TikTok revealed its first-ever Visionary Voices Africa list for 2024, honoring 15 visionary African creators, entrepreneurs, and industry innovators who are making an impact and shaping culture. This year’s Visionary Voices Africa honorees include Burnaboy, Uncle Waffles, Elsa Majimbo, Moghelingz, Kayla Kimkay, and Hildabaci, among others.
The Visionary Voices Africa List celebrates 15 outstanding individuals who are leading innovation in their industries, creating viral trends that uplift African music, and reshaping entertainment and cultural representation. The honorees are categorized as creators, small-owned businesses, and industry disruptors. Each category showcases individuals who are reshaping African culture in innovative ways, utilizing TikTok to educate, entertain, and advocate for the African community.
Creators
- Elsa Majimbo is a Kenyan comedian based in the US. She’s known for her viral TikTok skits featuring potato chips and tiny 1990s sunglasses. Elsa has gained international fame and is now a full-time content creator, sharing storytime videos. Celebrities like Beyoncé have shown much admiration for the star.
- Banele Ndaba, known as Moghelingz, is a popular South African TikTok creator. He is famous for his relatable sketches that take a nostalgic journey through African culture. His content includes satirical comedy, fabulousness, and dance, showcasing South African dance moves on the Afronation stage in Portugal.
- Chad Jones is a dynamic content creator from South Africa. He’s is famous for his family dance videos featuring gqom, kwaito, amapiano, and afrobeats styles with step-by-step tutorials.
- Arap Uria (Kenya) – has 1.5 million followers and 5.6 million views. Arap is a sports content creator who entertains and educates about all things sports.
- Iremide is a digital creator from Nigeria known for her unique style and content focused on lifestyle, education, and community. She won the TikTok Top Creator Awards 2023 in the Lifestyle and Education category. Iremide, an aspiring lawyer and law student, also has a flourishing shoe business where she designs sought-after platform shoes.
Industry Disruptors
- 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 song “City Boy” has been used in dance challenges across TikTok.
- Hilda Effiong Bassey, also known as Hilda Baci, is a Nigerian TV producer, actress, presenter, and entrepreneur. She runs My Food by Hilda and Hilda Baci Academy and holds the Guinness World Record for marathon cooking by an individual in 2023.
- Popi Sibiya (South Africa), an African travel vlogger, uses “edutainment” to inspire and challenge perceptions of the continent. She highlights issues in the countries she visits, with her recent trip being to Congo. Popi focuses on creativity and unexpected connections that lead to lasting memories.
- The Joy (South Africa) The group combines traditional Zulu beats with modern acapella vibes, garnering praise for hits like “Egoli” and “Mountain.” Collaborations with The Blessed Madonna and performances at The Great Escape showcase their global appeal. Celebrities who love the group include Doja Cat, Alicia Keys and Jennifer Hudson. Their music is rooted in hope and tradition, offering pure soul medicine for fans worldwide.
- Uncle Waffles is a Swazi-born DJ and record producer based in South Africa. Fans celebrate Waffles for her vibrant stage presence and viral TikTok dance challenges. She has claimed the ‘princess of amapiano’ title and has a massive following on TikTok.
Small-Owned Businesses
- Mwangi Muthoni, (Kenya) creator of Dreadlocks Nairobi, has made his salon Kenya’s top spot for natural dreadlocks. With his style and passion, Mwangi ensures every client leaves looking fabulous. Whether you want a fresh look, dreadlock inspiration, or advice on dreadlock care, Mwangi is your guy!
- Kayla Kim Kay is a TikTok creator and CEO of Afrocurl from South Africa, known for her innovative content and business leadership. She dedicates her time to mentoring and community services. empowerment.
- Blaqboi Victor, from Plateau State, Nigeria, is a talented TikTok creator, actor, and filmmaker. In 2023, he launched his own film production company, creating impactful short films and directing music videos. His work includes writing stories, starring in productions, and bringing joy through light-hearted interactions.
- Bolo Bespoke (Kenya) is a fashion designer from Nairobi, Kenya. Bolo uses TikTok to showcase his unique designs and the vibrant culture of his fashion house, Bespoke City. Having styled many Kenyan celebrities, such as Prince Indah, Bolo has become a TikTok sensation and a prominent figure in the fashion scene.
- Alexa Schempers, (South Africa) is the founder of Rethread, a Cape Town-based fashion label. She’s a self-trained fashion designer with a background in business and marketing. As a TikTok creator, she shares her journey in building a fashion business and her passion for expressive fashion. Through Rethread, she champions sustainability and hosts thrift stores, offering unique, eco-friendly fashion choices.
African creators are igniting the global stage with their unstoppable influence on music, entertainment, fashion, dance, and more captivating audiences worldwide through TikTok. This year’s first-ever Visionary Voices Africa list is a celebration of African voices and next-gen stars who are shifting industries across the diaspora.
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