A Zambian grandmother in her mid-80s has become an unexpected internet sensation through a unique fashion photo series created by her granddaughter, Diana Kaumba, a stylist based in New York City.
Margret Chola, known as “Legendary Glamma,” has gained 225,000 Instagram followers through the fortnightly “Granny Series” that began in 2023. The project started when Kaumba visited Zambia to mark the second anniversary of her father’s death and asked her grandmother to try on her carefully curated outfits.
Initially hesitant, Chola agreed, saying, “If that’s what you want to do, let’s do it – why not?” Her first outfit was a silver pantsuit, and the photoshoots take place on her farm near Lusaka, featuring her in vibrant, eclectic clothing against a backdrop of rural Zambian landscapes.
The series showcases Chola in a maximalist-chic style, featuring bold accessories like oversized sunglasses, hats, jewelry, and even wigs. Her outfits range from a Zambian flag-colored ensemble to a graphic t-shirt with her own image, and she particularly loves wearing jeans and a blonde wig for the first time.
Kaumba’s approach is intentional, wanting to highlight that older people still have much to offer. She photographs her grandmother in her natural environment, often incorporating personal items like her beloved radio, a wooden stick used for pounding grains, and a charcoal brazier.
The project has deep personal significance. Chola’s life has been challenging – married young due to economic reasons, she experienced a difficult marriage and struggled with drinking before eventually escaping. The photo series has given her a new sense of purpose and joy.
“I feel different, I feel new and alive in these clothes,” Chola says. “I feel like I can conquer the world!” Her unexpected global popularity has been transformative, with her stating, “I’m now able to wake up with a purpose knowing that people around the world love to see me.”
The series went viral in April 2024 when Kaumba posted photos of her grandmother in a red Adidas dress, golden necklaces, and a glittering crown. The first post received 1,000 likes in just ten minutes, surprising both women.
The project has already inspired other families, with Kaumba being hired to style four other grandmothers aged between 70 and 96. Chola hopes the series will inspire people to “live their lives and not worry about being judged by society.”
Beyond fashion, the photo shoots have brought grandmother and granddaughter closer, allowing Kaumba to learn more about her grandmother’s life and struggles. The series celebrates intergenerational connection, personal reinvention, and the enduring spirit of a woman who refuses to be defined by age or societal expectations.
