It is nearly impossible to ignore the impact TikTok has had in Africa. Everywhere you turn, there is a TikTok trend permeating. With a significant 60% active user rate in Africa, one can say, the app has woven itself into the fabric of the average African’s digital experience.
More significantly, TikTok has ignited a new era of creativity, inspiring a new generation of innovators and trendsetters. Central to its ethos, TikTok does not relent on celebrating these creative journeys. The platform introduced initiatives like the Creator Reward Program , Creator Fund, and Creator Awards , proving its commitment to nurturing talent.
Three years ago, TikTok introduced the Visionary Voices Initiative, spotlighting exceptional creators across diverse communities. After successful launches for Black , Indigenous , and Latinx creators , the platform’s announcement of the 2024 Africa Visionary Voices, seems like a natural evolution. A first of its kind, TikTok Africa’s visionary voices list consists of different honorees who are using their inventiveness in the industry to shift creativity while celebrating, praising, and promoting Africa.
According to TikTok, these honorees showcase the spirit of African creation through their work. These individuals are not just creators. They are pioneers, shaping Africa’s digital landscape, inspiring millions, and using TikTok to redefine what’s possible in entertainment, beauty, education, health, fashion, food, music, and more.
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What is a creative without a TikTok account? ♬ original sound – Elsa Majimbo In 2020, whenever an Elsa Majimbo video popped up on people’s screens, it sparked a sense of familiarity. Not because they had seen the video before—though they most likely had—but because everything she said mirrored the thoughts in their heads. Elsa Majimbo is a creator whose journey to fame began with simple, yet hilariously candid videos of herself eating potato chips in bed, dishing out witty commentary on life’s absurdities.
From midnight snack confessions to wild party antics, the Kenyan born painted a picture of everyday life that felt refreshingly honest. Her chaotic energy, coupled with her unapologetic self, resonated deeply with a generation. This propelled her to the forefront of Kenya’s content creation scene.
In 2023, Majimbo relocated to Los Angeles. But that has not stopped her from creating content. These days the 23-year-old can be seen branching out into fashion content and using TikTok to inspire her audience.
As Elsa continues to evolve and expand her influence, one thing remains clear: her unapologetic energy is here to stay, and we can’t wait to see where it takes her next. This song has been on repeat @Lindough 🔁✊🏼😎 #uJonesFam #dance #oksalayochallenge #family #familydance #tiktoksa #fyp #fy #trending #GoodVibes #Weekend #oksalayo ♬ Okusalayo – Lindough In one of his most liked TikTok videos, Chad Jones takes the spotlight alongside his parents, dancing to a lively amapiano track in their living room. The camera captures the joy and spontaneity as Chad leads his mom and dad through a series of energetic moves, seamlessly blending modern dance styles with a touch of that classic kwaito flair.
The family’s chemistry is palpable, their smiles contagious, and the rhythm, infectious. Chad’s dad, with his confident two-step, and his mom, with her graceful sway, match their son’s enthusiasm, creating a heartwarming and delightful scene that resonates with viewers worldwide. Chad Jones is a South African dancer who became famous for videos like these.
Yet, despite his clear-cut love for dance, Chad’s journey started with a different type of beat. He was a tech-savvy kid who pursued a Bachelor of Science degree in Computing Science and Applied Mathematics and eventually, a career in software engineering. That is until 2020 when Chad stumbled upon the TikTok app and began sharing his dance videos.
In his videos, Jones would effortlessly combine traditional South African dance styles with modern steps. These quickly became a hit on TikTok. And so did his energetic tutorials.
Today, he has over 4.4 million dedicated followers on TikToK who eagerly wait for his next video. Whether he’s experimenting with the latest dance trends or reviving nostalgic rhythms, Chad’s content has become a celebration of music, culture, and the endearing bond of family.
“Captain Fantastic “-Kalidou Koulibaly winner goal vs Ecuador 🔥🔥😂😂 Let’s see who can do best this commentary challenge😀😀 #SoundsOfTheWorldCup #arapuriacomedy #duet @SuperSportTV ♬ Sounds Of The World Cup Koulibaly vs Ecuador 2022 – SuperSportTV Football fans are no strangers to heartbreak, but sometimes the best medicine for a tough loss is a good laugh. This must have been the thoughts of Kenyan comedian Meshack Kiprop, popularly known as Arap Uria, who became an internet sensation for his hilarious impersonations of renowned sports commentator Peter Drury. “I love Peter Drury, I love football,” Arap once said in a Premier League Productions interview.
Uria, whose first stint with content creation was in political satire, started making sports comedy videos to engage in a more universally loved and neutral subject. Uria has managed to craft a niche that perfectly balances the highs and lows of football fandom, with a good laugh. His signature look—an old brown blazer and oversized mugs hanging from his ears—adds a quirky charm to his performances, making each video instantly recognizable and delightfully absurd.
His dedication and unique approach culminated in a dream-come-true moment when he met Peter Drury himself, in 2022 . Today, the sports creator has a dedicated following of over 1.5 million on TikTok.
when you have to explain how you were dumped. #satafrika #tiktoksa #comedy ♬ original sound – Moghelingz Back in 2018, the name Banele Ndaba would have probably seemed alien to many. But fast forward a few years, and his name is synonymous with relatable and nostalgic TikTok sketches.
Banele’s journey into content creation began with dance and singing videos on social media. But it wasn’t until 2020, during the lockdown, that he truly found his calling in creating comedy sketches. This got him attention, globally.
One of the defining aspects of Banele’s work is his use of various personas, including the character Moghelingz, which has become a fan favorite. To improve his family’s situation, Banele left his small hometown of Standerton in Mpumalanga and moved to the bustling city of Johannesburg. Since then, he has gone on to create more videos for those seeking humor and cultural commentary.
In 2022, he was awarded Content Creator of the Year at the Clout Africa Awards. This year, he gets to add another significant recognition with a spot on The Visionary Voices Africa List. PLEASE 😩BLOW THIS UP ! 🗺 AFRICA TO THE WORLD 🌎 .
#viral #fypシ #tiktokafrica #teamtennie #midemakinde #highchallenge ♬ Waka Waka (This Time for Africa) – Shakira Dressed in vibrant Kente, her hair adorned with a beautiful teal headwrap, and her neck, with intricate beads, Iremide commands attention in a TikTok video that sits gracefully on her page. As she gracefully transitions through various African cultural attires, from the elegant Kente to the bold Maasai , she becomes a living, breathing canvas of the continent’s rich heritage. The video, which over 15 mlion plays on TikTok, is a captivating visual journey that not only shows Iremide’s style but ignites a broader conversation about the diversity and beauty of African culture.
Creators like Iremide are at the forefront of redefining Africa’s narrative in the media. She creates content that serves as a bridge, fostering understanding and appreciation for Africa’s diverse heritage on a global scale. This visually stunning content, combined with relatable lifestyle content, has earned her a devoted fan base of over 1.
2 million on TikTok. In 2023, her content earned her the TikTok Top Creator Award in the Lifestyle and Education Category. Beyond content, the young Nigerian is a student of the Nigerian Law school and owns a flourishing shoe business specializing in stylish platform shoes.
Lawyer by noon, entrepreneur by evening, and creator by night, Iremide is a digital powerhouse redefining the definition of success. City Boy 🤫 #burnaboy #cityboy #hiphop ♬ City Boy – Burna Boy 2019 was not just the year before the pandemic, it was the year the world truly got introduced to Burna Boy. Born in 1991, Damini Ogulu, popularly known by his stage name, Burna Boy is a Nigerian singer, songwriter, and record producer.
His unique fusion of Afrobeat, reggae, dancehall, and hip-hop creates a unique sound that has resonated with audiences worldwide. As a musician, his early influences were legendary Nigerian musicians like Fela Kuti and his mother, Bose Ogulu, who was a dancer in the Fela Kuti troupe. Although Burna Boy’s name made its way into many Nigerian homes with the hit single “Like to Party” released in 2012, it was his breakout album, “African Giant,” that catapulted him to international stardom.
The album showcased Burna Boy’s versatility as an artist, blending infectious rhythms with thought-provoking lyrics. Tracks like “Ye,” “On The Low,” and “Killin’ Dem” became anthems, resonating with audiences across continents. His subsequent albums, “Twice as Tall” and “Love, Damini,” were no less of a banger.
Today, his songs, with their catchy hooks and powerful messages, have found a prominent place on TikTok, becoming top sounds and further spreading his influence globally. Today marks a milestone of gratitude as I reflect on my incredible journey of the Hilda Baci Cookathon. How does one express gratitude to the world? I can only try, even though I say thank you a million times, it will never be enough! With every fiber of my being,I extend my deepest gratitude to every soul who supported me and graced my journey.
From the whispers of encouragement to the thunderous applause, From the digital waves of support to the tangible embrace of friendship— For every performance,every call,every post,every donation— Your presence, your essence, your love made this an unforgettable journey. To my friends, my team,my family, The Presidency, The Ministries, State Governments, The media, our international friends/community,Brands,Various organizations, every single soul and voice who lent their light to my journey, you’ve illuminated my path beyond measure and I am eternally grateful. With heartfelt sincerity, I thank you from the depths of my being for gracing my world with your infinite love and unwavering support.
I hope in this past year, I have continued to make you all proud. I will always remember and cherish your support and I will always put Nigeria 🇳🇬 first! THANK YOU! Love, Hilda Baci #hildabacicookathon ♬ original sound – Hilda Baci May 15th, 2023 might seem like an ordinary date, but it’s etched in the minds of millions as the day Hilda Baci broke the internet. Hilda Baci is a Nigerian chef and restaurant owner, whose journey to culinary fame began with a single, ambitious goal: to set a new world record for the longest cooking marathon.
And she did just that. For days on end, Hilda prepared an array of dishes, pushing the limits of what was thought possible in the kitchen. Her marathon involved crafting everything from intricate gourmet meals to hearty home-cooked dishes, showcasing her versatility and creativity as a chef.
Yet, it was not just a display of culinary skill but a testament to her extraordinary stamina and dedication. Before the cooking marathon that broke the internet, Baci was well-known on TikTok for her creative recipe videos. Today the chef has 1.
4 million followers and garners as much as 20.1 million likes. She also used her influence to train thousands of chefs who applied for her cooking classes.
Hilda’s record as the chef with the longest cooking time may have come to an end but her record as one of Africa’s visionary voices still has a long way to go. Popi Sibiya Life at the camps: Internally Displaced People of Congo. Please donate to @Focus Congo – link in their bio ✨ #thepopishow ♬ original sound – The Popi Show | Travel 📺 🌍 In 2017, travel vlogger Popi Sibiya took her first solo road trip and hasn’t looked back ever since.
It all started when she bought a car, and her colleague advised her to drive anywhere she wanted to. She decided to take her first official trip to Pilanesberg National Park in North West, South Africa. Since then, Sibiya, who is a former kindergarten teacher, has spent much of the last few years uncovering hidden gems across Africa.
Last year, Sibiya found herself cruising the canals of Ganvié, a village on stilts in the middle of a lake in Benin. As she sat in the back of a wooden canoe, she pulled out her smartphone and began broadcasting the experience to her followers. This fearless approach to exploring new places is what makes her a prominent figure in the travel community.
Beyond vlogging, Sibiya is a storyteller at heart. Hence, she is always keen to raise awareness about issues happening in the countries she visits. When asked about the impact she aims to have, Sibiya said, I want to show people that Africa is safe and worthy of being on their bucket lists because our continent is a destination.
I want to open Africa to the world, and tell a different narrative. It’s safe and worth spending money on.” Sibiya has a dedicated group of explorers who eagerly anticipate her next adventure.
It’s been so hard to keep this a secret !! Tonight we performed with the amazing @dojacat on @coachella ‘s main stage in front of 100 000 people ! Thank you Amala, or rather Zandile Thank you to the incredible team that made this moment happen. You made us feel very welcome! And thank you to everyone who reached out after watching the stream from all around the world ♬ original sound – thejoyofficialmusic Just like their group name, the Joy is known for bringing joy to a lot of hearts with their harmonious sound. Hailing from the small town of Hammarsdale, South Africa, The Joy is an a cappella group made up of five members- Pastor (Ntokozo Bright Magcaba), Duzie (Melokuhle Mkhungo), Guduza (Sphelele Hlophe), Sthombe (Phelelani Sithole) and Marcus (Sanele Ngcobo).
Formed in 2018, the group’s extraordinary vocal harmonies and infectious energy have garnered them a massive global following on TikTok. Their ability to seamlessly blend voices and create intricate vocal arrangements is nothing short of astonishing. Their sounds have become a hit on TikTok.
A defining moment in the group’s career happened when the high-profile collaborations with global superstar Doja Cat. Being featured on tracks like “Shutcho” and “Disrespectful” propelled them into the mainstream spotlight. This collaboration had them sharing a stage with the pop icon at Coachella 2024, solidifying their status as a force to be reckoned with in the music industry.
Mhhh. ♬ Wadibusa (feat. OHP Sage, Pcee, & Djy Biza) – Uncle Waffles & Royal MusiQ Someone once made a joke about mistaking Swaziland for Switzerland.
Well, Uncle Waffles, is making sure no one ever makes that mistake ever again. Although currently based in South Africa, Uncle Waffles is a Swazi-born DJ and record producer whose rapid ascension to stardom began in 2021 when a video of her performing at a Soweto nightclub went viral. Since then, she has become a global sensation, performing at major festivals and collaborating with renowned artists.
Over the years, Uncle Waffles’ artistic evolution is evident in her discography. Her early work, characterised by high-energy tracks like “Tanzania,” showcased her ability to create infectious dance anthems. With projects like “SOLACE,” she introduced a more introspective and soulful side to her music, demonstrating her ability to evolve and challenge the boundaries of the genre.
In the last few years, Uncle Waffles’ dedication to her craft and her unwavering belief in the power of collaboration has solidified her position as a leading figure in the Amapiano scene. With her undeniable talent and infectious charisma, there’s no wonder why every time Uncle Waffles drops a beat, her over 1 million TikTok followers are not afraid to get it down. .
..small Business, big impact.
Our dreadlocks student graduated and now taking appointments. Enroll with us today for a 20% discount ♬ Streets. – Derek.
Xtian The first time Mwangi Muthoni faced job rejection was because of his dreadlocks, despite holding a Diploma in Information Technology and being well-suited for the job. Undeterred, he turned to entrepreneurship and established the Nairobi Dreadlocks and Beauty Salon in 2014. Starting small at Midtown Business Centre, he quickly attracted a loyal clientele and expanded to a larger space at the Kenya Cinema Building.
But things really the the took a turn in 2021, when Muthoni embraced TikTok. He started creating videos about dreadlocks and answering all the questions the people had. Today, his videos feature a variety of styles, from traditional dreadlocks to more intricate and modern designs.
He often demonstrates different styling techniques, provides tips on proper hair care and maintenance, and shares insights on the cultural significance of dreadlocks. He also includes tutorials on how to start and manage dreadlocks, advice on dealing with common issues like dryness or frizz, and showcases of client transformations. With over 50,000 followers, TikTok has become an interesting marketplace for this entrepreneur.
Day in the life of Kaylakimkay #kaylakimkay #afrocurl #kaylakimkayvlogs ♬ original sound – kaylakimkay If you’re an avid TikTok user, you’ve probably come across a video of a vibrant woman with blond Afro and a radiant smile, dressed head-to-toe in all pink. That woman is Kayla Kim Kay, a popular South African TikTok creator, and entrepreneur who effortlessly blends her love for food, fashion, and haircare. And it all started with a pandemic.
In 2020, while the world was under lock and key, Kayla started creating content on TikTok. The natural hair enthusiast would share beauty tips, daily life snippets, and natural hair care routines, promoting self-acceptance and challenging beauty stereotypes. Her videos quickly resonated with African women globally.
Although she had a background in fashion design and a stint as a personal shopper, she decided to launch Afrocurl, a hair care brand dedicated to the Afro. To Kayla, the Afrocurl brand isn’t just a business. It is a mission to advocate for representation and inclusion in the beauty industry.
“I’m the representation I lacked growing up,” she once shared in an interview . With over 2.5 million followers on TikTok alone, Afrocurl has become a beacon of hope, offering high-quality, natural haircare products that celebrate the African woman’s pride that is her ‘fro.
A story of me, a water gun, a boy with autism and miles between us. #blaqboiconcepts #autismawareness ♬ original sound – Blaqboi Victor Two years ago, Ventures Africa , mused that there were only two truly talented individuals to have ever emerged from reality TV. This year, we would like to add Victor Panwal, popularly known as Blaqboi, to that exclusive list.
Originally from Plateau State, Nigeria, Blaqboi gained mainstream attention for his time in the Big Brother Titans house in 2023. His cool, calm, and level-headed demeanor, combined with his charm and street smarts, quickly made him a fan favorite. But this was star more than just a reality TV star.
Panwal is a visual content creator, fashion model, actor, gamer, and filmmaker. He started his career posting TikTok videos, from light-hearted interactions to more serious, impactful storytelling. His love for storytelling took a significant leap in 2023 when he launched his own film production company, producing short films that embrace his innovative approach to storytelling.
With his charm, humor, and undeniable talent, Victor Panwal is redefining what it means to be a reality TV star and his 1.4 million followers are here for it. Amazing Thrift store in Johannesburg – come thrift with me ♻️🛒 #thrift #vinatage #thriftwithme #sustainablefashion #refashion #sourcing ♬ As It Was – Harry Styles When you think of someone who breaks the mold in fashion, Alexa Schempers comes to mind.
With a background in business and marketing, Schempers is a self-trained designer who uses TikTok to share her journey and passion for expressive fashion. She is the founder of Rethread, a Cape Town-based label, that stands out for its unique and eco-friendly choices. This isn’t the stereotypical, subdued sustainability we’re used to seeing; It is vibrant, captivating, and utterly genuine.
Some of her TikTok videos have her explaining why the price tag of sustainable fashion differs from fast fashion and where she sources her vintage pieces. Her label has become a cult favourite globally, even catching the attention of international celebrities like Julia Fox. With over 45.
9k followers on TikTok, Schempers, Original has successfully built a community that challenges the norms and proves sustainability is stylish. From the infectious energy of Elsa Majimbo to the heart-warming moments captured by Chad Jones, these visionaries are more than just content creators; they are cultural icons. Their stories are a testament to the power of human connection, the magic of storytelling, and the limitless potential of the digital age.
As TikTok continues to evolve, these visionaries will undoubtedly leave an enduring legacy. It’s clear that the future of African creativity is bright, and TikTok is the stage where it’s being written..
