Africa is bursting with talent and all eyes are on the continent and in celebration, TikTok is shining a spotlight on 15 game-changers setting the digital world ablaze.
The Visionary Voices List for Africa recognises individuals at the forefront of industry-shifting innovation, viral trends elevating African music, transforming entertainment spaces, and cultural representation.
Among the luminaries stands South African vocal powerhouse The Joy, whose electrifying fusion of ancestral Zulu rhythms and contemporary harmonies has become a global sensation.
"We're thrilled to be recognised by TikTok alongside so many inspiring African creators. This platform has been invaluable in sharing our music globally,” said a spokesperson for The Joy.
The Joy, through TikTok, has pushed the needle beyond the semantics of being entertaining – they're educating, advocating, and painting a vivid picture of Africa's boundless potential.
Fresh from stealing the show at Coachella alongside pop icon Doja Cat, The Joy continues to ride a tidal wave of success. Their self-titled debut album, released in June has garnered critical acclaim.
The Visionary Voices Africa List highlights the significant impact these honourees have 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 has acknowledged; Kenyan born comedian Elsa Majimbo, Banele Ndaba, known as influencer Moghelingz, content creator Chad Jones, Kenyan sports content creator Arap Uria and Nigerian digital creator Iremide.
The Industry Disruptors category has recognised; Nigerian Grammy Award-winning artist Burna Boy, Nigerian TV producer, actress, presenter, and entrepreneur Hilda Effiong Bassey, popularly known as Hilda Baci, South Africa’s go-to African travel vlogger Popi Sibiya, The Joy and Swazi-born DJ and record producer Uncle Waffles.
The Small-Owned Businesses category has honoured entrepreneurs; Mwangi Muthoni from Kenya, the genius behind Dreadlocks Nairobi, creator, entrepreneur and influential business leader Kayla Kim Kay from South Africa, TikTok creator, actor and filmmaker Blaqboi Victor, from Plateau State, Nigeria, Bolo Bespoke, a fashion designer from Nairobi, Kenya, and Alexa Schempers, the founder and creative director of the Cape Town-based fashion label Rethread.
IOL Entertainment