Black creators have been at the forefront of trends, and that will likely not end anytime soon. The interesting fact about their impact is that they have not always been paid or recognized for their contributions to the industry.
From comedic skits to product recommendations, Black people have been at the center of culture — providing the entertainment and “up-to-date” information the world craves. Recently, Forbes recognized the work of some of these Black creatives.
Not only have they been in their creative bag, but they have also overcome some systemic challenges and earned quite a bit of income in the process.
Check out the list of Black creators that made the Forbes list.
Khaby Lame
Lame made a name for himself as the silent TikTok star, but his 2021 earnings are making noise. According to Forbes, the Senegalese-born creator earned $10 million last year. With over 146 million followers on TikTok, Lame is the most-followed TikToker worldwide.
@khaby.lame Khaby Move & Receba in Action!! 🇮🇹🇧🇷@luvadepedreiro 😏 #learnfromkhaby #learnontiktok @TikTok @tiktok creators ♬ original sound – Khabane lame
Marques Brownlee
If you’re looking to know more about the latest tech device, Brownlee has established himself as one of the go-to YouTubers on the subject. A 2015 Stevens Institute of Technology graduate, Brownlee reportedly earned $6.5 million in 2021.
Olajide Olatunji (KSI)
KSI is a British multihyphenate known for rapping, boxing, and his YouTube channel, and earned $10 million last year, according to the Top Creators 2022 list.
KSI co-founded a workout drink, Prime Hydration, with Logan Paul.
Rickey Thompson
The ear of Vine was one for the record books, and Thompson mastered that lane before finding great success on Instagram. However, he is not one to be boxed in, as Thompson has gained three million followers on TikTok and has an exclusive podcast deal with Spotify. Thompson was reported — by Forbes — to have a 2021 earning total of $2.5 million.
View this post on Instagram
Ziwe Fumudoh
Ziwe Fumudoh — the creator of the YouTube show “Baited With Ziwe” — earned $2.5 million, Forbes reports. Fumudoh has also worked as a writer for The New Yorker, Stephen Colbert, and the late-night show, “Desus and Mero.”
Jalaiah Harmon
Originality is what sent Harmon into viral status when popular TikToker Charli D’Amelio performed her choreography for her followers after admitting she got the dance moves from Harmon. From that moment and a later collaboration, Harmon landed brand deals with companies like Netflix and Levi’s. In 2021, she earned $1 million, according to Forbes.
@jalaiahharmon move that dope YAH w/ @ᵀ ᴿ ᴱ🗡 ++ @myah 🤟🏾
La'Ron Hines
If you want to know how smart you are, tap in with Hines and his crew of school-aged talent to have the answers. He has since expanded his talent to celebrity adults during red carpet events and has partner deals with brands like Fashion Nova and McDonald’s, which most likely contributed to him earning $1.5 million in 2021, Forbes reports.
View this post on Instagram
The Old Gays
For those who believe social media was only for young people, the world did not get that memo to Robert Reeves, Jessay Martin, Mick Peterson, and Bill Lyons — all over 65-years-old. Together, the TikTok collab group made $1 million and has deals with Netflix, Lay’s, and Oreos.
@oldgays Don’t ever buy on greed or sell on fear 🙅♂️ We’ve partnered with @Fundrise to share our “dos” & “don’t”s for investing #Fundrisepartner #Fundriseendorsement #Fundrise
Elsa Majimbo
When it comes to socialization, Majimbo pretty much says what we all feel. With her iconic sunglasses and a seemingly endless supply of chips, the Instagram influencer earned half a million dollars last year. With 2.5 million followers on Instagram, the 21-year-old has partnerships with Maison Valentino, Bumble, and Beats By Dre.
View this post on Instagram
