By Seli Baisie
Ghanaian culinary sensation and digital content creator Abena Amoakoa Sintim-Aboagye, popularly known as Chef Abbys, has been named among TIME magazine’s 2025 list of the 100 Most Influential Creators in the world.
This recognition comes on the heels of her recent appearance as Ghana’s representative at TikTok’s showcase during the prestigious 2025 Cannes Lions International Festival of Creativity in France. Chef Abbys joins an elite group of global influencers, including Kai Cenat, Khaby Lame, Taylor Cassidy, James Jones, Kellie Gerardi, Alix Earle, Sean Evans, and Olivia Dunne, among others.
Chef Abbys has captivated audiences globally with her vibrant culinary content that celebrates Ghanaian and African cuisine. With more than 1.4 million followers on TikTok, she has built a niche by transforming everyday meals such as waakye, kenkey, jollof, and banku into rich visual narratives. Her content blends food, culture, and storytelling, offering viewers a deeper connection to African heritage.
“Every ingredient has meaning. Every method carries memory,” Sintim-Aboagye told TIME in an interview. “When you cook a country’s traditional food, you learn its values, its struggles, and its soul. It teaches you respect for the people and the heritage behind the dish.”
A Rising Digital Voice in Culinary Storytelling
Born and raised in Ghana, Sintim-Aboagye has emerged as a leading voice in the digital culinary world. Her approach is rooted in cultural preservation and education. As a self-described “African Food Tourist,” she shares recipes from across the continent, showcasing dishes such as babenda from Burkina Faso and amiwo from Benin, alongside Ghanaian staples.
Her recognition by TIME and inclusion in TikTok’s 2025 Global Discover List underscore her impact in bridging cultures through food and digital media.
Through her videos, Chef Abbys not only instructs but inspires—a trait that has made her a household name among young Africans in the diaspora and food enthusiasts worldwide. Her work illustrates how digital platforms can be powerful tools for cultural exchange and global appreciation of African traditions.
