Ghana’s Chef Abbys makes TIME’s 100 Most Influential Creators list

Ghanaian culinary creative Chef Abbys—real name Abena Amoakoaa Sintim-Aboagye—has been honored as one of TIME Magazine’s 100 Most Influential Creators of 2025, placing her among a global cadre of top-tier creators such as MrBeast, Khaby Lame, and Kai Cenat. 

Her rise to international recognition has been fueled by her captivating TikTok presence, where over 1.4 million followers join her on a gastronomic journey through African and Ghanaian dishes—from jollof rice and waakye to banku, kenkey, babenda, and amiwo. Dubbed an “African Food Tourist,” Chef Abbys uses each recipe to weave together stories of culture, memory, and identity. 

In a highlight that earned her acclaim, TIME staff writer Megan McCluskey acknowledged her presence on TikTok’s Global Discover List, noting how her cooking embodies the “values, struggles and soul” of the continent. Chef Abbys herself emphasizes:

“When you cook a country’s traditional food, you learn its values, its struggles, and its soul… Every ingredient has meaning. Every method carries memory.”

Her inclusion not only celebrates individual creativity but also marks a significant milestone for African culinary narratives on the world stage. She brings dishes like babenda (Burkina Faso) and amiwo (Benin) into digital living rooms across the globe—enriching viewers’ cultural awareness while honoring traditional heritage. 

Beyond the spinning pot and sizzling pan, Chef Abbys has been an active ambassador for Ghana on the global content scene. Her appearance at TikTok’s showcase during Cannes Lions and a meeting with TikTok CEO Shou Zi Chew highlight her expanding influence. 

On learning of her inclusion, she posted on Facebook:

“Unbelievable to see me, Chefabbys, on the same list as the most influential creators in the world like Mr Beast, Keith Lee, Kai Cenat, Ishowspeed. Wow.” 

What This Recognition Means

• Cultural Impact: This nod from TIME underscores African cuisine’s growing global influence, highlighting how deeply food reflects cultural identity.

• Influencer Diversity: Sharing a list with creators known for entertainment, education, and activism, Chef Abbys signals that culinary storytelling is a formidable form of creative influence.

• Inspiration for Content Creators: As a Ghanaian woman making headway internationally, she is a beacon for aspiring creators from underrepresented backgrounds.

What’s Next?

Chef Abbys is poised to build on this momentum—likely continuing to explore richer African recipes, deepen storytelling elements, and perhaps launch new creative projects that further cement her status as an influential global food voice.

Conclusion:
Being named among TIME’s 100 Most Influential Creators is more than personal recognition for Chef Abbys—it’s a win for African culinary heritage and a powerful affirmation of food-driven storytelling in the digital era.

Let us celebrate her achievement and anticipate the new stories, flavors, and cultural bridges she will create next.