Sarah Hassan Clinches Entertainer of the Year Award at Forbes Woman Awards 2025
Sarah Hassan has once again proven her excellence in the entertainment industry by winning the prestigious Entertainer of the Year Award at the Forbes Woman Awards 2025. The event, held in Times Square, Pretoria, South Africa, was part of the highly acclaimed FORBES WOMAN AFRICA summit, which annually celebrates outstanding women across various fields.
This year’s summit marked the 10th edition of the Leading Women Summit, an event that coincides with International Women’s Day on March 8. It continues to honor the resilience, achievements, and impact of women from different backgrounds, attracting notable personalities, including billionaires, Hollywood celebrities, Olympians, and corporate leaders. Sarah Hassan’s victory at this global event underscores her influence and dedication to the entertainment industry.
Sarah Hassan’s Remarkable Journey to Success
Sarah Hassan, a Kenyan actress, TV host, producer, and director, has built a legacy that continues to inspire many. Her rise to fame began with her iconic role as “Tanya” in the long-running Kenyan high school drama, Tahidi High. Her stellar performance earned her multiple awards, including Best Actress at the CHAT Awards in 2010 and 2011.
Her career spans various entertainment sectors, including TV hosting, where she has excelled and received accolades such as Best TV Host at the Kalasha Awards 2014 for Discovery+ 254 and Best East African Journalist 2015 at the Swahili Fashion Week in Dar es Salaam for Mashariki Mix and Maisha Max.
Beyond acting and hosting, Sarah Hassan has gained recognition as a film producer. She has played a crucial role in producing award-winning films such as Plan B, which won Best Film at the AMVCA Awards in Nigeria in 2019, and 40 Sticks, which won Best Film at the Kalasha Awards 2020. Her talent for storytelling has made her a household name in the film industry.
A Memorable Victory for Sarah Hassan
On the grand stage of the Forbes Woman Awards 2025, Sarah Hassan donned a dazzling purple gown as she accepted the Entertainer of the Year Award. Expressing her joy, she described the win as surreal and an extraordinary milestone in her career. She shared how being recognized in Forbes’ 30 under 50 list was a defining moment, but winning this award was beyond her wildest dreams.
“Oh my goodness, this is just surreal. It’s such an honor to be here and to be recognized in a room full of incredible and powerful trailblazers. When I started this journey as an actress and TV host and later got into film production, all I had was hope and passion. I never imagined the stories I would tell and the amazing people I would meet on the way. Being named Forbes 30 under 50 was a defining moment, but winning was beyond my imagination,” she stated.
Her heartfelt words resonated with many, as she dedicated the award to dreamers, storytellers, and aspiring women across Africa. She emphasized the importance of perseverance and the need to push boundaries in the entertainment industry.
Sarah Hassan’s Impact in Film and Television
Throughout her career, Sarah Hassan has remained a force in African entertainment. Her versatility as an actress, producer, and director has earned her a well-respected place in the industry. She founded Alfajiri Productions, a company that focuses on creating captivating African stories for global audiences.
In 2016, she took a bold step to advance her career by pursuing a course in the film industry in Los Angeles, California. During her time in Los Angeles, she wrote, produced, acted, and co-directed a short film titled The Company You Keep. Her exposure to Hollywood strengthened her skills and broadened her perspective on storytelling.
Her work has been featured on international platforms such as Netflix, where her films Forty Sticks and Just in Time gained massive popularity. Through her productions, she has continued to elevate Kenyan and African cinema, showcasing the region’s talent on a global scale.
Acknowledging Support and Inspiring Future Generations
Sarah Hassan expressed deep gratitude to her family, management team, and fans for their unwavering support throughout her journey. She acknowledged the sacrifices made and the countless sleepless nights dedicated to perfecting her craft. Her win at the Forbes Woman Awards 2025 serves as motivation for young women pursuing their dreams in the entertainment industry.
“This award is not just for me but rather for all the dreamers who dare to push beyond the limit, African storytellers who refuse to be boxed in, and real women who are forging their path. There are still more stories to tell and to all the young women, your voice still matters. Keep creating and never stop until you see the power of your own story. I want to thank my family and management for all the sleepless nights and support,” she remarked.
The Future Looks Bright for Sarah Hassan
With this remarkable achievement, Sarah Hassan continues to set the bar high in the entertainment industry. Her dedication to storytelling, passion for film, and commitment to excellence make her a true icon. She remains an inspiration to upcoming creatives, proving that persistence and hard work pave the way for greatness.
Her win at the Forbes Woman Awards 2025 is a testament to her influence, talent, and resilience. As she forges ahead, Sarah Hassan is expected to embark on more groundbreaking projects that will further elevate African cinema on the global stage. Her success story is a beacon of hope, reminding many that dreams are valid and that hard work always pays off.
Sarah Hassan’s journey is far from over, and the world eagerly awaits her next big move. For now, she basks in the glory of being named Entertainer of the Year, a title well deserved for an artist of her caliber.
