When we talk about TikTok, we are reminded about Covid-19, the only silver lining to that dark cloud.
We are reminded of legendary sensations like Azziad Nasenya, Ajib Gathoni and other youngins who gained fame through the TikTok wave.
If you're not on this app, then consider yourself uncool because you're basically missing a backstage pass to the coolest party in town.
Imagine missing out on all the duets, challenges, and lip-sync shenanigans.
TikTok is basically the secret language of the hip and happenings and you deserve a front seat.
It's not just an app; it's a one-way ticket to the fun zone. So, if you're not TikToking, or at least keeping yourself up to date with the latest trends, you're not living your best life, or just stuck in the prehistoric era of social media.
In this article; we are going to explore some of the TikTok figures that went viral this year.
Mwalimu Tom Daktari
Andrew Wambua Mboya alias Tom Daktari is a comedian and one of the pioneers of Wamusyi Show, which primarily features Kamba comedians.
He has amarsed over 942,000 followers on TikTok doing his comic skits.
He is a definition of work in progress, and he has in the past openly talked about his journey to fame -how he came from hawking eggs and oranges on the streets to a renowned comedian.
Just like most TikTokers, he went viral during the pandemic alongside Sam Kioko.
Notably, Daktari has honed the skill of cleverly integrating product marketing into his content.
The funny man has become a sought-after figure for various campaigns.
Some of his skits that went viral are;
“Ukipigwa na Iphone unatulia, mwenye Iphone atakutumia akitaka. Hata ukiona anaforce na hajakutumia mpee time pichwa yako itamature. Mpe three good working days picha imature si wewe hauna Iphone. Yeye ako na Iphone…”
Loosely translated as;
"If you are taken a photo with an iPhone, stay calm. The person with an iPhone will send you a message if they want to. Even if you see them posting it and they haven't sent you a message, give it some time; it's not you with an iPhone. They have an iPhone..."
“Mmmh ukivaa vizuri siku isiishe kama hujapiga picha, ukivaa vizuri lazima upige picha unless umerudia nguo. Kama uko na kiatu hatari unawaonyesha tuh. Kiatu hatari na nguo nzuri hazivaliwi siku moja…zinarudiwa. Alafu pia kaa wewe ni mali unazoom tuh, kama uko na ndevu unazoom tuh na usizoom sana utaharibu…..”
"Hmm, when you dress well, the day shouldn't end without taking a photo, unless you've repeated the outfit. If you have a killer pair of shoes, you show them off. Killer shoes and nice clothes are not meant for just one day... they are repeated. Also, if you're hot, zoom in; if you have a beard, just zoom in, but don't overdo it, or you'll ruin it..."
In October, 2023, Tom Daktari won the TikTok Influencer of the Year award.
Dennis Ombachi
He is a self-taught chef and former Rugby 7s player. Many know him as the 'Roaming Chef' or DONE!
Recently, Ombachi was awarded the title of the best TikToker in Sub-Saharan Africa at the Top Creators Awards.
The former rugby player who is also a mental health advocate creates content around culinary delights and has amarsed a total of 2.3 million followers on TikTok.
In a previous interview, the self-taught chef openly discussed experiencing depression as a result of his injuries.
"I used to spend a lot of time watching videos of people cooking, especially during my recovery period."
He said that it was through the cooking videos that he found inspiration to venture into creating his own cooking content and thus the 'Roaming Chef' alias was born.
He shared brief videos of him cooking at the balcony during the pandemic and quickly gained popularity.
His distinctive exclamation of 'Done!' at the conclusion of each cooking step adds an entertaining touch to the experience of witnessing him transform ingredients into a whole meal.
Sue Owino
She is the moment. She is giving women sleepless nights while being on every man's wish list.
This woman can cook!
Just like Ombachi, Sue creates cooking content, but she goes an extra mile. Imagine having a tool kit to break an ostrich egg ... nobody can top that!
Sue's kitchen chronicles unfold with the backdrop of Mbosso's 'Shetani' song. As she prepares sumptuous meals for her yet-to-be-revealed husband, the fusion of her culinary artistry and the soulful melody lures her fans in to her videos.
Sue and Ombachi recently had a cooking collabo that had the whole internet in a buzz.
The duo posted a picture from an undisclosed location, sparking speculation that they might be working on a project together.
"When should we drop it?" she teased while tagging Ombachi.
Later, the two shared a video while they prepared chicken and other culinary delights.
Sue was also among creators nominated for the Pulse Influencer Awards 2023, in the food influencer category. However, she did not win the much coveted award as Holy Dave, a fellow cooking content creator bagged it.
The celebrated chef was recently gifted a brand new car from her husband.
Crazy Kennar
Still thriving with a following of 1.1 million on TikTok, Kennar stands as a legendary content creator.
His comedy skits, characterized by their relatability and timelessness, has made him a success in the comedy industry.
The comedian possesses an ability to discuss the economic condition of the nation, criticize the government adeptly, and address societal issues with wit and humor in his skits.
Over time, his content has not only resonated with Kenyan audience but has also gained recognition globally opening an array of opportunity for the 25-year-old lad.
He recently staged a sold out live show dubbed 'Happy Country.'
