Take that haters! Mihlali Ndamase makes Forbes Africa's '30 Under 30' list
Just hours after a rapper told her to get a real job, Mihlali Ndamase achieved one of her biggest career highlights - a place on Forbes '30 Under 30' list.
Five years after starting her YouTube channel, Mihlali Ndamase has received one of the highest honours a young entrepreneur can achieve.
The 24-year-old has been named one of Forbes Africa's ’30 Under 30' class of 2021 members.
Not only did she make the prestigious list, but she also graces the publication's latest cover.
Ladies and Gentlemen, HER!
— Lasizwe Dambuza (@lasizwe) June 1, 2021
A whole Forbes 30 Under 30, Mihlali Ndamase.
Congratulations Choymi @mihlalii_n, so proud of you babe pic.twitter.com/LlOOpwSoCq
Mihlali celebrated the achievement on social media.
"This is evidence of God’s faithfulness in my life. Thank you @forbesafrica what an honour, I am so humbled to be recognised by such a prestigious platform. To my loves, my supporters... we did it, we are officially part of the FORBES family!" she wrote on Instagram.
The influencer started her YouTube channel in 2016 and has not looked back.
In 2019, she was named as one of the highest-earning Instagram beauty influencers. She reportedly earned a whopping R25,000 per post, but hinted that the figure was actually higher.
She was named the 'Socialite of the Year' at the 2019 Feather Awards. A few months earlier, Mihlali bagged the 'Best Beauty Influencer' at the Cosmopolitan SA Influencer Awards.
“An African child’s story worth telling”
— Mihlali Ndamase (@mihlalii_n) June 1, 2021
This is evidence of God’s faithfulness in my life. Thank you @forbesafrica what an honour, I’m so humbled to be recognised by such a prestigious platform. To my loves, my supporters... WE did it! 🥂✨ #ForbesAfrica #Forbes30under30 pic.twitter.com/Z75k2H5Lmk
The news comes hours after a local rapper dissed the award-winning influencer for not having a "real" job.
"A song for Mihlali. Giving head ain't a job girl you better hussle (sic) for the dough girl, I'm just trying to let you know girl."
Mihlali's fans were quick to let the rapper know about her Forbes cover.
"A 45-year-old father of 17 released a Mihlali diss track yesterday, basically calling her a gold digger, and today she is on the Forbes 30 under 30 list. Love to see it," one woman wrote.
A 45 year old father of 17 released a Mihlali diss track yesterday, basically calling her a gold digger and today she is on the Forbes 30 under 30 list.😭😭😭😭😭🙌🏽Love to see it.🔥🔥🔥🔥
— MPHO🌻 (@MphoMoalamedi) June 1, 2021
It’s men telling Mihlali to get a job when she’s literally an internationally successful beauty influencer who gets paid thousands of US dollars to post on Instagram for me 💀
— Ann Marie Lastrassi stan (@naledimashishi) June 1, 2021
Mihlali trended on Twitter shortly after Forbes Africa dropped the cover.
Here's a look at what social media users had to say.
Mihlali's win feels so personal. She is 24, EXCUSE ME? So inspiring!!!!!!!
— Pamela Mtanga (@pamela_mtanga) June 1, 2021
Mihlali woke up and decided to remind black women they can achieve anything they set their minds on👏🏾👏🏾#FORBESAFRICA30Under30
— Bobo👑🌹 (@Wambui_Ngacha) June 1, 2021
This part from Mihlali ‘s live about the “naysayers” is so fitting!👏🏽 https://t.co/NA2nh6Wcmg pic.twitter.com/l2ovwaplpo
— Venda Khaleesi (@Jennifer_Rendie) June 1, 2021
Mihlali’s best revenge has always & will always be her paper & achievements😩
— YouTube: Chommi yam uSkye (@SkyeSehahabane) June 1, 2021
It’s @mihlalii_n on the #FORBESAFRICA30UNDER30 for me 😍😍😍🔥🔥🔥🙏🏾🙏🏾🙏🏾 What do we Stan? An entire QUEEN!!!🔥😍🙏🏾Congratulations Mihlali!!!! This is everything and more! YOU are EVERYTHING 😍🔥🙏🏾 pic.twitter.com/cbrGnwjtzJ
— 2021’s Champion☄️ (@ZanelePotelwa) June 1, 2021