Charity Ekezie is a content creator, social media and brand influencer. He has more than two million followers on Tiktok and is known for dispelling myths about Africa. Ekezie, who recently won the Tiktok award as the runner up, the top creator in Sub-Saharan Africa, went to primary school in Douala, Cameroon where he was born. He returned to Nigeria for his secondary education where he also obtained a degree in Mass Communication from Nnamdi Azikiwe University, Awka. In this interview with IJEOMA THOMAS-ODIA, He shares his passion for creating content.
Share with us growing up?
I grew up in Douala, Cameroon where my family has lived for many years. Cameroon is a bilingual African country also told me in French, making me fluent in French. I returned to Nigeria in 2001 to continue my education. I am the first child and the only girl and I am the older of two boys.
What informed your interest in Tiktoking?
Before TikTok, I created content on other platforms for more than eight years, although not as successful as TikTok so far. I studied Journalism at university and worked at a radio station for over three years, so my love for various arts inspired me to create random informative and educative content mostly on YouTube and on Facebook. I only joined TikTok in 2020 during Covid because I was bored like everyone else, and it ended up being a big deal. My content has been seen almost worldwide with 60 percent of my followers based in the United States.
How can you fulfill your niche?
My niche came about after several racist and ignorant attacks in my comments section. I made a video last year encouraging people to visit the beautiful continent of Africa, showing some cultural clothing and I received a lot of negative stereotypical comments, especially those who made my content, that is, ‘how do I get water if I come to Africa.’ I was surprised because I’ve lived in Africa all my life and never had a problem finding drinking water, so I decided to respond to the comment with a video in a sarcastic way, telling me that I only drink saliva (shown holding a water bottle. my hand). That’s the moment it hit! It went viral and then I started receiving questions and more questions about life in Africa that is how my niche was born.
As a content creator, how can you develop and grow your skills?
As I said before, content creation has been my thing for a long time. Also having a background in journalism and experience helps shape the knowledge of content creation and public speaking. I really don’t have to stress too much about coming up with ideas on what to make but it always gets better when I do.
What challenges have you faced in your career?
One of my biggest challenges is the ‘hate and negativity’ I receive every day on my page. I had never experienced racism until I joined TikTok. Sometimes it becomes depressing.
You are recognized globally. How are you feeling?
Being recognized globally and also winning an award as the top creator TikTok runner for sub Saharan Africa, makes me feel very good and satisfied because it is a sign that my videos make a difference and that I am really doing something positive not only entertaining but also educating people about Africa through humor and sarcasm.
What does fashion mean to you?
I see fashion as a way to express myself more comfortably in what I choose to wear.
What is your fashion style?
I think my style varies depending on the mood of the day, but I just make sure I’m comfortable and confident.
Who is your role model?
I have tons of role models, including family members, who I believe inspire me every day, but Oprah Winfrey and Trevor Noah top the list.
What is your favorite local cuisine?
I like fufu soup and Oha.
Won’t you get caught wearing it?
I wouldn’t get caught wearing two inch heels. If it’s not at least six inches, why use it?
How would you describe your growth process?
I would say that my growth has been life changing. It started slow but that has changed now. It’s known even when I’m walking down the street or shopping at the mall, I don’t know if I’ll ever get used to it. People are now replicating the same style of my content in different countries of the world, trying to break stereotypes as well. As I have seen some Asian creators and Mexican creators, even other African creators follow my lead and education. For me, this is a win.
What’s your hobby?
I had many hobbies growing up but with age, it has been simplified to staying indoors and watching good movies.
Describe Charity in three words
Creative, resilient and empathetic