This year’s theme, “Where Culture Meets Connection,” reinforces Facebook as the leading space for conversations around cultural moments globally, bringing together internationally recognised African creatives from diverse disciplines, uniting to create a powerful celebration of African creativity, culture and global influence.

The three short cinematic films, premiering on the Meta Africa page, take viewers on a journey through the groundbreaking work, personal stories, and cultural influences of six of Africa’s most dynamic creative talents. 

Through powerful storytelling, the campaign unites diverse art forms of film, animation, dance, music and photography, into a single narrative of creativity and collaboration.

Meet the creators behind the campaign

Featuring some of the continent’s most popular and loved creatives from Nigeria, Kenya, Ghana and South Africa, the films explore themes of identity, creativity, and connection across the continent, celebrating not only their artistry, but their widespread influence and cultural resonance. 

Ladipoe (Rapper) x Fat Boy Animations (Animation)

• Ladipoe (Nigeria): A BET award nominee, he is a Nigerian rapper known for fusing global hip-hop sounds with African rhythms, he is a leader of Nigeria’s hip-hop revival with his authenticity and originality inspiring a new generation of artists
• Fatboy Animations (Kenya): A studio founded by self-taught animator Michael Muthiga and twice recognized by Forbes magazine as one to watch, Fatboy Animations is known for creating fun, original African stories, with the studio’s standout character, Kapinto receiving international acclaim. 

Lisa Quama (Dancer) x Gilbert Asante(Photographer)

• Lisa Quama (Ghana): A dancer and content creator celebrated for her energetic dance videos. She gained major recognition after featuring in Beyoncé’s “Already” music video alongside Shatta Wale.
• Gilbert Asante (Ghana): A creative director, photographer and multidisciplinary artist known for his vibrant visual storytelling and refined style. His work has been featured in GQ, Glam Africa and Glitz Africa.

David Tlale (Fashion Designer) x Ofentse Mwase (Videographer)

• David Tlale (South Africa): A fashion designer who approaches fashion with an eye toward bold and creative designs that fuse African heritage with modern style. His innovative designs have been showcased at major fashion events—from New York and Paris to Cape Town Fashion Weeks, whilst his designs have graced some of entertainment’s biggest events such as the Met Gala. 
• Ofentse Mwase (South Africa): A  talented South African filmmaker with over 24 international awards for his visual storytelling. His creativity shines in his unique visual effects and storytelling, often blending African culture with modern themes. 

Commenting on the launch, Kezia Anim-Addo, communications director, Africa, Middle East & Turkey (AMET), said: “We’re incredibly excited to shine a spotlight and celebrate just some of the amazing creative talent that casts a light on our African culture and connects us to the world.

“Facebook is a leading place for conversations around cultural moments, and through this campaign, we’re not only celebrating individual success stories – we’re also showcasing how culture and social media together can drive meaningful connection and inspiration.” 

As part of Africa Day celebration on 25 May, Meta announced the third iteration of its pan-African ‘Made by Africa, Loved by the World’ campaign.

Themed “Rising Stars”, this year’s edition aims to amplify the voices and stories of eight rising talents from across Africa, who are building a global presence and changing the way Africa is viewed on the international stage.

Representing several creative industries ranging from music, fashion, lifestyle, to art, this year’s self-shot ‘vlog-styled’ short stories provide a glimpse of the creators’ world and highlights how being African inspires their creativity.

Alongside this, Meta is running a dedicated community Reels challenge – #ShareYourAfrica #AfricaMade, encouraging the African community on Instagram to celebrate their authenticity – whether through dance, music, fashion, food or art.

For Africa Day Meta will be holding a fireside chat with a selection of key figures from across the continent – exploring the global impact of Africa’s youth and how platforms like Instagram are helping to fuel their global appeal. 

Commenting, Kezia Anim-Addo, Director of Communications, Sub-Saharan Africa, Meta, said: “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.” 

The Rising Stars: Made by Africa, Loved by the World

Available to view on Instagram on each creator’s page as well as on the Meta Africa Facebook Page, are the stories of:

• Henry Ohanga (Kenya): An award-winning recording and performing artist, 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. 

• Jacqueline 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