Alumna Natalie Efua France named Newcomer of the Year at 2026 UK Creative Industry Awards

From her first university theater experience to building an international career in London, Natalie Efua France, '19, says her time at Buffalo State University has shaped her creative career.

The Buffalo State alumna recently received international recognition for her work across the creative industries when she was named Newcomer of the Year at the 2026 Creative Industry Awards, held October 17 in Birmingham, England.

France, a Ghanaian-American actress, DJ, producer, designer and advocate whose work includes film, theater, music, business and community involvement said theaward represents years of growth and opportunities that began during her time at Buffalo State.

"Receiving the Newcomer of the Year award at the 2026 Creative Industry Awards in England is an incredibly meaningful milestone," France said. "The recognition is recent, but the journey behind it has been years in the making, and Buffalo State played an instrumental role in that foundation."

France credits Buffalo State's faculty for not only helping her graduate early, but also for encouraging her to step outside her comfort zone and and explore opportunities outside the classroom, such as a civic and community engagement trip to Croatia with. France said the experience broadened her perspective, gave her her first opportunity to speak on the radio about her experiences as an emerging artist, and connected her with students she remains close to today.

After graduation, France pursued opportunities in Atlanta and Los Angeles, including work with at Warner Brothers in Hollywood, before moving to London. Additional credits includes stage productions such as Eyes See Song, written and directed by Pid'or Tampa, and One Last Drink, by Esther Ndoeka. Both productions explore mental health and health inequities. She also performs internationally as DJ NAT NASTÈ and, in September 2026, made her London Fashion Week DJ debut.

In addition to her work in entertainment, France is the founder of CLEFUÁ, a handmade statement jewelry brand celebrating its fifth anniversary. She also remains committed to youth advocacy and returned to Rochester to deliver a keynote address at the 47th Annual Urban League of Rochester Black Scholars Ceremony.

France said she hopes current Buffalo State students recognize the value of taking advantage of opportunities both inside and outside the classroom.

"Buffalo State opened doors for me that I am still walking through today," France said. "I hope current students will embrace opportunities beyond their immediate ambitions and recognize that the value of an education is not always fully realized at graduation. Sometimes its greatest rewards unfold years later."

Photos courtesy Natalie Efua France.