Shaping the Narrative: Reflecting on the Rolling Stone Africa Power Brokers List
When I look back over two decades in international journalism, one constant thread runs through every chapter: I have never been content to tell stories from the sidelines. I wanted to help shape them.
I was deeply honored to be named to Rolling Stone Africa’s Power Brokers List – a celebration of African leaders, innovators, and executives who are actively redefining global culture across media, art, and entertainment.
“Africa’s influence extends far beyond news headlines. We are building ideas, businesses, movements, and narratives that dictate how the world views our continent.”
From Reporting History to Building the Engine
For years, my career was anchored in fast-paced global newsrooms – investigating critical stories, covering major geopolitical moments, and bringing African perspectives to international airwaves. It was vital, fulfilling work.
However, lasting influence isn’t built solely by reporting on what happens; it is built by designing the platforms that ensure those stories exist, endure, and command respect on the world’s most validated stages.
Transitioning from journalism to founding SBB Media, Her Story Global, and SBB Publishing was a natural evolution of that philosophy. My focus shifted from reporting the news to answering a broader question: How do we help visionary leaders, global institutions, and sovereign nations articulate their own vision with complete clarity and authority?
Whether through strategic communications, publishing high-impact literary works, convening global leadership exchanges, or managing elite media partnerships, the core mission remains unchanged: creating permanent, elevated platforms for African excellence.
Redefining Africa’s Global Footprint
Being recognized alongside this cohort of visionaries by an iconic cultural institution like Rolling Stone is a meaningful milestone – not just personally, but for the collective movement taking place across our continent.
Africa is no longer a passive subject in global discourse. Across media, technology, governance, and the creative economy, African executives and leaders are driving the conversation, setting international standards, and asserting cultural and commercial authority.
Looking Forward
This milestone belongs equally to everyone who has trusted me with their stories, partnered with our platforms, and shared in this vision over the years. To my fellow honorees on this year’s list – it is a privilege to stand in your company as we move the needle together.
As we continue building toward the future, my commitment remains firm: to ensure that Africa’s voice is heard, valued, and impossible to ignore.
This milestone belongs equally to everyone who has trusted me with their stories, partnered with our platforms, and shared in this vision over the years. To my fellow honorees on this year’s list – it is a privilege to stand in your company as we move the needle together.
As we continue building toward the future, my commitment remains firm: to ensure that Africa’s voice is heard, valued, and impossible to ignore.
Read the full feature on Rolling Stone Africa.
Stephanie Busari is an Emmy, Peabody, and Gracie award-winning journalist, founder and CEO of SBB Media, and founder of Her Story Global. She spent 16 years at CNN International and was recognised by the United Nations as one of the 100 Most Influential People of African Descent.
Follow her work at sbbmedia.com | @official_sbbmedia
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