When most people think of grandmothers, images of cozy sweaters, home-cooked meals, and quiet evenings may come to mind. But Margaret Chola, a stylish octogenarian from Zambia, is shattering that stereotype. At 80 years young, Chola has become a high-fashion Instagram sensation and recently graced the cover of Your Luxury Africa magazine, proving that age is no limit to creativity and flair.
Chola’s journey to internet fame began in 2023 when her granddaughter, Diana Kaumba, a New York-based stylist, visited her village in Zambia. Kaumba had returned to honor the anniversary of her father’s passing, a man who had ignited her passion for fashion. During her trip, the two women decided to have a little fun: Kaumba dressed Chola in high-fashion outfits, pairing bold colors with oversized sunglasses, and captured the magic against the breathtaking Zambian landscape.
What started as a lighthearted bonding moment turned into a viral sensation. Kaumba, who affectionately calls her grandmother “Mbuya,” shared the photos online, and the internet fell in love. Chola, now known as @legendary_glamma on Instagram, has since gained over 63,000 followers, turning her into a bona fide fashion icon.
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“I thought it would be nice to dress up Mbuya in high fashion and then take photographs of her in her natural habitat,” Kaumba told the BBC.
The photoshoot led to a monumental milestone: Chola appearing on the cover of Your Luxury Africa. For Kaumba, it was a deeply personal achievement. “Our Mbuya is officially a COVER GIRL!!!” she wrote in an emotional Instagram post. “This is a dream come true. As a 10-year-old in Zimbabwe, I dreamed of being on a magazine cover one day. Thirty-two years later, that dream has finally come true—but even better, I put my ancestor on a cover! Now, if that’s not legendary, tell me what is!”
Chola’s striking visuals and charismatic presence have not only redefined what it means to be fashionable at any age but have also placed Zambia on the global fashion map. Fans eagerly anticipate her next project, and Kaumba hints that there are more wins to come.
From Instagram fame to magazine covers, Margaret Chola is proving that it’s never too late to rewrite the rules and live life with boldness and style.
