Streamer Kai Cenat has set a new record on Twitch, hitting nearly 727,700 subscribers during his month-long “Mafiathon 2” event in November. The marathon livestream also generated over $3 million in revenue, making it one of the most successful streaming events ever on the platform. A Record-Breaking Subathon Cenat, 22, streamed nonstop for 30 days, with each new subscription extending the duration of the broadcast. The event not only shattered Twitch’s previous subscriber record of 326,250, held by virtual streamer Ironmouse, but also drew 50 million unique viewers throughout the
At just 12 years old, Alyssa Awuah has become the youngest-ever winner at the PRECIOUS Awards, a platform celebrating the achievements of Black women and girls in the UK. Alyssa, the Co-Founder and “mini-CEO” of Frobelles—a dress-up game empowering kids to embrace afro hair—was awarded Young Entrepreneur of the Year at the event sponsored by Santander and supported by the Joseph Levy Foundation. Frobelles Game Champions Afro Hair Frobelles was born from Alyssa’s curiosity as a six-year-old, asking her mother, Yvonne Ottley, why none of her game characters resembled her
Kendall Hamilton, a highly ranked Rocket League player, and his mother, Dr. Gigi, are leading an initiative that has supported young Black gamers in securing over $150,000 in Name, Image, and Likeness (NIL) deals. Together, they founded Game Changer Academy, an organization dedicated to helping young Black gamers use their skills for financial and professional growth. Game Changer Academy: Turning Gaming Skills Into Opportunities Game Changer Academy emerged from Kendall Hamilton’s own journey in competitive gaming according to a press release. Initially, his mother, Dr. Gigi—a licensed psychotherapist and organizational
Every UK Black History Month, we shine a light on Black British-owned businesses making a difference. This year’s standout is Frobelles, a UK-based dress-up game championing the beauty of afro hair. Created by mother-daughter duo Yvonne Ottley and 12-year-old Alyssa Ottley, Frobelles has over 100,000 users and recently made its debut in the US. The Birth of Frobelles The idea for Frobelles was sparked by a simple question from Alyssa, who was just six years old at the time: “Why don’t any of my game characters have Afro hair like mine?” This question
The Black Founders Programme, by Digital Catapult and Sony Music UK, is back for its second year, supporting Black British entrepreneurs in creative technology. Ten new startups have joined the 2024 cohort, applying immersive technologies like virtual, augmented and mixed reality to creative industries. Supporting Black Deep Tech Innovation The initiative focuses on improving investment readiness through mentorship, knowledge sharing, and partnerships. Last year, over 80% of participants saw growth in investment readiness, securing key corporate partnerships and investor interest. This year’s cohort explores immersive technology in storytelling, music production,
In response to the success of Kendrick Lamar’s “Not Like Us: The Game,” Drake fans have quickly followed suit by launching their own video game, “Family Matters: The Game.” The move comes after Lamar’s game captivated over 1.2 million players within its first 36 hours. Kendrick Lamar’s Viral Success Kendrick Lamar’s “Not Like Us: The Game” has taken the gaming world by storm since its release last week. Developed by Richie Branson, also known as Marcus Brown II, the game is inspired by Lamar’s song “Not Like Us.” In the
Afro Unicorn has announced its expansion into immersive gaming platform Roblox. Founded in 2019 by April Showers, Afro Unicorn is a brand designed to represent the uniqueness of women and children of color in a truly diverse and inclusive fashion. “Bringing Afro Unicorn to Roblox is a momentous occasion to positively impact a new generation of youth, including digital trendsetters and innovators,” said Showers in a press release. Creating Afro Unicorn Showers’ journey to creating Afro Unicorn was sparked by a desire to see more inclusive representations of beauty and empowerment.
Last week, Grammy-nominated artist Bryson Tiller released his self-titled fourth studio album, his first LP in four years. However, fans may have to wait even longer for his next release as the 31-year-old plans to take a hiatus from music to focus on video game design. From music to game design In an interview with Complex, Tiller shared he would be taking hiatus from music to focus on his passion for video game design. “I would love for this [album] to be the last one for a while,” Tiller shared.
The Sims franchise, hair brand Dark & Lovely, and award-winning gaming content creator Danielle “Ebonix” Udogaranya have partnered to address the lack of diversity in gaming. Introducing More Black Hairstyles In Sims Dark & Lovely, a leading hair color brand for Black women, is known for its products tailored to the specific beauty needs of Black women. Collaborating with The Sims 4 and Ugogaranya, they aim to enhance the representation of Black hairstyles within the game. This effort is to empower Black gamers to express themselves more authentically in virtual spaces. “We are excited with this
Twitch streamer and YouTuber Kai Cenat has recently committed to building a school in Lagos, Nigeria. Cenat Visits Nigeria Cenat recently visited the Makoko Children Development Foundation School and Orphanage in Lagos, where he saw the dire conditions of the students and staff. Documented on his YouTube channel, the visit highlighted the school’s sinking building, limited space, and the struggle to provide a learning environment for its 385 students. The 23-year-old principal’s plea for help to rebuild and expand the school resonated deeply with Cenat. “First of all, I want to say it’s
