Eight years after the internet fell in love with her unforgettable portrait, Jare Ijalana is no longer just the little girl whose face captured global attention – she is a teenager building a future shaped by purpose, confidence, and a growing voice in mental health advocacy.
Back in 2018, five-year-old Jare Ijalana captured hearts across the world when photographer Mofe Bamuyiwa shared striking portraits that quickly spread across social media.
“Oh yes she’s human! She’s also an angel!” The Lagos-based photographer said of the girl described as “doll-like.”
With piercing eyes, luminous skin, and natural hair styled to highlight her youthful elegance, the Nigerian child was widely described as the new “Barbie,” and “absolutely stunning.”
Timeless images
The images – some that included Jare’s big sisters Jomi and Joba – gained tens of thousands of reactions online and sparked conversations about representation, diversity, and the visibility of African beauty on a global stage.
“All I want is for everyone to see Jare’s powerful potential. I want the photo to speak to her when she has reached her adulthood,” Bamuyiwa said, explaining that she wanted to capture a timeless quality.
“I want to portray the interception between her childhood and adulthood so both stay timeless!” she wrote on Instagram alongside a photo of the rising young star.
“I could have made her smile and make her laugh out loud but I put her in their natural moments for us to see through their eyes!”
‘Most beautiful girl in the world’
Jare’s rise to global recognition represented something larger than one viral moment.
At a time when conversations around representation were gaining momentum, her images offered a powerful reminder that beauty standards were evolving and becoming more inclusive.
As the first Black and African child widely referred to as the “most beautiful girl in the world,” Jare’s recognition helped spotlight the richness and diversity of African features in global media.
From viral sensation to runway presence
As Jare grew older, her early recognition opened doors in the fashion industry while allowing her to explore opportunities beyond modeling.
She has appeared on magazine covers and, at just seven years old, walked the runway at London Fashion Week, proving the viral moment was only the start of a much longer journey.
Her presence in fashion has remained balanced with her personal development, with her family guiding her path carefully. Instead of allowing the early fame to define her identity, Jare has gradually shaped her own voice and interests, focusing on causes that matter deeply to her.
@dw_the77percent Imagine waking up one morning to learn that one of your photos has gone viral. You’ve been named the most beautiful person on the planet. This is what happened to 8-year-old Nigerian girl Jare Ijalana in 2018. Where is she now? #tiktoknigeria
#mostbeautiful #youth #mostbeautifulgirl #girlzoffmute
Inspired by mom
Today, at 13, she has expressed interest in mental health advocacy, particularly in helping children who have experienced sexual abuse.
In a 2025 interview with local media, Jare shared her inspiration, saying of her mother Omowunmi Ijalana: “my mom does seminars about sexually abused children so I would like to take after my mom.”
Her perspective on beauty has also matured alongside her experiences.
Reflecting on the “awesome” title that brought her worldwide attention, Jare explained, “Beauty is being kind, it’s not just the way you look or how your face is. It’s about inside your heart – how you feel inside,” Jare said.
Years after the world first discovered her image, Jare Ijalana is not simply remembered as the “most beautiful girl in the world.” She is becoming known for something deeper – a young person shaping her future with intention, empathy, and a growing understanding of the impact she can make.
What do you think about this inspiring young girl using her platform to help children? Share your thoughts in the comments – and don’t forget to share this story to celebrate beauty with purpose!
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