How AshleyKeno17 Is Part of a New Wave of African Digital Creators Going Global

When Oghenekeno Ashley Ejeneha began posting short videos online in late 2019, he was one of millions of young people experimenting with social media during a period when digital platforms were rapidly reshaping entertainment worldwide. Today, the Dublin-born Nigerian creator — better known to his followers as AshleyKeno17 — has become part of a growing generation of African influencers whose careers are built almost entirely in the online space.

Born on 23 June 2003, Ashley’s early education took place across Nigeria, where he attended Moorefield in Ekpan and Lakeland in Ogunu before moving on to Day Waterman College and Olashore International School. He later enrolled at Aston University in the United Kingdom, continuing to develop his creative interests alongside his studies.

His videos, largely distributed through TikTok and Instagram, combine dance routines, short comedy sketches and sports-themed performances, sometimes incorporating music or motivational messages aimed at young viewers. Media analysts say this mix of formats reflects a broader strategy increasingly adopted by African creators seeking to maintain visibility in highly competitive algorithm-driven platforms.

“Diversification is now essential,” says Lagos-based digital culture researcher Ayo Balogun, who studies online entertainment trends. “Creators are no longer just comedians or dancers. Many experiment across genres to reach different audiences and protect themselves from sudden changes in platform policies.”

Ashley’s collaborations with fellow online personalities such as Zoe Spencer, Peller, Jersey Joe, Jacob FJ, Timi, Cyclegroover and Max Evasion have further expanded his reach, tapping into cross-border fan communities that stretch beyond Nigeria. Such partnerships have become a central feature of Africa’s creator economy, where visibility is often built through networked audiences rather than traditional gatekeepers like television or film studios.

Nigeria in particular has emerged as one of the continent’s most influential hubs for digital entertainment. Affordable smartphones, expanding internet access and a youthful population have helped fuel the rise of TikTok skits, dance challenges and short-form comedy, some of which now attract audiences comparable to prime-time television shows.

While Ashley is best known for light-hearted content, he has also spoken publicly about his interest in transitioning into more conventional acting roles. That ambition mirrors a path taken by several African online stars who have moved into film, television and advertising after building large followings online.

Industry observers caution, however, that sustaining a digital career remains uncertain. Income streams fluctuate, platform rules evolve quickly and competition is intense. “Visibility doesn’t always translate into stability,” notes Balogun. “Creators have to constantly reinvent themselves.”

For Ashley, the future appears to lie in navigating that uncertain terrain while continuing to expand his brand beyond short-form video. Whether he successfully crosses into mainstream entertainment will depend not only on audience numbers but on the opportunities offered by an industry that is still learning how to integrate social-media-born talent.

His story is emblematic of a broader shift underway across Africa — one in which young creatives are bypassing traditional routes into entertainment and instead using digital platforms to project themselves onto a global stage, reshaping how fame, influence and opportunity are defined in the process.