Imanni da Silva is one of Angola’s most compelling and multifaceted cultural voices, a model, painter, and beauty queen whose presence radiates elegance, strength, and artistic vision. Splitting her life between London and Luanda, she has built a career that reflects both her cosmopolitan spirit and her deep connection to her roots. Her journey through the fashion world has been anything but conventional: once considered “too androgynous” for the industry, she later emerged as a celebrated figure, eventually being recognized as the first transgender model currently working in Africa. Her success is not only a personal triumph but also a symbol of shifting attitudes within fashion and society at large.
Beyond the runway, Imanni is an accomplished contemporary artist whose exhibitions in Angola and England have earned enthusiastic praise. She brings the same sensitivity and boldness to her canvases that she brings to her public life, using art as another way to express her identity, her heritage, and her vision of beauty. She has also stepped into media work, from radio presenting to television appearances, always embracing new challenges with the determination that defines her. Imanni’s story is one of resilience, self-belief, and a refusal to be limited by others’ expectations. She is a spokesperson for human rights, a cultural ambassador for Angola, and an inspiration to many who see in her a reminder that authenticity and courage can open doors once thought closed. Today, she joins me to reflect on her path, her passions, and the dreams that continue to guide her forward.
