What if the next global voices shaping culture didn’t come from Hollywood or London but from Lagos, Nairobi and Cape Town? In 2026, African content creators are no longer just participating in global digital culture; they are actively shaping it.
On Thursday, TikTok recognised five creators from Sub-Saharan Africa on its annual global Discover List 2026 — a curated spotlight of 50 creators shaping culture across industries and borders. Their inclusion marks a defining moment for the continent’s growing footprint in the global creator economy.
According to the list, the African honourees include Olawale Ogunlana, a Nigerian medical doctor and founder of HealthKraft Africa, known for transforming complex medical conditions into clear and engaging videos and Wayne Chang, a South African food content creator bringing bold culinary storytelling to global audiences.
The rest are Trevor Were, a Kenyan food creator celebrated for his vibrant kitchen creativity; Cherie Kihato, a creative Kenyan entrepreneur and founder of Savannah Space; and Tamia Nontsikelelo, a young South African entrepreneur who fuses storytelling and marketing to build impactful digital narratives.
Spanning health, food, creative enterprise and digital business, their recognition reflects a broader shift that African creators are not just gaining visibility; they are shaping conversations, building brands and turning online influence into sustainable global impact.
Here are the five African content creators on TikTok’s 2026 Discover List:
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Olawale Ogunlana (Lagos, Nigeria)
Dr Olawale Ogunlana (Dr Wales) is a medical doctor dedicated to fighting health misinformation. He combines clinical expertise with engaging pop-culture storytelling, making complex medical concepts accessible to millions across the continent.
Through initiatives such as HealthKraft Africa and the 100KClub Foundation, he is redefining health communication for over 1 billion Africans, advocating for the elimination of health poverty and the welfare of frontline healthcare workers.
“To be recognised as an Educator is a profound validation not just of my work, but of the critical importance of health conversations on TikTok. For a long time, health was seen as a topic for clinics and classrooms, but this nomination proves that it belongs on the For You page, sparking curiosity and changing lives. Millions of Africans are becoming more learned, empowered, and capable of making better health decisions because of the content we create,” he said.
Wayne Chang (Cape Town, South Africa)
Wayne Chang is a foodie from Cape Town, South Africa, who is driven to share his experiences cooking and learning new recipes via TikTok.
He is often celebrated for his vibrant culinary content that blends diverse Asian cuisines with locally sourced South African ingredients. Wayne crafts flavour-packed recipes that showcase a distinctive fusion of cultures.
“Being nominated for the Discover List as a Foodie means that people can find even more ways to scratch their own foodie itch. I hope to make more content so we’re all able to share in this experience,” he said.
Trevor Were (Nairobi, Kenya)
Trevor Were is a creator from Nairobi, Kenya, who brings raw ingredients to life through his videos on TikTok.
Combining artistry and cinematography, this self-taught chef uses his platform to tell a story through his cuisine, and his community loves following his elegant, easy-to-follow, and delicious recipes.
“It’s an honour to be nominated as a Foodie on The Discover List. I didn’t expect to have this much recognition, but it sure is a privilege and a blessing, too. It has created room for recognition and brand opportunities. I never thought I’d have a chance to work with them,” he said.
Cherie Kihato (Nairobi, Kenya)
Cherie is a creative entrepreneur and founder of Savannah Space, a Kenyan design studio and showroom showcasing heritage through furniture, art, and interiors.
Her platform inspires a global audience of design lovers, makers, and aspiring creatives by documenting her journey and sharing tools that make creative business work possible. She also shares lifestyle and fashion content with a focus on African artistry.
“It means that my message that Africans and African brands should be highlighted and respected is being noticed. This is such an honour, as it’s so important for us as Africans to showcase what incredible things are coming out of our continent. Being nominated as an Originator proves to me that the risk I took in sharing my journey of building an African brand is resonating with so many people,” she said.
Tamia Nontsikelelo (Johannesburg, South Africa)
Tamia Nontsikelelo is a creator from South Africa who uses storytelling and marketing on TikTok to create powerful, engaged communities. Through these skills, she has grown a loyal audience around her modest fashion brand, Tol’thema, leading to exponential growth in a short span of time.
She now uses her platform to share her entrepreneurship journey, insights, and practical lessons with other creators and entrepreneurs.
“Being nominated as an Originator on the Discover List is a powerful affirmation of the work I’ve done to build more than just a business on TikTok. It represents the impact of creating products, stories, and conversations that resonate deeply with people and turn viewers into a genuine community. TikTok has completely transformed my life and career. It quite literally blew up my small business and became the single most effective marketing tool I have ever used,” she said.
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