For years, many images of Africa on international screens showed war, famine and poverty. A young Ghanaian studying in China decided to show something different. With a camera and a cheerful presenting style, Wode Maya began filming African cities, entrepreneurs, markets and modern infrastructure. His YouTube channel grew into one of the most watched travel channels on the continent, and he became a symbol of a new generation of African content creators.
Early life, China and the channel
Berthold Kobby Winkler Ackon grew up in Ghana and later travelled to China to study. He studied engineering in China, where he also started making videos about his experiences as an African student. His early videos about life in China attracted viewers curious about Africans abroad and Chinese culture.
He later turned his attention to Africa, travelling to countries across the continent and filming cities, businesses and daily life.
The message and criticism
His videos focus on positive stories, development and opportunity, challenging stereotypes about Africa. He is known for an upbeat presenting style, humour and interviews with ordinary people. He has worked with other African creators and brands, and his partner, the Kenyan YouTuber Miss Trudy, has appeared in many of his videos. Some critics argue that focusing only on positive stories ignores real problems. He has responded that Africa’s challenges already get plenty of coverage.
His success has inspired many young Africans to create content about their own countries.
Business, awards and life in China
He has built a business around his channel, including tours and brand partnerships. He has received recognition for his work in digital media. Wode Maya is part of a growing African creator economy on YouTube, Instagram and TikTok. His early videos about China covered everyday experiences: food, language, racism, friendships and the challenges of studying far from home. They drew viewers from Africa and Asia who were curious about each other, and they gave him the confidence to build a career on camera.
Visiting African capitals
Videos from cities such as Kigali, Nairobi, Addis Ababa and Lagos show skylines, new roads, start-ups and nightlife. Many viewers outside Africa say his videos were the first time they saw the continent’s cities this way. Wode Maya picked up a camera to show his own continent to the world. Millions of viewers, many of them African, now watch Africa through his lens.
