The blackest person in the world in 2024: Who holds the title?

The blackest person in the world in 2024: Who holds the title?

Most people relate black or dark skin colour to Africans. For example, South Sudan is believed to be home to some of the darkest individuals worldwide. While this aesthetic feature highlights beauty and uniqueness, it has also triggered societal comparisons of who the blackest person in the world is.

Blackest person in the world
Khoudia Diop (L, C) and Nyakim Gatwech (R) during photoshoots. Photo: @melaniin.goddess, @queennyakimofficial (modified by author)
Source: Instagram

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For decades, dark-skinned people were considered ugly and inferior to their white counterparts. However, this notion has gradually changed with years of activism, as most people no longer use skin colour as a beauty standard. Several dark models grace international fashion runways today, proving that black is, in fact, beautiful.

Who is the blackest person in the world?

There is no Guinness record for the world’s blackest person because the Guinness World Records does not monitor records for skin tone. However, several people have been considered potential candidates for the title due to their intensely pigmented black skin. Here is a dive into some of the blackest people in the world.

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Who is the world’s blackest woman?

The beauty of dark-skinned women is increasingly recognized and championed by the global fashion and beauty industries. While several black female models exist, two stand out: Nyakim Gatwech and Khoudia Diop.

Nyakim Gatwech

Nyakim Gatwech during the 2019 UOMA Beauty Launch Event at NeueHouse Hollywood in Los Angeles, California
Nyakim Gatwech during the 2019 UOMA Beauty Launch Event at NeueHouse Hollywood in Los Angeles, California. Photo: Stefanie Keenan
Source: Getty Images
Full nameNyakim Gatwech
Date of birth27 January 1993
Age31 years old (2023)
BirthplaceGambela, Ethiopia
Current residenceMinnesota, USA
ProfessionModel

Gatwech was born in Ethiopia after her family relocated from South Sudan due to the Second Sudanese Civil War. From there, they migrated to Kenya before finally moving to the USA when she was 14.

Nicknamed Queen of the Dark by her fans, Nyakim has been a victim of racism and colourism since high school. As documented by Cosmopolitan, an Uber driver once asked her if she would consider bleaching her skin for $10,000.

The Minnesota-based model encourages people to be proud of their skin complexion via her Instagram page, which boasts 984k followers as of 29 July 2024.

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Although there were rumours in 2021 that Gatwech had entered the Guinness Book of Records as the blackest person alive, these speculations were false.

Khoudia Diop

Khoudia Diop during the 2019 BET Awards in Los Angeles, California
Khoudia Diop during the 2019 BET Awards in Los Angeles, California. Photo: Frazer Harrison
Source: Getty Images
Full nameKhoudia Diop
Date of birth31 December 1996
Age27 years old (2023)
BirthplaceSenegal
NationalitySenegalese
ProfessionModel, actress

Diop was ridiculed as a child due to her dark skin tone. During a 2017 interview with Glamour, she narrated her struggles growing up, saying:

There were times I would not leave my room for weeks and sometimes missed school because I hated how people looked at me. I really felt ashamed.

However, at age 15, Khoudia relocated to Paris, where she was repeatedly approached with suggestions that she would make a good model.

She slowly embraced her appearance and nicknamed herself the Melanin Goddess to express pride in her complexion. Interestingly, Diop went from 300 to 350,000 Instagram followers in only days. She has worked with several high-end cosmetic brands, including Make Up For Ever.

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Who is the darkest man on earth?

A picture of an unidentified African man once went viral after many social media users labelled him the blackest person ever.

Nyakim Gatwech posing for the camera (L, R). The world's alleged darkest man (C)
Nyakim Gatwech posing for the camera (L, R). The world's alleged darkest man (C). @queennyakimofficial on Instagram, @EmmanuelNkano on X (Twitter) (modified by author)
Source: UGC

However, his identity and the context in which the photo was taken remain a mystery. The man whose skin is as deep as a bar of dark chocolate proves that there are many variations of Black people worldwide.

Which countries have the darkest men in the world?

Individuals living in areas with greater UVR levels, typically closer to the equator, tend to have darker complexion. Below is a list of countries with the darkest skin-toned people:

Africa

Around 80 per cent of the African population can be defined as black, with the vast majority living in countries located in the south of one of the world's driest deserts, the Sahara.

South Asia

Beyond Africa, South Asia boasts some of the most diverse skin tones. The South Indians typically have darker skin due to more significant UV indices.

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Melanesia

Several islands in the Oceanian subregion of Melanesia, whose name means black islands, are populated by people with dark skin pigmentation.

Nyakim Gatwech during the 2019 Entertainment Weekly Pre-SAG Party Arrivals at Chateau Marmont in Los Angeles, California
Nyakim Gatwech during the 2019 Entertainment Weekly Pre-SAG Party Arrivals at Chateau Marmont in Los Angeles, California. Photo: David Crotty
Source: Getty Images

FAQs

Due to the cultural shift and embrace of dark-skinned tones, many are curious about individuals who stand out in this community. Below are some frequently asked questions about this sensitive topic;

Who are the darkest people on the planet?

The world’s youngest country, South Sudan, tops the list as home to some of the blackest guys. The Nuer and Dinka African tribes are widely recognized for their deep, dark complexions.

Who are the darkest people in Africa?

Numerous Nilotic communities of southern Ethiopia and eastern Chad have the darkest skin colours in Africa. The Anyuak group boast some of the most flawless skin pigmentation.

What is the world’s most attractive skin tone?

The average skin colour for most countries is light brown or tan, but society perceives light brown skin tones as the most physically attractive.

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Beauty is purely a perception held by the beholder. Therefore, no race is superior or more beautiful than the other. While the Guinness Book of Records has never documented the blackest person in the world, the individuals highlighted in this article seem worthy to take up this title.

READ ALSO: Topmost handsome men in the world (photos)

Briefly published some juicy bits about the world's most handsome men. These individuals go the extra mile to maintain their looks. Dieting, body exercises, and protecting their mental health keep them looking like Barbie's Ken most of the time.

While beauty is subject to personal opinion, this list highlights some of the hottest guys based on their physical features, charisma and public appeal.

Source: Briefly News

Authors:
Ruth Gitonga avatar

Ruth Gitonga (Lifestyle writer) Ruth Gitonga has a background experience in Mass Communication for over six years. She graduated from the University of Nairobi with a degree in Mass Communication in December 2014. In 2023, Ruth finished the AFP course on Digital Investigation Techniques. She has worked for Briefly.co.za for five years now. She specializes in topics like lifestyle, entertainment, travel, technology, and sports. Email: gitongaruth14@gmail.com.

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