TikTok has become one of the world’s favorite platforms to share videos that make everyone laugh, dance or connect with a new community. Although there are a number of international stars on the app showing off their skills for the world to see, African creators are often in a league of their own. They start worldwide trends, share their unique sense of humor, and spotlight their unique African cultures.
Here are five famous African TikTokers that should be on every viewer’s radar.
Khaby Lame @khaby.lame
@khaby.lame A tribute for you👉🏿 #chadwickboseman ❤️🙏🏿 #learnfromkhaby #learnontiktok @TikTok @tiktok creators ♬ suono originale - Khabane lame
One of the most recognizable names on the entire platform, Khabane "Khaby" Lame, an EBONY 2022 Power 100 awardee, has seen his share of the spotlight after his quick rise to fame. The Senegalese-Italian comedian made a name for himself during the Covid-19 quarantine by silently reacting to other TikToks with his signature unimpressed expression. Lame has continued to attend big red-carpet events as he posts videos to his page, which happens to be the most followed account on the site with 154 million followers and 2.4 billion likes
Beverly Adaeze @beverlyadaeze
@beverlyadaeze I see this every time someone gets their hair braided in Africa. This was also the same for me in Colombia. The lady I went to was actually expensive according to the Colombians I spoke to. She mainly catered to foreigners because most Colombians weren’t willing to pay. However, she was affordable for the average American. #braids #hair #southafrica ♬ original sound - Beverly adaeze
TikTok isn’t just for new trend-setting dance crazes. Nigerian comedian Beverly Adaeze brings laughs to her international audience as she pokes fun at her African upbringing on the platform. Mixing in with the occasional beauty tutorial, her over 500,000 follower account is one to keep an eye on.
Siphesihle Ndaba @ceecee_ndaba
@ceecee_ndaba It’s a chicken salad 🥗💁🏾♀️ And it actually is my favourite. ❤️
♬ original sound - Liliana , RN ❤️
Siphesihle Ndaba knows how to put herself and her work out there, and her TikTok is the perfect place to keep up with the talented 23 year old. In addition to her vlog-style comedic TikToks, she is an established theater actress, writer and voice actress. Boasting over 600,000 followers on the platform, Ndaba is a shining example of Black excellence that should be on everyone’s radar.
Uyi Omorogbe @youngyosa
@youngyosa #ad Pleasing my African Parents Part 1: I have my own sandwich @dennys ! #Dennys ♬ original sound - Uyi
Nigerian-American comedian Uyi Omorogbe braves the danger of “pissing off my African parents” to bring his audience laughs. An avid uploader to his 3.9 million follower account, the comedian balances managing his African-inspired clothing brand NASO while watching his videos go viral with his family standing by him.
Bontle Modiselle @bontle_ba_afrika
@bontle_ba_afrika Chipi e tlile ka moshekesheke Dc: @Figo @babu ♬ HarrisDontcare x Tranquillo . Sasolway - MFANA WADI METER
Dancers on TikTok have dominated the conversation and everyone’s “for you” page since the app’s launch. South African dancer and studio owner Bontle Modiselle brings her own rhythm and sense of style to her 1.3 million followers. Her account is just a glimpse into the multi-talented choreographer’s life and passion. She's also tried her hand at modeling, acting and singing.
