Representation in the entertainment industry has been expanding, and one of the most beautiful aspects of this growth is the celebration of diverse backgrounds. Black and Asian (Blasian) celebrities are making waves in Hollywood, music, fashion, and beyond, bringing their rich cultural heritages to the forefront.
Blasian Female Celebrities
Jhene Aiko
Jhene Aiko, the Grammy-nominated singer-songwriter, has captivated audiences with her ethereal voice and deeply introspective lyrics. Born to a Japanese, Spanish, and Dominican mother and an African American, Native American, and German father, Aiko’s music often reflects her diverse background. Her signature sound—a mix of R&B, neo-soul, and electronic influences—has earned her a loyal fan base. She frequently pays homage to her heritage through her fashion choices and even incorporates Japanese elements into her visuals and personal style.
Saweetie
Saweetie, born Diamonté Quiava Valentin Harper, is a rapper known for her confident lyrics and glamorous style. With a Filipino-Chinese mother and an African American father, Saweetie embraces both sides of her identity. The “My Type” hitmaker often celebrates her heritage through social media and has expressed pride in her multicultural upbringing. Her music and vibrant personality make her a powerful representation of Blasian excellence in the hip-hop industry.
Naomi Osaka
Tennis superstar Naomi Osaka is a force to be reckoned with on and off the court. Born to a Haitian father and a Japanese mother, Osaka has become one of the most influential athletes in the world. She has won multiple Grand Slam titles and is known for using her platform to speak on social justice issues, including racial equality and mental health. Osaka’s ability to navigate both of her cultural backgrounds while excelling in a traditionally non-diverse sport is a testament to her strength and resilience.
Amerie
Amerie, best known for her early 2000s hit “1 Thing,” is a singer, author, and entrepreneur with an African American father and a Korean mother. She helped shape the R&B landscape with her unique voice and genre-blending sound. In addition to her music career, Amerie is also a passionate advocate for literature and storytelling, often curating book recommendations for her fans. Her multifaceted career and celebration of her heritage make her an inspiration to many.
Karrueche Tran
Actress and model Karrueche Tran has made a name for herself in Hollywood with roles in hit shows like Claws and The Bay. Born to a Vietnamese mother and an African American father, Tran has spoken openly about embracing both of her cultures. She’s also a style icon, frequently gracing red carpets with stunning looks that highlight her natural beauty. Beyond acting, Tran uses her platform to uplift communities of color and advocate for self-love and diversity in the entertainment industry.
Cassie Ventura
Cassie Ventura, known mononymously as Cassie, rose to fame with her 2006 hit “Me & U.” The singer, model, and actress has a Filipina mother and an African American father. Though she stepped away from the music industry to focus on her family and other endeavors, Cassie remains a beauty and fashion icon. Her effortlessly cool aesthetic and trendsetting hairstyles have influenced pop culture for years.
Ming Lee Simmons
Daughter of fashion mogul Kimora Lee Simmons and hip-hop icon Russell Simmons, Ming Lee Simmons is carving her own path in the industry. As a model and entrepreneur, she represents the next generation of Blasian women embracing their mixed heritage. She often shares glimpses of her Korean and African American background through her social media, highlighting the beauty of cultural fusion.
Kimora Lee Simmons
A trailblazer in fashion and business, Kimora Lee Simmons is a Blasian icon. Born to a Japanese-Korean mother and an African American father, she gained fame as a top model before launching her own fashion empire, Baby Phat. Kimora has always been outspoken about embracing her heritage and has used her platform to empower women of color in business and fashion. Her influence remains strong, proving that beauty and brains go hand in hand.
Aoki Lee Simmons
Following in her mother Kimora’s footsteps, Aoki Lee Simmons is making a name for herself in both the modeling world and academia. A Harvard graduate and rising model, Aoki represents a new wave of multiethnic women who refuse to be put into a single box. She frequently speaks about her experiences as a Blasian woman and encourages young women to embrace all aspects of their identity.
H.E.R.
Gabriella Sarmiento Wilson, better known as H.E.R., is an award-winning singer and songwriter with a Filipina mother and an African American father. Known for her soulful voice and signature sunglasses, H.E.R. has taken the music world by storm with her deep, emotional ballads. She has also spoken about the importance of embracing her dual heritage and uses her music to connect with audiences from all walks of life.