Today, in the lead up to Africa Day, we’re announcing our third iteration of “Made by Africa, Loved by the World” — The Rising Stars Edition. This year’s campaign aims to amplify the voices and stories of eight emerging young talents across Africa who are building a global presence, and changing the way the continent and its people are viewed on the international stage.
Representing several creative industries ranging from music, fashion, lifestyle to art, this year’s self-shot vlog-style short stories provide a glimpse into the creators’ world and highlight how being African drives them to push creative boundaries. As part of the celebrations we’ll also be running a dedicated community Reels challenge — #ShareYourAfrica, encouraging the African community on Instagram to celebrate and share with the world what’s uniquely authentic and African to them — whether through dance, music, fashion, food or art.
“We’re thrilled to celebrate Africa Day this year by amplifying the stories of just some of our talented rising stars from across the continent who are shining a spotlight on African culture, music, food, dance, fashion, and so much more in their own voices. Every day, we see young African creatives use Meta technologies, like Instagram and Facebook, to share their stories, express themselves, and bring people together in incredible and inspiring ways. We’re proud that our technologies have a role to play in amplifying these voices and stories, both locally and globally.”
– Kezia Anim-Addo, Communications Director, Sub-Saharan Africa
For Africa Day, we will be hosting a fireside chat on the Meta Africa Facebook Page titled “Fuelling Africa’s Rising Stars” with industry heavyweights including Monde Twala, MTV Africa, musician Octopizzo, and Chido Cleopatra Mpemba, African Union Youth Envoy.
The Rising Stars: Made by Africa, Loved by the World
Available to view on Instagram on each creator’s page and on the Meta Africa Facebook Page, are the stories of:
- Henry Ohanga (Kenya): An award-winning musician, popularly known as Octopizzo, who is using his talents to inspire change in art, music, sports and culture.
- Fhatuwani Mukheli (South Africa): An internationally exhibited visual artist, filmmaker and photographer passionate about healing people through visual arts.
- Jackline Acheampong – Gyakie (Ghana): A singer, songwriter, and performer whose music features catchy melodies and infectious beats. With several performances in Ghana and across the world, she has clinched multiple local and international awards.
- Enioluwa Adeoluwa (Nigeria): A fashion and lifestyle influencer who has carved a niche in the fashion industry, collaborated with international brands, and built a strong community of GenZ fans around the world.
- Njang Mengu Collins (Cameroon): A singer and rapper popularly known as Ko-C, who combines a distinctive fusion of Afropop and hip-hop with his songs successes having led to several international nominations.
- Qhamanande Maswana (South Africa): A visual artist celebrated internationally who effortlessly blends reality with imagination in each portrait, often depicting the beauty and challenges of everyday life in South Africa.
- Fena Gitu (Kenya): A renowned female “Urban Soul” singer, songwriter and producer who has partnered with local and global artists. She has received several recognitions for her phenomenal work in the music industry and continues to be appreciated beyond Kenyan borders.
- Adesokan Emmanuel – Shanks Comics (Nigeria) A social media comic, skit maker, content creator, brand influencer and media personality who believes in the power of storytelling.