The Real Queens Gambit.

Written by Kamdi Okonjo

Elsa Majimbo is a Kenyan icon, a '15-time chess champion, and professional bragger' - (according to her Instagram profile - who shot to fame in 2020 via the social media platform Instagram, where she currently has 2,3 million followers. Her videos typically feature her up close, munching on chips, wearing sunglasses, and displaying her infectious laugh.

Her eccentric videos and inspiring confidence have attracted the attention of several celebrities, who are constantly inspired by her satirical monologues, trademark sunglasses and chips, and natural hair. Since the beginning of her career, she has been featured in a variety of publications and has benefited from lucrative partnerships. By the way, she is also best friends with Naomi Campbell.

Who is this renowned comedian, author, and cultural icon? (Also taken from her Instagram profile) The Forbes-declared real-life 'Queens Gambit' was born and raised in Nairobi on 29th June 2001. She was a journalism student at Strathmore University with approximately 7,000 followers prior to her meteoric rise to fame. Throughout the pandemic and out of boredom, she began filming short video clips in her bedroom in which she debuted her natural hair and was incredibly raw and honest. Her clips went viral on Instagram's reels and TikTok. People were able to connect with her videos and felt empowered by them, especially during these trying times. Her optimism was greatly admired. Her humorous taglines became viral, and her popularity skyrocketed.

She was nominated for the E! People's Choice Awards in the African Social Star category and after this nomination, she famously looked for her ‘humility, in her purse. A similar reaction was also expressed following her receipt of FENTY sunglasses. Although she is well-known for her comedic persona, she is also incredibly strategic and intelligent. She is a professional chess player who has stated in her Instagram bio that she is a 15-time chess champion. Her strategic abilities are evident in her daily life, as she is constantly making smart moves that propel her forward in her career.

Elsa Majimbo is an African woman who has defied social expectations by proudly flaunting her natural African hair, being proud of who she is, and celebrating her own accomplishments. This is evident in several posts in which she congratulates herself on monumental successes. Lupita Nyong'o, Miss Universe, Zozibini Tunzi, Naomi Campbell, and a slew of other celebrities have praised her candor.

She now hosts her own online talk show, dubbed 'Bedtime with Elsa,' in which she interviews celebrities. Without a doubt, this talk show is a strategic move, as it not only showcases her journalism abilities but also elevates her in the chess game that is life. Additionally, she is launching her own podcast in July 2021. She is an ambassador for FENTY and MAC, and she recently collaborated with designer Valentino on an incredible 'Alphabet Book.'

We encourage you all to read Forbes’ article on her - The Real Queens Gambit.