Across Africa, a new generation of online creators is transforming how young people consume news. In South Africa, Amahle-Imvelo Jaxa gained more than 100,000 followers after posting a viral video about tensions involving South African peacekeepers in the Democratic Republic of the Congo. Similar trends are emerging in Kenya and Nigeria, where creators such as Valerie Keter and Bello “Dan Bello” Galadanchi attract millions of viewers with accessible storytelling, satire, and historical analysis. While these influencers often rely on traditional media for facts, their ability to “translate” news and bypass heavy-handed government regulation has earned them millions of followers and real-world impact. This trend has led younger Africans to increasingly trust digital personalities over traditional broadcasters, reflecting changing media habits and the growing influence of social-first journalism.
The Guardian
