Dennis Ombachi to Kenyan TikTok creators, ‘Do not give up!’
Kenya’s pride and joy and the overall winner of the 2022 TikTok Top Creator, Dennis Ombachi, also known as the Roaming Chef, encouraged Kenyan Tiktokers who did not win at the 2023 Top Creator Awards at Vodacom World in Johannesburg.
Known for his engaging and succinct TikTok content, Ombachi shared his thoughts on the awards, held on February 9, and offered words of encouragement to fellow Kenyan creators.
TikTok celebrated the exceptional talent and creativity of content creators across sub-Saharan Africa.
The ceremony, which featured dynamic performances from renowned artists such as Tyler ICU and Thozi Music, was a testament to the platform’s commitment to fostering creativity and inspiration.
Also read: Nameless, Dennis Ombachi and Arap Uria open up on their TikTok journey
Reflecting on the event, Ombachi expressed his joy at being back in South Africa for the Top Creator 2023 Awards and recalled the connections he had made with fellow creators.
He congratulated all the winners and creators in attendance and had a heartfelt message for those who did not win an award.
“Keep creating, keep sharing and keep inspiring,” Ombachi urged the Kenyan content creators who did not win. He shared his personal journey since winning the 2022 TikTok Top Creator Award, highlighting the transformative impact the recognition has had on his creative endeavours.
“The 2022 TikTok Top Creator Award opened a lot of doors, a lot of opportunities,” Ombachi said. “It inspired me to create and share more, knowing that our efforts are recognised and appreciated. Winning has made me a better creator.”
Paying tribute to the new winners, who have emerged after a year of outstanding work on TikTok, Ombachi emphasised the platform’s inclusivity and the potential for everyone to succeed. “Just believe in yourself, create, and if people can relate or find inspiration in your content, you’ll make something of yourself,” he added.
Also read: Roaming Chef, Dennis Ombachi, reveals the genesis of his passion for cooking
In a full statement to Kenyan TikTok creators, Ombachi encouraged resilience, passion and authenticity in their creative pursuits. Drawing on his background in sport, he compared the journey of content creation to his experience in sport, where the love of the game transcended winning.
“Unfortunately, we were not able to take home any award as we did last year. But I believe this is not something that should put us down or put you down. Just keep going. Keep creating, just keep inspiring people outside there,” he said.
“I believe it’s the same thing because coming from a background of sports, as much as I was training and playing to win the games, at the end of the day, it was all about my love for the game. So I wake up every day to go train. If I win the tournament, well and good. But I’m doing it because I enjoy it.”
Ombachi noted, “So to all the creators from Kenya, just keep doing it. Keep enjoying what you are doing. You never know, you never know when your time comes. So my advice to my fellow creators is just keep doing what you are doing. As well as, you know, seek inspiration. And then, by the end of the day, I believe it’s just being original. Just keep doing what you are doing. And if it’s your time, it’s your time.”
Among the winners were notable creators recognized for their contributions to various categories:
- Sports Creator of the Year: Nezcatt (South Africa)
- Gaming Creator of the Year: khalamanja_ (Nigeria)
- Entertainment Creator of the Year: Sachi_himes96 (South Africa)
- Lifestyle and Education Creator of the Year: _iremide (Nigeria)
- Trailblazer of the Year: @olaoflagos_ (Nigeria)
- Africa Rising Creator of the Year: Afrolecia (South Africa)
- Publisher of the Year: PulseNigeria247 (Nigeria)
- Song of the Year: Tyler ICU