Valdo

Valdo is one of many tiny tycoons hitting the big time on social media. Image via Twitter

Five South African kids securing the bag as brand influencers

These mini movers and shakers weren’t even born when the term social media influencer was coined, but they are taking Instagram by storm.

Valdo

Valdo is one of many tiny tycoons hitting the big time on social media. Image via Twitter

Less than 10 to 15 years ago, the term social media influencer didn’t exist. Fast-forward to 2020 and brands are moving away from advertising in traditional media towards social media through influencers.

It is without a shadow of a doubt that Generation Z is taking social media by storm and it seems like Instagram is the business hub.

Mini influencers

Celebrity parents create social media accounts for their babies, sometimes even before they’re born, and it’s paying off for many. Their kids are coining it on the social media streets through collaborations and partnerships with brands.

Here are five remarkable young social media influencers:

Kairo Forbes

View this post on Instagram

Say cheese! ?

A post shared by Kairo ?? (@kairo.forbes) on

Kairo Owethu Forbes is leading the pack with 1 million followers on Instagram, she reached this milestone on her fifth birthday earlier this month. DJ Zinhle and hip-hop singer AKA’s daughter recently launched kids masks along her celebrity mo.

The five-year-old kiddo also became the first influencer for her mother’s accessories, brand Era by DJ Zinhle, and is the face of a kiddies watch name after her. Kairo has worked with Apple’s iStore, Disney Africa, Earth Child Kids amongst other brands.

Valdo

View this post on Instagram

We corona sikhathele uwe??

A post shared by Sa Coolest Kid?? (@valdo_rsa) on

Six-year-old Vivaldo Mcagwe recently launched his kiddies range of T-shirts and sweaters which are sold on Cava Apparel. Valdo also has been an influencer for Cotton On Kids and had his merchandise of school backpacks.

He also has a YouTube channel with more than 25 000 subscribers and is the youngest South African artist to have a song on iTunes, which already has over 1 million views on YouTube.

Sbahle Mzizi

Sbahle is the child of actress and TV presenter Ntando Duma and DJ Junior De Rocka. Sbahle works closely with fashion designer Khosi Nkosi. The three-year-old hotstepper made her runway debut in October 2019  at the AFI (African Fashion International) Joburg Fashion Week.

She also has a YouTube channel with over 38 000 subscribers which has close to 1 million views.

Retha

Rethabile stole South African’s hearts for his out-of-this-world dance moves for a kid his age. Retha is a talented dancer and singer who boasts more than 600 000 followers on Instagram.

The nine-year-old mover also has released an EP titled Tom and Jerry on all music digital platforms. He has collaborated with  Amapiano dance queen Kamo Mphela and many other dancers.

Retha also has his kiddies range of clothing sold on Cava Apparel and is associated with sports clothing brand Puma. He also has his own YouTube channel with over 12 000 subscribers and 1.1 million views.

Khumo Panda

Khumo Mahlangu is only six years old but she is already a reality TV star. The daughter of Toll Ass Mo and Mome Mahlangu also has a YouTube channel. Then there is her product range called Tiny Huggs Collections, which includes hand sanitisers, hair products, bath salts, balms and body sprays.

Khumo started her website when she was only four. She has graced the covers of many famous magazines and has worked with so many kiddies brands.