Queens Rewrote the Crown
November 19, 2025 • KMOB1003
Democratic Republic of Congo • Namibia • South Africa • Guadeloupe • Jamaica • Ghana
Photo from : Meet the African Queens Representing the Continent at Miss Universe 2025 | BellaNaija
In the gilded heat of Nonthaburi, Thailand, 120 women are rewriting the rules of beauty.
For the first time in 74 years, the most powerful force on that stage isn’t a country.
It’s melanin.
This isn’t just a pageant. In fact, it’s a reclamation. From Janelle Commissiong’s Afro-crown in 1977 to Zozibini Tunzi’s natural coils in 2019, Black and Brown women have quietly built this moment. Now, in 2025, over 40 queens from Africa, the Caribbean, Asia, and Latin America refuse to ask for space. Instead, they claim the throne. Their journeys? Grit-forged tales of colorism, poverty, displacement, and doubt. Yet amid sequins and spotlights, a storm still brews: executive meltdowns, judge walkouts, whispers of rigs. But these women remain unbreakable.
The Crown We Built
Miss Universe began in 1952 as a Eurocentric swimsuit show. Black women were banned until the 1960s. Then, in 1977, Janelle Commissiong changed everything. Wendy Fitzwilliam followed in 1998. Mpule Kwelagobe won in 1999. By 2019, Zozibini Tunzi’s coils made history. Today, married mothers and trans icons walk the stage. Above all, these 2025 queens carry that legacy higher.
1977, Janelle Commissiong changed everything
Africa Sends Heirs
Olivia Yacé (Côte d’Ivoire) returns sharper, preaching women’s land rights
This year, Africa brings 22 queens. For example, Olivia Yacé (Côte d’Ivoire) returns stronger. Meanwhile, Melissa Nayimuli (South Africa) turned xenophobia into healing. Dorcas Dienda (DRC) rose from civil war. Prissy Gomes makes Cape Verde’s debut with locs flying. From Rwanda’s first sash to Mayotte’s history-making moment, the continent isn’t just participating. It’s reigning.
Gabrielle Henry (Jamaica) heals eyes and hearts. — fights for immigrant children. Ahtisa Manalo (Philippines) lifts communities. Mahyla Roth (Costa Rica) shatters color barriers. Stephany Abasali (Venezuela) builds women entrepreneurs. Every shade of Brown is speaking. And the world finally listens.
KMOB Spotlight — Top 25 National Costumes That Owned the Stage
Crown your glow with Ettika gold
Italian elegance from Mamma Mia
glueless lace by OhMyPretty.
(Affiliate links — we may earn commission)
KMOB1003’s Take
To every little girl watching tonight —
the one with the kinky coils, the deep bronze skin, the name no one pronounces right —
this is your mirror.
These queens didn’t walk onto that stage.
They were carried there by Janelle’s courage, Wendy’s grace, Mpule’s vision, Zozibini’s truth,
and every ancestor who was told her beauty didn’t belong on the world stage.
Tonight, the world finally sees what we’ve always known:
The crown was never waiting to be given.
It was waiting to be taken.
— With love, respect, and unshakeable pride
KMOB1003
Where queens rise: Submit stories •
Where legacies live: KMOB Vibe Store
