Zambian Grandmother Becomes Global Fashion Icon Through Granddaughter’s Styling Project

A grandmother residing in rural Zambia has risen to prominence as a style icon and internet sensation, following her decision to engage in dress-up and exchange clothing with her fashion-savvy granddaughter. Margret Chola, identified as being in her mid-80s, is recognized globally as “Legendary Glamma” and has garnered a following of 225,000 Instagram users who admire her distinctive and spirited fashion photography. Ms Chola conveyed to the BBC, “I feel different, I feel new and alive in these clothes, in a way that I’ve never felt before.” She added, “I feel like I can conquer the world!” The “Granny Series,” a project launched in 2023, is a fortnightly initiative conceived by her granddaughter, Diana Kaumba, a stylist operating out of New York City. The concept originated during Ms. Kaumba’s visit to Zambia, undertaken to commemorate the second anniversary of her father’s passing. She states that her father, known for his impeccable dressing, was the source of her enthusiasm for fashion. While in Zambia, Ms. Kaumba had not utilized all of her meticulously selected ensembles. Consequently, she inquired if her grandmother, referred to as “Mbuya” in the Bemba language, would be interested in trying them on. Ms Chola recounted, “I wasn’t doing anything at the time, so I just said: ‘OK. If that’s what you want to do let’s do it – why not?'” She further stated, “You will miss me when I die and at least this way you will be remembering me.” Ms. Kaumba donned Mbuya’s top and a “chitenge,” which is a patterned cloth worn wrapped around the waist. Mbuya’s initial ensemble consisted of a silver pantsuit. Ms. Kaumba informed the BBC, “I thought it would be nice to dress up Mbuya in high fashion and then take photographs of her in her natural habitat.” This natural setting is a farm located in the village of 10 Miles, situated directly north of Lusaka, the Zambian capital. Ms. Chola is typically photographed outdoors in her glamorous attire, frequently seated on an ornate wooden chair or reclining on a leather sofa. The backdrop often features exposed brick structures with corrugated iron roofing, cultivated fields, mango trees, and maize crops. Ms. Kaumba recounted, “I was so nervous when I posted that first photo. I left my phone for 10 minutes and in those 10 minutes there were 1,000 likes.” She added, “My mind was blown. The comments were flying in and people were asking for more.” The “Granny Series” experienced a significant surge in popularity in April 2024, following Ms. Kaumba’s publication of a collection of photographs depicting her grandmother in a red Adidas dress, multiple substantial golden necklaces, and a shimmering jeweled crown. Ms. Chola, who lacks an exact age due to the absence of a birth certificate, expressed, “It surprised me to hear that so many people around the world love me.” She further commented, “I didn’t know I could make such an impact at this age.” Ms. Chola’s poses feature garments that incorporate a blend of vivid colors, diverse textures, and various styles. Examples range from a green American football jersey paired with a layered, frilly red dress fashioned as a skirt—utilizing the colors of the Zambian flag to commemorate 60 years of independence—to a blue, black, and green sequined top accessorized with a golden snake necklace and bracelet. Mbuya’s preferred ensemble includes jeans, a graphic T-shirt featuring her own image, and a blonde wig. She remarked, “I had never worn jeans or a wig before – so I was happy, and I was dancing.” Ms. Kaumba, a stylist since 2012, asserts that her grandmother possesses “courage, grace – and nails every look.” Each style embodies her maximalist-chic aesthetic, which champions the delight of extravagance, diverse pairings, prominent and daring elements, and contrasting patterns and hues. Central to these ensembles are striking accessories, such as bold sunglasses, oversized hats, necklaces, bracelets, pendants, rings, gloves, bags, blonde wigs, and crowns. This stylistic influence originates directly from her grandmother, who has “always been a lover of pearls and bangles.” In a notably whimsical scene titled “GOAT,” an acronym for “greatest of all time,” Ms. Chola is depicted alongside a goat adorned with Mbuya’s cherished pearls. Additional accessories serve to illustrate Chola’s character and narrative. Certain photographs show Mbuya holding her treasured radio, which she carries throughout the day and brings to bed. In others, she grasps an “ibende,” a lengthy wooden stick historically used by her to pound millet, cassava, or maize. She is also seen smoking a pipe or holding a metal cup filled with tea, while an “mbaula,” or charcoal brazier—frequently employed by Zambians for cooking, particularly amidst the nation’s severe power outages—hangs from the arm of her chair. Ms. Kaumba expresses her aspiration that the “Granny Series” will underscore the significant contributions older individuals can still make, and that creating shared memories represents a crucial method to “leave footprints for the next generation.” She advises, “Do not write them off, love them just the same till the end because remember we will be just like them one day.” Consequent to Mbuya’s photographic sessions, Ms. Kaumba has received commissions from four granddaughters to style their grandmothers, whose ages range from 70 to 96. Ms. Chola articulates her hope that the “Granny Series” will motivate individuals “to live their lives and not worry about being judged by society.” She encourages people to “always forgive yourself for whatever mistakes you made. You can never change your past – but you can change your future.” The photographic sessions have fostered a closer relationship between granddaughter and grandmother, and through their unique connection, Ms. Kaumba has gained extensive insight into her Mbuya’s frequently challenging life. Ms. Chola was brought up by her grandparents and attended school until the age of 12 or 13. Subsequently, due to economic imperatives, she was compelled to marry a man in his 30s. She bore three children, developed a heavy drinking habit, and ultimately left the marriage. While that trauma continues to affect her, her unforeseen global recognition has provided her with a renewed sense of purpose. Chola stated, “I’m now able to wake up with a purpose knowing that people around the world love to see me.” Penny Dale is a freelance journalist, as well as a podcast and documentary producer, based in London. Further news from the African continent can be accessed at BBCAfrica.com. 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