Afobaje, whose true name was Oluwagbenga Afobaje Korede, was a well-known Yoruba YouTuber and entrepreneur known for his bright and entertaining material that honoured Yoruba culture. Born on June 15, 1985, in Lagos, Nigeria, Afobaje rose to prominence with his lifestyle vlogs, which combined humour, narrative, and ethnic pride. He was most recognised for translating mundane circumstances into captivating stories that captivated a large audience on sites such as TikTok and Instagram.
Afobaje’s accomplishments went beyond amusement; he played an important role in propagating Yoruba customs in a modern environment, gaining him a loyal following. His followers affectionately refer to him as “Daddy Awon Next of Kin” due to his ingenuity and passion to cultural development.
Unfortunately, Afobaje died on August 3, 2024, after falling while playing football in Lagos. His abrupt demise surprised his followers and the greater society, prompting an outpouring of sadness on social media.
Afobaje left behind a significant legacy that continues to impact the Yoruba community and the broader Nigerian cultural landscape. He was deeply committed to celebrating and preserving Yoruba culture through his vlogs. His content highlighted traditional Yoruba practices, language, festivals, and everyday life, making these cultural elements accessible and engaging to a modern audience. He played a crucial role in promoting cultural pride and identity, especially among younger generations who might be distant from their roots.
Afobaje was renowned for his unique storytelling ability. He could transform mundane events into captivating narratives that resonated with his audience. His humorous voiceovers and relatable skits made cultural content appealing, helping to bridge the gap between traditional and contemporary lifestyles.
As a prominent figure in the Nigerian digital space, Afobaje’s work demonstrated the power of social media in cultural preservation. He successfully used platforms like TikTok and Instagram to reach a wide audience, showcasing the potential of digital media as a tool for cultural education and community building.
Afobaje’s success story serves as an inspiration for other content creators, especially within the African diaspora. His ability to build a brand around cultural content shows that there is a global audience for local stories when presented authentically and creatively. Afobaje’s untimely death shocked many, but his contributions to the celebration of Yoruba culture and his innovative use of digital platforms ensure that his legacy will endure.
Culture Beyond the Mainstream 