poetting
Prof. Özlem Türeci, M.D is a distinguished German immunologist and physician. She is renowned as a co-founder of BioNTech, a biotechnology company, and played a pivotal role in the development of the Pfizer-BioNTech COVID-19 vaccine, a groundbreaking achievement during the pandemic.
Her contributions extend to cancer immunotherapy research, earning her international acclaim. Prof. Türeci’s pioneering work in mRNA technology and vaccine development has had a profound impact on global health, making her a prominent figure in the fields of medicine and immunology. Prof. Özlem Türeci And Dr Sierk Poetting represent BioNtech which is establishing a sustainable vaccine manufacturing facility in Rwanda
Innocent Dusabeyezu
Innocent Dusabeyezu has been a game ranger in Volcanoes National Park since 2007. He is among the most respected game rangers in Rwanda because of his dedication to gorilla monitoring. He has also recently won the 2023 Rwanda Development Board Best perform award.
Bukola Elemide
Bukola Elemide, known as Asa, is a Nigerian-French singer-songwriter born in Paris in 1982. Her unique music blends soul, pop, jazz, and African influences. Asa gained worldwide acclaim with her 2007 self-titled debut album, featuring hits like “Jailer” and “Fire on the Mountain.” Her soulful and introspective lyrics have earned her critical acclaim and numerous awards, establishing her as a prominent figure in both Nigerian and international music.
Joakim Noah
Joakim Noah is a former NBA star known for his defensive prowess and intensity. He achieved collegiate success with the Florida Gators, securing two NCAA championships. Selected ninth overall in the 2007 NBA Draft by the Chicago Bulls, he played for various teams during his NBA career, earning two All-Star nods and the 2014 NBA Defensive Player of the Year award. Post-retirement, Noah engages in philanthropy and advocates for social justice causes, amplifying his impact beyond the basketball court.
Lais Ribeiro
Lais Ribeiro is a Brazilian celebrated model for her stunning presence and high-profile fashion work. As a Victoria’s Secret Angel, she graced the renowned Victoria’s Secret Fashion Show multiple times. Ribeiro’s portfolio includes campaigns for iconic brands like Victoria’s Secret, H&M, and Chanel. Her striking beauty and runway success have solidified her status as a top Brazilian model, ensuring her enduring prominence in the fashion world.
Queen Kalimpinya
Queen is a Rwanda national known for her career as a Rally car driver and a Gender equality advocate.
Joe Schoendorf
Joe Schoendorf is a renowned venture capitalist and tech executive, noted for his significant contributions to the industry. With a distinguished career, he has been a key partner at Accel Partners (now Accel) specializing in tech investments. Accel is recognized for nurturing early-stage startups, and Schoendorf played a pivotal role in its success. His expertise remains a valuable asset in the tech and venture capital sectors.
Elvine Ineza
Elvine Ineza is the youngest baby namer for the 2023 Kwita Izina. She is an award-winning student from Regina Pacis primary school in the Musanze district.