How a grandmother in her 80s became a fashion icon
Margret Chola, an 80-something grandmother living in rural Zambia, has become an unexpected global style sensation, known to the world as “Legendary Glamma.” Her striking fashion poses and creative style have captured the hearts of 225,000 Instagram followers, making her a true icon of timeless elegance and self-expression.
The rise of Legendary Glamma began in 2023, when Chola’s granddaughter, Diana Kaumba, a New York-based stylist, visited Zambia to mark the second anniversary of her father’s passing. Diana’s father had inspired her love for fashion, always impeccably dressed. During this visit, Diana, who hadn’t worn all her carefully planned outfits, asked her grandmother—whom she affectionately calls “Mbuya” in the Bemba language—if she’d like to try them on. With little else to occupy her time, Chola agreed, saying, “You will miss me when I die, and at least this way you will be remembering me.”
From that first moment, the duo began a transformation. Chola swapped her traditional chitenge (patterned cloth wrap) for a silver pantsuit, while Kaumba embraced Mbuya’s style. “I thought it would be nice to dress up Mbuya in high fashion and take photographs of her in her natural habitat,” says Kaumba. That habitat is a farm in the village of 10 Miles, just north of Lusaka, where Chola is often photographed in glamorous outfits, seated elegantly in outdoor settings or lounging on rustic furniture.
The first photo posted by Kaumba garnered instant attention, amassing 1,000 likes in just ten minutes. Encouraged by the overwhelming positive response, the pair continued creating bold, striking visuals. But it was in April 2024 that their project truly went viral. A photo set featuring Chola dressed in a red Adidas dress, multiple golden necklaces, and a glittering jewelled crown captivated audiences globally.
“I feel different, I feel new and alive in these clothes,” Chola told the BBC, reflecting on her unexpected fame. “I feel like I can conquer the world!” Despite not knowing her exact age—she doesn’t possess a birth certificate—Chola finds purpose and joy in her newfound global recognition.
Their series showcases fashion in daring, unconventional ways. Chola has rocked a green American football jersey styled with a layered red dress reminiscent of the Zambian flag to celebrate 60 years of independence, and a sequined ensemble complete with bold accessories like a golden snake necklace and oversized sunglasses. “I had never worn jeans or a wig before,” Chola recalls. “I was happy, and I was dancing.”
Kaumba credits her grandmother for inspiring her love of accessorising, pointing to Chola’s lifelong love of pearls and bangles. The Granny Series frequently features such accessories, blending traditional Zambian elements with bold, modern touches. One particularly memorable shoot saw Chola posing with a goat adorned in her signature pearls—a playful nod to her “GOAT” (Greatest of All Time) status.
For Kaumba, the project goes beyond fashion; it’s a way to honour and preserve memories with her grandmother while demonstrating the wisdom, grace, and vitality older generations can offer. “Do not write them off,” she says. “Love them just the same till the end because remember we will be just like them one day.”
Chola, who endured a challenging life, including an early forced marriage and struggles with alcoholism, finds renewed purpose through her unexpected celebrity. “I’m now able to wake up with a purpose knowing that people around the world love to see me,” she says. For viewers and fashionistas everywhere, Legendary Glamma’s story is a heartwarming reminder of self-expression, resilience, and the power of intergenerational love.
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