Stop Everything: Ama Qamata Just Walked Paris Fashion Week and is L’Oréal Paris’ Sub-Saharan Face

When L’Oréal Paris takes the stage, it’s never just about beauty—it’s about power, presence, and possibility. And this season, all eyes were on Ama Qamata. The South African actress, already beloved for her breakout roles in Gomora and Blood & Water, has officially been named L’Oréal Paris’ new Sub-Saharan Africa ambassador and spokesperson.

The announcement unfolded, at a star-studded launch event that solidified her as one of the continent’s most exciting voices in entertainment and fashion. Just days later, she stunned the world in Paris, striding down the Le Défilé L’Oréal Paris runway in a fiery red mini dress, her signature braids swaying as she walked with the kind of confidence that turns a moment into a movement.

The runway show, staged in front of the historic Hôtel de Ville, celebrated women’s empowerment under the brand’s unmistakable mantra: “Liberty, Equality, Sisterhood, You’re Worth It.” Sharing the spotlight with L’Oréal Paris global ambassadors Viola Davis, Kendall Jenner, Jane Fonda, and Gillian Anderson, and more; Ama stood as a symbol of African talent stepping into the global spotlight with unapologetic pride.

But behind the glamour was a story few knew. On Instagram, Ama revealed that the show carried a weight much deeper than the dazzling lights of Paris Fashion Week.

“When I walked the runway at Le Défilé, it was exactly one month since my dad passed away. On that day, I carried the heaviest heart holding back tears in between smiles, balancing the joy of one of the greatest moments of my life with the pain of such a deep loss.

Stepping into the spotlight, I chose to walk with confidence, pride, and gratitude. This wasn’t just a runway, it was a moment of resilience, a reminder that even through hard times, I can stand tall, radiant, and worthy. Thank you L’Oréal Paris for creating a space where beauty is not just about how we look, but about the strength and stories we carry.”

Those words struck a chord far beyond fashion. They revealed Ama’s humanity, turning what could have been another glamorous catwalk into a deeply personal act of resilience.

In a separate campaign film released by L’Oréal Paris, she echoed this sentiment, highlighting the values that shaped her rise: humanity, gratitude, and respect. “Now every room I walk in, every challenge I face, heels high, head even higher, I carry those words with me, Im worth it!!” she said. That quiet strength—equal parts vulnerability and resilience—aligns seamlessly with the brand’s ongoing mission to empower women everywhere.

Her Le Défilé Runway appearance lit up timelines and headlines, with fans praising her poise and confidence. But beyond the glamour, what Ama represents is a turning point in beauty. L’Oréal Paris’ decision to spotlight African talent at this scale is not just a nod to representation, it’s a recognition of influence. Ama is not only a voice for her generation in South Africa but also a face of inclusivity, showing how global beauty is finally beginning to mirror the world we actually live in.

At 27, Ama Qamata is more than a rising star, she’s proof of what it looks like when homegrown talent steps onto the global stage and owns it. And with L’Oréal Paris behind her, it feels like this is just the beginning.