Sueh Owino and Wadagliz Dominate TikTok’s Top Viral Trends in Kenya for 2024

For many Kenyans, 2024 has been a year of extremes, marked by significant challenges that earned it the label “annus horribilis.” From political unrest, including maandamano and the “reject and inject” movements, to economic struggles with tax controversies and other upheavals, it has undoubtedly been a difficult year. Adding to the strain, the leadership of a neighboring country appeared to revel in Kenya’s struggles.

Yet, amidst the adversity, some Kenyans have provided much-needed relief, bringing smiles to their fellow citizens through entertaining content on social media. On TikTok, these creators stood out in 2024, producing viral content that offered a brief escape from the harsh realities of life. According to TikTok’s analysis, based on both in-app and third-party insights from January to November, these individuals and groups emerged as the platform’s top trending creators in Kenya:

Ayuni Nyapolo (Mother of Gospel Singer Jabidii)

Ayuni became an internet sensation alongside her son, Jabidii, thanks to their viral gospel collaboration, Miel Matin. The song, which sparked a TikTok challenge, amused Kenyans with Ayuni’s vibrant dance moves and performance. Many TikTok users created their own renditions of the song, which garnered over 2.8 million views across two video versions on YouTube.

Sueh Owino

Famous for her signature “cooking for my husband” videos, Sueh Owino took TikTok by storm in late 2023. Her unique content, showcasing traditional Kenyan recipes, is always accompanied by Mbosso’s song Shetani in the background. With 576,000 TikTok followers and over 15 million likes on her videos, Sueh has become a culinary icon, celebrating Kenya’s rich food heritage.

Claire Wamboi (Shawrey 4 Movie Reviews)

Known as June Claire Dontre, Claire Wamboi has gained a dedicated following for her insightful movie reviews. Her fresh perspectives on the latest films have created a community of film enthusiasts who value her recommendations.

Bite Buddies

A haven for food lovers, Bite Buddies explores Kenya’s vibrant street food scene. Their content highlights hidden culinary gems and celebrates the country’s diverse food culture.

Wadagliz

This rap duo, consisting of Kantel Mdagliz and Manna Zoggo, went viral with their anthem Anguka Nayo. The song became the unofficial soundtrack of Kenya’s Gen Z protests, resonating with Kenyans and gaining international recognition for its unifying message.

Rajvir Soin

Rajvir Soin showcases Kenya’s breathtaking travel destinations on TikTok, taking his followers on scenic journeys that reveal the country’s natural beauty and hidden treasures.

Adam Sebastian Fempe

A Tanzanian travel creator, Fempe has captivated audiences with his public interviews featuring tourists. His content provides a global perspective on Kenya’s tourist hotspots, further promoting the country’s attractions.

Connie Nganga

Connie has carved a niche as a food influencer, uncovering Nairobi’s best and most affordable dining spots. Her content has become a go-to guide for those seeking hidden culinary gems in the city.

Sean Mwaniki

Musician and dancer Sean Mwaniki turned his hit song Magi Magi into a viral TikTok sensation. His energetic performances and catchy tunes have built a strong brand that resonates with his audience.

These creators have used their talents to uplift spirits and foster unity during a challenging year, becoming the faces of TikTok’s most viral trends in Kenya for 2024.

TikTok Releases Report on Its Efforts to Address Content Moderation Challenges in Kenya

In its recent report on Kenya, TikTok has outlined its efforts to address content moderation issues that have sparked debate in the country. Last year, a petition was presented to parliament calling for the ban of TikTok, accusing the platform of failing to filter inappropriate content. In response, TikTok defended its practices during an April appearance before the Parliament’s Public Participation Committee, promising to enhance its content moderation measures.

In September, the committee decided against banning the platform but recommended that TikTok improve its moderation efforts. In its Q2 2024 Community Guidelines Enforcement report, TikTok detailed its ongoing efforts to maintain transparency in its moderation process in Kenya. The report revealed that over 360,000 videos were removed for violating TikTok’s policies, which accounts for 0.3% of all videos uploaded in the country during the quarter. The majority (99.1%) of these videos were taken down proactively before users could report them, with 95% of removals happening within 24 hours.

Additionally, TikTok suspended 60,465 accounts for policy violations, including 57,262 accounts suspected to belong to users under 13, in line with its policy to protect younger audiences from inappropriate content. With its vast user base and daily video uploads, TikTok continues to invest in advanced moderation technologies. In June 2024, it removed over 178 million videos globally, 144 million of which were automatically detected and removed. TikTok’s proactive detection rate stands at 98.2%, driven by AI-powered tools that quickly identify and remove harmful content, often before it can be seen by viewers.

TikTok: The New Soundstage for Rising Stars

In the ever-evolving landscape of music marketing, TikTok has emerged as the undisputed champion. Once a platform known primarily for short-form dance videos, TikTok has rapidly transformed into a powerful tool for musicians to launch their careers and reach global audiences.

Digital distribution

One of the most significant advantages of TikTok is its algorithm. It is designed specifically to promote content that resonates with users. This means that even a small account with a few thousand followers can have their videos go viral, potentially reaching millions of people overnight. This organic reach is a dream come true for musicians, who often struggle to get their music heard on traditional platforms.

Youth focus

Moreover, TikTok’s user base is overwhelmingly young and engaged. This demographic is highly receptive to new music and are more likely to discover and share songs through the platform. Musicians can leverage TikTok to create viral challenges, remixes, and other engaging content. This encourages users to share their creations with their friends and followers.

Furthermore, TikTok has become a hub for music discovery. Users can easily find new artists and songs through the platform’s search function, curated playlists, and personalized recommendations. This has made it easier for musicians to build a loyal fanbase and generate buzz around their music.

However, it’s important to note that success on TikTok requires more than just posting videos. Musicians need to create content that is visually appealing, catchy, and authentic. They also need to engage with their followers by responding to comments and messages. By building a strong community on TikTok, musicians can foster a sense of loyalty and support among their fans.

In conclusion, TikTok has revolutionized the music industry by providing musicians with a powerful platform to reach new audiences and build a fanbase. By understanding the platform’s algorithm and creating engaging content, musicians can leverage TikTok to achieve their career goals and become the next big stars.

“Your life has already been a failure!” Woman tells unmarried women over thirty

A woman has sparked controversy on the TikTok platform by creating videos criticizing women who are not in romantic relationships, especially those over the age of 30.

According to her, any woman who reaches 30 without a stable marriage and financial security is deemed unworthy. She asserted that women over 30 without a husband and financial stability should reflect on themselves and perceive their situation as a significant failure in life.

“If you’re a woman in your 30s without a partner and lacking a good career, a thriving business, or enjoying the pleasures of youth, I’m sorry to say that you’ve failed in life,” she stated.

She further questioned what women in their 20s were doing, a time she believed should have been dedicated to self-improvement, career advancement, and financial stability.

“What were you doing in your 20s? That was the time for personal growth. Why didn’t you invest in yourself, your business, or your career? By your 30s, you should be planning for retirement. It’s time to retire from frivolity and focus on your goals,” she emphasized.

She warned that women who haven’t planned their lives by 30 may face depression and psychological challenges, suggesting that unmarried women of that age might be seen as threats by their married friends.

“If you haven’t sorted yourself out by this age, you’re heading towards stress. Consider this, if you’re 30 and single, your married friends might see you as a threat, thinking you’re after their men,” she concluded.

Facebook remains king of social media in Africa

Facebook remains the most popular social media platform in Africa, despite the growing popularity of TikTok.

A recent Social Media Usage report by GeoPoll reveals that the number of social media users in Africa has steadily increased, with the total now surpassing 384 million. Facebook maintains its dominant position with a staggering 170 million active users, accounting for approximately 44% of Africa’s social media enthusiasts.

TikTok, while gaining ground rapidly, stands as the second most engaging platform with a 60% active user rate, indicating its surging popularity among African youth. Instagram follows closely with a 54% user engagement rate, while Twitter and LinkedIn hold respective active user percentages of 49% and 28%.

The GeoPoll report further delves into the different purposes that drive African users to each social media platform.

Communication, entertainment, news, and updates were identified as key drivers of social media usage on the continent. For instance, 68% of surveyed users turn to social media platforms to discover news and stay updated on current events. In contrast, Facebook serves as a platform for socializing, with 49% of users using it to make new friends and engage in social interactions.

TikTok has carved a niche as an entertainment and learning platform. An impressive 73% of respondents use TikTok primarily for watching and sharing short-form videos, while 72% view it as a source of entertainment. Remarkably, 61% of users turn to TikTok as a learning platform to acquire new skills, underscoring its educational value despite concerns about sexualized content.

Instagram stands out as a trend-following platform, with 61% of users using it to keep up with the latest trends and follow influencers and celebrities. Additionally, 59% of users utilize Instagram as a visual memory vault, uploading photos and moments that matter to them.

Unsurprisingly, Twitter emerged as the go-to platform for staying updated on news and current affairs, with 78% of respondents citing it as their primary use. Additionally, 59% use Twitter to connect with like-minded individuals and engage in thought-provoking discussions and debates.

LinkedIn remains firmly rooted in its professional niche, with 87% of active users turning to the platform for job hunting and career advancement.

The GeoPoll survey also examined the impact of social media on African users.

An overwhelming 80% of respondents admitted to purchasing a product or service advertised on social media, highlighting the pivotal role that social media plays in e-commerce and advertising in Africa. Due to the ease of access provided by mobile phones, Africans spend an average of 3 to 6 hours per day on social media platforms. Interestingly, 61% of those surveyed reported that social media has positively impacted their mental health.

GeoPoll conducted this insightful survey in four African countries—Ghana, Kenya, Nigeria, and South Africa—in August 2023, gathering data from 4,170 participants. The report provides valuable insights into Africa’s evolving social media landscape and its multifaceted influence on the continent’s diverse population.

In conclusion, Facebook remains the most popular social media platform in Africa, but TikTok is gaining ground rapidly. African users turn to different platforms for different purposes, with communication, entertainment, news, and updates being the key drivers of social media usage on the continent.

Social media plays a significant role in e-commerce and advertising in Africa, and it has a positive impact on the mental health of many users.

President Ruto & TikTok CEO Agree To Remove Inappropriate Content

Kenyan President William Ruto and TikTok CEO Shou Zi Chew have agreed to remove all inappropriate and offensive content from the platform. The two leaders met on Thursday, August 24, 2023, and discussed ways to ensure that TikTok is a safe and positive platform for all users.

Ruto said that the government of Kenya has partnered with TikTok to monitor and review content. He stressed that the move is necessary to protect children and other vulnerable users from harmful content.

Chew assured Kenyans that TikTok will establish a Kenyan office that will coordinate operations in the continent. He also promised to employ more Kenyans to work for the platform.

“We are committed to ensuring that TikTok is a safe and positive platform for all users,” Chew said. “We will work closely with the Kenyan government to remove all inappropriate and offensive content.”

The agreement between Kenya and TikTok is a positive step towards making the platform a more safe and positive space for all users. It is also a sign of the growing importance of social media platforms in Africa.

The President’s concerns come amid a petition seeking the ban of the platform over inappropriate and explicit content displayed especially at night.

The petitioner, Ben Ndolo had alleged that the platform was promoting vulgarity, hate speech ], violence and explicit sexual content among young people.

He also fingered the Communications Authority (CA) for not regulating the platform appropriately.

Married Woman Clashes with Husband’s Best Friend Over Cooking For Him

A married woman in Kenya is in a feud with her husband’s best friend after the best friend cooked for her husband even though she knows it is the wife’s duty.

The woman, who has not been named, took to TikTok to vent her frustrations about the situation. She said that her husband had invited the best friend to live with them temporarily because she was having accommodation issues. However, the best friend has taken the invite too far and has become too comfortable, cooking for the husband and acting like she is also married to him.

In the video, the wife can be seen confronting the best friend about the food she cooked. She says that she just came back from the market and was planning to cook for her husband, but the best friend had already beaten her to it.

The best friend defends herself, saying that she cooked the food because she wanted to be helpful. She also says that she is not trying to steal the husband away from the wife.

The wife is not convinced by the best friend’s explanation and tells her that she needs to leave the house. The best friend refuses to leave and tells the wife that she is not going anywhere.

The two women continue to argue and the situation escalates. The wife tries to take the food away from the best friend, but the best friend grabs it back and says that she cooked it for her “baby.”

The husband is not home at the time of the incident, but he is likely to be aware of it by now. It is unclear how he will react to the situation, but it is clear that the wife and the best friend are not on good terms.

The incident is a reminder of the importance of boundaries in relationships. It is also a reminder that even the best of friends can sometimes cross the line.

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Kenya is the world’s top TikTok user for news

A new report from the Reuters Institute Digital News Reports 2023 shows that Kenya is the world’s top TikTok user for news.

The report found that 54% of Kenyans use TikTok for any purpose, and 29% use it for news. This is significantly higher than the global average of 10%.

Other countries with high rates of TikTok news use include Thailand (30%), South Africa (22%), and Peru (30%).

The report suggests that TikTok is gaining ground in the distribution of news, particularly among younger audiences. This is likely due to the platform’s short-form videos, which are well-suited for sharing news stories.

The report also found that users of TikTok, Instagram, and Snapchat tend to pay more attention to celebrities and social media influencers than media companies when it comes to news topics. This is in contrast to legacy social networks such as Facebook and Twitter, where news organizations still attract the most attention and lead conversations.

In terms of growth, TikTok remains the fastest-growing social network, with 44% of users using it. The platform is popular with 18-24 year olds, and is heavily used in parts of Asia, Latin America, and Africa.

The report also found that audiences continue to selectively avoid important stories, such as the cost of living, as they cut back on depressing news and seek to protect their mental health.

Key takeaways:

  • Kenya is the world’s top TikTok user for news.
  • TikTok is gaining ground in the distribution of news, particularly among younger audiences.
  • Users of TikTok, Instagram, and Snapchat tend to pay more attention to celebrities and social media influencers than media companies when it comes to news topics.
  • TikTok remains the fastest-growing social network, and is popular with 18-24 year olds.
  • Audiences continue to selectively avoid important stories, such as the cost of living.