The Missing Voices: Why Ghanaian & Nigerian YouTubers Rarely Teach African History

In an era where YouTube has become the world’s largest classroom, a troubling trend persists across Africa—especially in content powerhouses like Ghana and Nigeria. While these nations produce some of the continent’s most viral comedians, musicians, and lifestyle influencers, very few creators are teaching African history.

Why is this happening? And what does it mean for the future of African identity?

The State of African History on YouTube

Ghana and Nigeria dominate Africa’s YouTube scene, with channels like:

• Wode Maya (Tech & Business)
• Tayo Aina (Travel & Lifestyle)
• Kwadwo Sheldon (Comedy & Entertainment)

Yet, almost none focus on deep historical education. A quick search for "African history" mostly surfaces foreign creators—BBC, Extra Credits, or oversimplified "rise and fall" documentaries narrated by non-Africans.

🔗 Where are our own voices? Watch an exception here

Why Don’t Ghanaian & Nigerian YouTubers Cover History?

1. The Algorithm Trap

YouTube rewards quick, addictive content—not 20-minute deep dives on the Songhai Empire. Many creators chase trends (dance, pranks, gossip) because they monetize faster.

2. Colonial Education’s Legacy

Most Ghanaians and Nigerians were taught:

• More about WWII than the Anglo-Ashanti Wars.
• More about Shakespeare than Sundiata Epic.
• Result? A generation disconnected from its past.

3. Lack of Financial Incentives

• History videos require research, scripting, and visuals—costing time/money.
• Sponsors prefer lifestyle/comedy (easier to sell products).

4. Fear of Controversy

Topics like colonial crimes, slavery, or pre-colonial conflicts can trigger backlash from governments or trolls. Many avoid "sensitive" history.

The Consequences: A Continent Forgetting Itself

• Ghanaian kids know more about TikTok trends than Yaa Asantewaa’s rebellion.
• Nigerian teens can recite Drake lyrics but not Queen Amina’s conquests.
• Pan-African unity weakens when we don’t share our collective struggles.

🔗 Breaking the cycle? See how here

Who’s Fighting Back?

A small but growing wave of creators are challenging the status quo:

1. @jackob01 (Burkina Faso) – Deep dives into pre-colonial empires.
2. The African History Channel (Nigeria) – Short docs on forgotten heroes.
3. HistoryVille (Nigeria) – Podcasts on African historical events.

But they need support. Without viewers, sponsors, and shares, their voices drown in an ocean of trivial content.

What Can Be Done?

✅ Demand Better Content – Comment under big creators’ videos: "We want history!"

✅ Support Educators – Subscribe to @jackob01 & history channels.

✅ Push Schools – Advocate for decolonized curricula in Ghana/Nigeria.

Final Word: Africa Must Tell Its Own Story

If we don’t teach our history, others will distort it for us. Ghana and Nigeria—with their creative talent—have the power to lead this change.

📢 The question is: Will we?
🔗 Start learning today: History of Africa Series

By Doctor Jacky Bayili