AYV News, June 9, 2025
Popular Sierra Leonean content creators and actors, Peter Komba and Hawanatu Konneh, took centre stage at the Sierra Leone Innovates 2025 Summit, delivering a powerful TEDx talk titled: ‘More Than Likes – What It Takes to Succeed as a Digital Creator’, and, ‘Brand Like a Boss: Own Your Niche, Tell Your Story’.
Speaking to an audience of innovators, creatives, and young entrepreneurs, Komba shared his remarkable journey from an unknown teenager to one of Sierra Leone’s most recogniseddigital personalities.
Komba, who currently boasts over 4 million followers on TikTok and hundreds of thousands more on Facebook and Instagram, opened his speech by reflecting on his humble beginnings. “There was a time when my voice didn’t matter,” he said. “I wanted to be seen. To be heard. But I didn’t have a stage — or even a platform that worked for me.”
The 25-year-old content creator revealed that his digital journey began in 2018 when his elder sister introduced him to TikTok while he was preparing for his WAEC exams. Using a cracked HTC phone, candlelight, and friends who served as makeshift lighting crew, Komba recorded his first videos with no clear intention of becoming famous. “I didn’t create content for fame; I created it for healing,” he explained, highlighting how content creation helped him and others cope with life’s struggles in Sierra Leone, especially following the Ebola crisis.
In his speech, Komba emphasised the deeper purpose behind his work, noting that content creation in Africa goes beyond entertainment. “For us in Africa, content creation isn’t just social media. It’s storytelling. It’s a lifeline. It’s how we reclaim our narrative.”
He also opened up about the challenges he faced along the way. From harsh criticism to personal doubts, Komba admitted that the journey wasn’t always easy. But encouragement from fans who found joy and healing in his videos kept him going. “The more personal you get, the more universal you become,” he said.
Komba credited his breakthrough to his decision to join Cribs International in 2020 under the management of Mr. Sho Cole. “Sierra Leone needs visionaries like Mr. Cole, and the world needs a management team like Cribs International,” he stated, praising the support he received from his management team.
Throughout his talk, Komba remained grounded, reminding the audience to stay true to their identity. Even after achieving viral fame, collaborating with celebrities like Regina Daniels and Nollywood actor PawPaw, and acting in movies, he stressed the importance of authenticity. “Be Peter. Be the boy from camp. Be the guy with the broken HTC phone.”
The highlight of Komba’s message was his call to inspire and uplift others. “This is bigger than views. Bigger than fame. This is an impact. This is legacy,” he declared. He encouraged young people to pursue their passions without fear and urged the global community to recognise and support African creators.
In closing, Peter Komba reminded everyone: “Don’t just scroll past us. Support us. Invest in us. Celebrate us. This isn’t just about going viral. It’s about visibility, voice, and validation.”
Similarly, Hawanatu Konneh delivered a moving TEDx talk titled “Brand Like a Boss: Own Your Niche, Tell Your Story.” Her speech inspired many young people, business owners, and digital entrepreneurs in attendance.
She shared her personal story of how she turned a simple social media hobby into a successful online business. She explained that when she first started posting online, it was purely for fun, with no plan or strategy to build a brand. However, her genuine approach quickly attracted followers who connected with her content.
Over time, Hawanatu’s consistent posting and real-life storytelling grew her audience to over 300,000 followers across various social media platforms. Today, her brand not only influences thousands but also employs a small but growing team through HKN Online TV.
“I pay salaries every month. People survive from this dream,” she proudly told the audience.
Her growing influence has attracted attention from major companies, with many brands reaching out to collaborate with her. “Big brands email me. They call me almost every day. Why? Because they trust me and my platform,” she said.
While sharing her success story, Hawanatu also opened up about the challenges she has faced, including difficult personal and public moments. She credited her husband, children, family, and close friends for standing by her during tough times.
“To my husband and my children, you are my peace and my anchor,” she said emotionally.
Throughout her TEDx talk, Hawanatu encouraged young people, especially women, to start their entrepreneurial journey with confidence. She emphasised that one does not need perfection, a big title, or permission to tell their story and create a brand.
“You don’t have to be perfect to be powerful. You don’t need a big title to make a big difference. And you don’t need permission to tell your story. Start where you are. Build from there. And most importantly, stay real,” she advised.
Hawanatu Konneh’s story is a true example of how passion, consistency, and honesty can lead to business success. Her journey is now inspiring a new generation of content creators, influencers, and entrepreneurs in Sierra Leone and beyond.
