Nigerian content creator Olawale shines on TikTok’s 50 most influential list

Nigerian creator Olawale Ogunlana, known for transforming complex medical conditions into clear, engaging videos, has been named among the top 50 most influential creators on TikTok for 2026. 

The recognition was announced on Thursday as TikTok unveiled its annual global Discover List 2026, spotlighting creators shaping culture worldwide.

Olawale has built a reputation for simplifying health information for everyday audiences, using short-form videos to break down symptoms, treatments and preventive care in ways that are easy to understand. 

His work has positioned him as a trusted voice in digital health education, and he currently serves as one of TikTok’s Sub-Saharan Wellbeing Ambassadors. This role further reinforces his impact within the region’s online health community.

“For a long time, a doctor’s impact was limited to the four walls of a clinic. Being recognised on the TikTok Discover List is an incredible honour that extends beyond personal recognition; it is a validation of the power of ‘edutainment’ and proves that the screen has become the modern stethoscope, enabling us to reach, educate, and heal millions simultaneously.”

“I am thrilled to be part of a list that celebrates creators making a tangible difference in the world,” he said.

He added that this milestone is a significant win for public health communication in Africa, demonstrating that audiences on powerful platforms like TikTok genuinely seek verified, relatable health information. 

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Olawale Ogunlana

About TikTok’s Annual Discover List

The Discover List is an annual spotlight by TikTok to celebrate creators who not only drive trends but also build meaningful, sustainable impact through their content. 

Beyond Nigeria, four other creators from Sub-Saharan Africa were also recognised, underscoring the region’s growing cultural and commercial footprint on global platforms. They were named among 50 of the most influential creators across five categories: Icons, Innovators, Foodies, Educators and Originators. 

From educational content in Lagos to culinary innovation in Nairobi and Cape Town, African creators continue to demonstrate how local stories can resonate with global audiences while shaping conversations far beyond the continent.

TikTok annual list

By transforming their passions into sustainable careers, they are building businesses, reaching global audiences, and redefining what success looks like in their industries. 

“At TikTok, we are committed to celebrating our inspiring creator community. Today, we are thrilled to unveil The Discover List 2026 — a highlight of 50 creators to watch from around the world. From the Educators who are inspiring their communities to learn something new, to the Originators who share their businesses with global audiences on TikTok, we are proud to be a space where new talent can be discovered and authenticity and creativity can thrive,” James Stafford, Global Head of Content Operations at TikTok, said.

To celebrate this year’s honourees, TikTok partnered with Food Network to host Hot List x Discover List: The Future of Flavour, a live culinary event inside Food Network’s kitchen in New York City. 

The event brought together creators from Food Network’s Hot List and TikTok’s Discover List to spotlight emerging talent shaping today’s global food landscape.

Among those featured in the “Foodies” category are Sub-Saharan African creators Trevor Were, a self-taught chef from Nairobi, Kenya, and Wayne Chang, a food creator and recipe developer from Cape Town, South Africa — further highlighting Africa’s expanding culinary influence.

With Olawale’s recognition on the Discover List 2026, the moment signals more than individual achievement. 

This year’s inclusion of Olawale reflects the expanding influence of African creators who are transforming digital storytelling into structured careers, global partnerships and thriving businesses.

It also reflects a broader shift that Nigerian and African creators are no longer emerging participants in the global creator economy; they are key contributors shaping culture, driving conversations and turning digital influence into lasting impact.

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