In a celebration blending music, fashion and cultural pride, singer‑songwriter Ciara made history as the first African‑American woman to grace the cover of Rolling Stone Africa.
Rolling Stone Africa, launched in August 2024 as an extension of the iconic U.S. publication, spotlights music, politics and culture from across the continent.
The announcement, highlighted by HelloBeautiful on Instagram on Tuesday, showcased Ciara in a striking pinstripe suit with the message, "Ciara Becomes The First African American Woman To Cover Rolling Stone Africa - And It's Bigger Than Fashion."
Among the first to repost the milestone was Ciara’s husband, NFL quarterback Russell Wilson, now with the New York Giants, who reshared the HelloBeautiful post with a single‑word tribute, "Queen."
Russell Wilson, Instagram
Russell Wilson, Instagram
Russell Wilson, Instagram
Ciara rose to fame in the early 2000s with her debut album "Goodies," which spun off three hit singles and earned quadruple platinum status.
Over the past two decades, she’s amassed a discography of eight studio albums, including her upcoming "CiCi" (due July 11) and earned accolades from the Grammys, BET Awards and Billboard Women in Music.
Beyond music, Ciara is a successful entrepreneur, model, actress and philanthropist, leveraging her platform to amplify Black voices and support women’s empowerment initiatives.
Russel Wilson and Ciara attend a tennis match between Serena Williams and Ajla Tomljanovic during the U.S. Open tennis tournament.
Russel Wilson and Ciara attend a tennis match between Serena Williams and Ajla Tomljanovic during the U.S. Open tennis tournament.
Robert Deutsch-Imagn Images
Wilson, meanwhile, has forged his own legacy on the football field.
After a record‑setting college career, setting the single‑season FBS passer rating mark at Wisconsin and leading them to the 2012 Rose Bowl, he was selected in the third round of the 2012 NFL draft.
Wilson quickly became one of the winningest quarterbacks in the league, guiding the Seattle Seahawks to back‑to‑back Super Bowl appearances and capturing Super Bowl XLVIII.
Over nine seasons, he amassed more wins than any quarterback in NFL history through that span and has earned 10 Pro Bowl nods in 13 seasons.
In 2020, he was honored as the Walter Payton Man of the Year.
After spending time with the Denver Broncos and Pittsburgh Steelers, Wilson signed a one‑year deal with the Giants in March.
As both continue to evolve in their respective fields, Ciara and Wilson represent one of the greatest power couples in sports and entertainment.