Speaking Igbo doesn’t limit my audience – Content creator, Nwanyi Nnewi

Digital creator Pamela Mbaefo, widely known as Nwanyi Nnewi, has amassed a substantial following of 170,000 on Instagram and over 190,000 on TikTok, primarily through content created in the Igbo language. Her journey into content creation began during the COVID-19 pandemic lockdowns, initially experimenting with mimicry and filters.

Mbaefo's early attempts involved trying to emulate other creators, but she soon pivoted towards crafting content centered around the "African mother" persona. This style, characterized by relatable monologues, resonated deeply with audiences. She explained that much of her content is inspired by imagined situations or observations, rather than direct personal experiences, yet viewers find them highly relatable.

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Don’t wait for people. Create something you can do by yourself.

Her path was not without significant hurdles. Early on, Mbaefo lacked access to a quality phone, relying on borrowed devices, which led to frustration and a temporary hiatus from creation. A pivotal moment came when a mentor advised her to create content independently, prompting her to focus on monologue-style videos that she could produce herself. This shift proved instrumental in her rise to popularity.

Despite the success, Mbaefo emphasizes that her initial goal was simply to make people laugh, not necessarily to achieve widespread fame. She continues to navigate the digital landscape, demonstrating that creating content in a regional language does not limit audience reach but can, in fact, foster strong connections with a specific demographic.

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Most of the things I portray are not necessarily things I saw from my mother or grandparents. Sometimes, I sit down and think. Sometimes, I see things happen on the road and turn them into content. At other times, I read something someone has written and decide to act it out. I simply imagine situations and act them out. Surprisingly, people relate to them.