For Americans it can be hard to comprehend other nations’ obsession with royalty. Though you may not get it, you can hardly avoid it since the media has been focusing on the upcoming nuptials of Kate Middleton and Prince William. As a result, we got to thinking about dynasties with a darker hue and assembled this round up of notable African and African-descended aristocracy.
King Lerou Tshekedi Molotlegi
Lerou Tshekedi Molotlegi was never supposed to be king of the Royal Bofakeng nation, a Setswana-speaking community of roughly 300,000 people located in the North West Province of South Africa. There were two brothers that stood ahead of Molotlegi. But when both brothers faced untimely deaths, Molotlegi’s number was called in 2003. The 36th monarch has had some large shoes to fill to make his vision of enhancing the Bofokeng community’s culture and economy a reality. In the 19th century, upon contact with Europeans, a forward-thinking ruler organized the purchase of land to protect it from outside hands. The deeds to the communally held territory survived white rule. When platinum was discovered, the rural outpost was positioned to share in the profits, which has resulted in schools, roads and a stadium that hosted several World Cup games.
King Mswati III
If mention of an African ruler unsettles something within you, you might be conjuring a character akin to King Mswati III. The King of Swaziland and head of the Swazi Royal Family is considered Africa’s last absolute monarch. He has held the throne for 24 years now, since the age of 18. Mswati’s policies and lavish lifestyle has been known to incite controversy on the home front. Last week when pro-democracy activists and labor unionists took to the streets, his response was a three-part cocktail similar to what you’d recognize from America’s segregated south—teargas, weaponized water and beatings. He keeps a firm handle on the media, but news gets out about his life of obscene luxury and playboy exploits outside of his 13 wives, and his nonexistent plans to deal with the poverty and disease crippling Swaziland.
Princess Sikhanyiso Dlamini
As she completed her studies at Biola University a small Christian school outside of Los Angeles, Sikhanyiso Dlamini said that she wanted to be a minister and a rapper. She’s also expressed a desire to act and model. Whatever she ends up doing, the most salient aspect of her profile will always be that of a princess. Her father is Swazi King Mswati III. Though he rules the country with an iron grip, that hasn’t deterred Dlamini from speaking out against his policies. She called him out when she told the press, “polygamy brings all advantages in a relationship to men, and this to me is unfair and evil.” The princess studied communications, so it’s a sure bet that this young woman will always have something to say.
King Goodwill Zwelethini
Unlike his neighbor King Mswati III, Goodwill Zwelithini kaBhekuzulu is not about suppressing the press or harassing adversaries. kaBhekuzulu’s title is largely symbolic—he is the reigning king of the Zulu nation under the traditional leadership clause of South Africa’s republican constitution. But, he is still known to abuse his power. The government allots him a multi-million dollar budget for personal upkeep, but spend time perusing local papers and you’ll see that overspending on lavish palaces, vehicles, clothing and vacations taken as a birthright. His appetite for much more than any man needs can also be measured in women—he has six wives. Zulu boys don’t get away unscathed either. In 2009, he reinstated circumcision, which, although associated with reduced HIV risk, is often carried out without proper sterilization, thereby creating its own health threats. What would happen if he had more power? One could only imagine.
Princess Angela of Liechtenstein
Angela Brown probably didn’t believe him when he first said it. In the 1990s, she was living in New York working as a fashion designer. Although once can expect to meet a colorful cast of characters in the city and in Brown’s line of work, a prince still qualifies as a stretch. But there Maximillian of Liechenstein was taking an interest in her. In January 2000, the two married, turning this Panamanian-born woman into one of Europe’s most unlikely princesses.
Alexandre Eric Stephane
Alexandre Eric Stephane’s father Albert II may be the Prince of Monaco, but he’ll never be in line for the crown. Neither will he ever bear the family name. That was established by the dynasty soon after his mother, Nicole Coste, a native of Togo in West Africa, broke the news of his existence in a French tabloid. According to Monaco’s constitution, any children born out of wedlock are considered illegitimate. However, Albert II has said that Alexandre and his three other children would be taken care of financially.
Adewale Ogunleye
Royalty doesn’t always mean rich. Power doesn’t always yield dividends. Thus, even though Adewale Oguleye is of royal Nigerian stock, he didn’t get his first taste of wealth until signing with the Miami Dolphins. Having gone on to play for the Chicago Bears and Houston Texans, he is currently a free agent. As far as we can tell, that goes for his love life too. He’s played prince charming to Sanaa Lathan and Kelis, but as of yet, no bride has emerged to help him carry on the royal line.
Tsidii Le Loka
Tsidii Le Loka was studying economics and music at the University of Massachusetts when she got a call to come to New York and audition for “The Lion King.” Not only did she get the part of Rafiki, but she went on to receive a Tony nomination for her work. It was a defining moment for a girl who descended from South African royalty and was raised in Lesotho. Today, you can catch her singing at limited engagements around the world, sometimes alongside names such as Yousouu N’Dour, Madonna and Ladysmith Black Mambazo.
Princess Keisha Omilana
A native of Inglewood, Calif., Keisha is an accomplished model having worked with L’Oreal, Maybeline, Revlon and Cover Girl. She is also most recognized for being the first African-American woman to be featured in three consecutive commercials as “The Pantene Girl.” Like her many clients, Nigerian prince Kunle Omilana couldn’t resist Keisha’s beauty and asked her out. She initially turned him down but later accepted his offer. “This is the best decision you have ever made,” he said. It certainly appears that way. Together, they are husband and wife, parents, business partners and owners of Wonderful-TV, a Christian network reaching over 100 million households across Europe. How’s that for happily ever after?
