Short-form video content platform, TikTok has announced its inaugural Visionary Voices List for Africa. This prestigious list recognizes 15 exceptional individuals at the forefront of industry-shifting innovation, viral trends elevating African music, transforming entertainment spaces, and cultural representation.
The Visionary Voices Africa List highlights these honourees’ significant impact on media, entertainment, and cultural representation across the continent. They are celebrated in three categories: Creators, Small-Owned Businesses, and Industry Disruptors.
The Creators category acknowledges those who have captivated audiences with their engaging and dynamic content. From comedians and sports enthusiasts to dancers, these creators are expanding the possibilities of what can be achieved on the platform.
In the Small-Owned Businesses category, TikTok honours entrepreneurs who use the platform to showcase their unique products and services. These businesses are revolutionizing their industries and demonstrating that vision, creativity, and success are intertwined.
The Industry Disruptors category recognizes individuals who are challenging conventional industries with innovative perspectives. These pioneers are reshaping their fields and driving positive change through a hunger for success, placing Africa on the global map.
“The Visionary Voices List Africa celebrates the extraordinary talent and innovative spirit of the African community. These 15 individuals have made a profound impact on and off the platform. Their dedication to cultural representation and innovation is truly inspiring.”
Meet the Africa 2024 Visionary Voices, in no particular order.
Creators
@elsa.majimbo (Kenya) – Elsa Majimbo is a comedian from Kenya now residing in the US, who shot to international fame in 2020 with her viral skits. She stands out with her satirical monologues, where she features potato chips, a laid-back mood, and tiny 1990s sunglasses. Elsa’s hilarious style has skyrocketed her to international fame, with her now working as a full-time content creator sharing entertaining story time videos and a fashionista adored by stars like Beyoncé.
@moghelingz (South Africa) – Banele Ndaba, known as Moghelingz, is known for relatable TikTok sketches that see his take on a nostalgic journey through African culture. His account is all about engaging, educating, and entertaining his audience with satirical comedy, fabulousness, and dance, and he recently put South African dance moves on the Afronation stage in Portugal.
@arapuria (Kenya) – Arap Uria, with 1.5 million followers and 5.6 million views, is a sports content creator who combines a love for sports with creativity to entertain and educate. He’s your go-to influencer and content creator for all things sports.
@__iremide (Nigeria)– Iremide is a digital creator with a unique style that focuses on lifestyle, education, and community content. Winner of the TikTok Top Creator Awards 2023 in the Lifestyle and Education Category, she wields significant influence and embraces the diversity of African culture in her content.
Industry Disruptors
@burnaboyofficial (Nigeria) – Burna Boy, born Damini Ebunoluwa Ogulu, is a Nigerian Grammy Award-winning artist based in the US known for his Afrobeat, dancehall, reggae, and pop hits. His music resonates deeply with themes of social consciousness and African pride, contributing to his global acclaim. His song City Boy has been used in dance challenges across TikTok.
@hildabaci (Nigeria)– Hilda Effiong Bassey, popularly known as Hilda Baci, is a powerhouse! Her titles include TV producer, actress, presenter, and entrepreneur, running My Food by Hilda and Hilda Baci Academy. Hilda’s passion for cooking connecting with communities and cinematography shines through her TikTok and social media videos. Plus, she holds the Guinness World Record for marathon cooking by an individual in 2023.
About TikTok’sVisionary Voices Africa
The Visionary Voices Africa List showcases the extraordinary accomplishments of these individuals and emphasizes TikTok’s role in driving creativity and innovation throughout the continent.
As these honourees continue to excel in their fields, their influence is set to inspire the next generation of creators, entrepreneurs, and trailblazers, pushing the boundaries of media and cultural development across Africa.
