In the small village of Chila in Zambia, there lives a woman named Mbuya Ndahayo. Mbuya Ndahayo is a grandmother of 12 and a local celebrity. This Zambian Grandma is also an accidental fashion icon. She is a reminder that beauty comes in all shapes and sizes.
In a quiet village near Lusaka, Zambia, an 85-year-old grandmother, Margret Chola, has taken the internet by storm as an unlikely fashion icon. Known as “Legendary Glamma,” she has garnered over 225,000 Instagram followers for her vibrant and eccentric fashion shoots. She is the only Zambian grandma who breaks all the stereotypes about age and style.
The journey began in 2023 when Margret’s granddaughter, Diana Kaumba, a New York-based stylist, visited Zambia. To honor her late father’s memory, Diana had brought a wardrobe of stylish outfits but hadn’t worn them all. Spontaneously, she asked her grandmother—affectionately called “Mbuya” in Bemba—if she wanted to try them on. Margret agreed, saying, “You will miss me when I’m gone, so let’s make memories now.”
Margret’s first photoshoot featured her in a silver pantsuit against the backdrop of her farm. The blend of high fashion and rural charm struck a chord online, and soon, Diana’s “Granny Series” became a sensation. Margret, who had never worn jeans or wigs before, embraced her new role with enthusiasm. “I feel alive in these clothes like I can conquer the world!” she shared.
The photos showcase Margret in a mix of bold colors, eclectic patterns, and oversized accessories. From Zambian flag-inspired ensembles to sequined tops paired with golden snake jewelry, each outfit reflects both her adventurous spirit and Diana’s maximalist aesthetic. Even props like her radio, a wooden grain-pounding stick, and a goat adorned with pearls add personal and cultural touches to the shoots.
Margret’s journey is more than just fashion. It’s a celebration of age and resilience. Born into hardship, she left school at 12 due to financial struggles, endured an early marriage, and battled personal challenges. Her newfound fame has given her a fresh purpose. “I wake up knowing people around the world love to see me,” she says.
Diana hopes the series inspires others to cherish their elders. “Older people still have so much to offer. Let’s make memories with them and celebrate their stories.”
Through these photos, Margret has become a symbol of joy, creativity, and the enduring power of self-expression—at any age.
