Top 10 African popular ethnic groups that are globally known. (In no particular order)

Top 10 African popular ethnic groups that are globally known. (In no particular order) 

 

1) Zulu  South Africa - The Zulu people are popular outside Africa. They've been featured in music, documentaries and movies. Shaka the Zulu was a warrior king whose popularity is well spread. Famous Zulus include Lucky Dube, Nasty C, black Coffee etc.

2) Yoruba  Nigeria - The Yorubas are globally known for their history, culture, art and literature. Fela, Wole Soyinka, Wizkid, Davido, Tiwa Savage, David Oyelowo, John Boyega, Anthony Joshua etc are a few Yoruba's who have taken their culture to the world. The Yoruba culture has been featured in many Hollywood movies and the Yoruba language is one of their official language in Brazil. 

3) Masai  Kenya - The Masai are perhaps one of the most documented tribes in Africa, with alot of documentaries shown about them and books written about their culture. They are known for their traditional clothing and hunting skills 

 4) Hausa  Nigeria - The hausas are very popular. Often known as the Igbos of the North, The richest Black man in the world Aliko Dangote is Hausa along with his brother from the same state Kano Abdulsamad Rabiu (BUA). Their culture has also been well written about and have featured in a few Hollywood movies including the Amazon prime series where a woman was seen eating Tuwo shinkafa.

 

5) Igbo  Nigeria - The Igbos are undeniably known world wide. Chinua Achebe wrote about the Igbo culture alot. They are known for their history, culture and literature. The popularized the kolanut and palm wine through books, movies and music Chinwetalu Ejiofor, Zain Asher, Ckay, Flavour, Chimamanda, phyno, P-square are Igbos who have taken their culture to the world. Igbo are known in Nollywood movies. 

 6) Swahili, Tanzania  - This ethnic group have phenomenally spread their language in East Africa and a few central African nations. In the 70s, their language was part of the African-American black pride movement being pushed forward. 

7) Edo/Bini  Nigeria - The Binis are perhaps the culture in Africa with the most famous artworks outside Egypt. Binis are known for their history, culture and art/architecture. The famous Benin bronze, ivory and brass artworks are known globally. The country Benin republic gets their name from them. Benin art and culture have been featured in Hollywood movies including black panther. Many Nigerian cultures have roots in Benin. The bronze mask of Queen Idia is perhaps the most famous mask in Africa and one of the most famous in the world. Popular Edos are Kamaru Usman, Rema, Odion Jude Ighalo, Victor Osimhen, Dave, Sam Loco Efe etc. 

 8) Asante  Ghana - This ethnic group is known for their history and culture. Popular American hip hop artist was named after this tribe Asante. Their Kente is perhaps the most popular African attire outside of Africa and were known to be masters of the gold craft.

 9) The Fulani - This nomadic tribes are known for their history and culture. They are predominantly in West Africa and are found in 18 African countries. Most In Nigeria  Popular Fulanis or people with Fulani ancestry are Muhammadu and Aisha Buhari, Tafawa Balewa, Anthony Anderson, India Arie, Peter John Gomes etc. 

 10) Berbers/Amazigh - They are predominantly found in North Africa. They are predominantly found in Morocco  and Algeria  They known for their use of silver silver. Their culture and history well documented and have a unique language and writing system that traces back to ancient Egypt. Books are currently being written about them including a book titled salt by Haitian-American Pascaline Brodeur. Disclaimer: Every African ethnicity and culture is beautiful, unique and important. No one culture is more important than the other. This only highlights tribes known outside the continent overall, this doesn't mean there aren't other cultures that aren't known. Add yours!