When culture & great culinary skills come together for good! Meet @ChefAbbys - Ghanian #FoodTok Super Star that met TikTok's CEO, Shou Chew in Cannes

When you first started sharing your cooking vlogs on TikTok, did you ever imagine it would take you from your kitchen in Ghana all the way to Cannes?

Honestly, no. I started simply to share the joy of Ghanaian cooking, promote simple recipes and tell stories of our food and culture. I never imagined TikTok would be the platform that would take me from Accra to the global stage in Cannes. People often don't take content creation seriously, but I am glad that I did. I just wanted people to know that our food is bold, beautiful and worthy of being seen and now the world is watching. TikTok has bridged that global gap.

@chefabbys cried my heart out when I was editing this video. Words can explain how I felt standing behind my video , seeing my face on the wall In France at Cannes , and creators all over africa coming to meet me. They were so happy. You can feel it , I can feel it. Thank you @tiktok creators #CannesLions #POVCannes #TikTok_partner ♬ Big Baller - Flavour

Being flown to Cannes as a TikTok creator is a huge milestone, what did that moment represent for you personally and professionally?

Personally, it was a proud moment for me. Representing the African continent. A reminder that my roots and identity are powerful. Professionally, it affirmed that African food content belongs in global spaces. It also showed me that consistency, authenticity, and storytelling has great power. Don't try to be anyone else but yourself. Someone will recognise it; the TikTok team recognise me as a Ghananian creator.

What are some of the biggest opportunities that have come your way since your TikTok journey took off?

A lot has happened in my life since my content creation journey took off. I am succeeding with brand partnerships with local and international companies. Being featured in international publications and recognized by global platforms like TikTok.

At the beginning of this year, I was one of 6 creators from Africa to be named on the Global TikTok Discover List of TikTok creators to look out for in 2025. I have just come back from Cannes, France courtesy of TikTok.

Connecting with a global community of food lovers who now want to learn about Ghanaian food and even African food. Launching my own cooking classes and digital products that have built a strong community

You met TikTok CEO Shou Chew! What was that moment like and what did it mean to you as a creator?

Surreal moment. I couldn’t believe someone at the top of this massive platform was shaking hands with Me. It felt like a full-circle moment. From filming in my kitchen to standing in front of TikTok’s leadership. It reminded me that storytelling has no borders.

The first thing I did was express my deep appreciation — I thanked him for giving us such an incredible platform to share our passion, craft, and stories. I told him we don’t take it for granted and truly value the opportunities TikTok has created for creators like me.

After that, I asked a question that’s close to my heart: TikTok is clearly a powerful platform, and we know there’s a real commitment to supporting creators.

I wanted to highlight the importance of sustainable growth for African creators and how vital it is for us to be included in global creator economy conversations.

@chefabbys OMG, I Met the CEO OF TIKTOK!!! This is a life changing experience after the great experience we had with him!! @tiktok creators #TikTok_partner #CannesLions #POVCannes #FoodTiktok ♬ Demarco Love My Life - TikTokRadio

What advice would you give creators in Ghana who are uncertain about their content creation journey or scared to post their first video?

You don’t need perfect lighting or a perfect video, you just need to start. Be yourself, and let your culture shine through your content. Your perspective is valid. The world doesn’t need another copy, it needs you.