Your must-know news for Black podcasters, content creators, and digital storytellers: spotlight on breakthrough moments, real talk about industry realities, blackity-black things and community wins.

This week brought us everything from Grammy winners clapping back at haters to heartbreaking losses in the creator community. Whether you’re building your brand, launching content, or just trying to keep your head above water in this digital landscape, here’s what actually matters right now.

Doechii and SZA Serve Up the Perfect Clap Back

Doechii dropped “girl, get up.” featuring SZA on December 30th, and it’s not just another banger: it’s a masterclass in handling industry critics. The track directly addresses those tired “industry plant” accusations that follow successful Black artists like clockwork.

In the song, Doechii dismisses critics who claim she was manufactured rather than grinding her way up. Her response? Pure authenticity backed by receipts. This Grammy-winning artist (Best Rap Album, 2025) has been consistently creating content on YouTube since 2015: long before major label attention.

For creators:

• Own your narrative before others do. Doechii’s approach shows how to address criticism head-on while staying focused on your craft
• Document your journey. Those early YouTube videos became proof of her authentic rise
• Collaboration amplifies impact. Working with SZA on this response elevated the message

The “industry plant” narrative disproportionately targets Black creators who find success. Understanding how to counter these accusations while staying true to your story is essential in 2026.

About the “girl, get up.” music video on Yahoo! News

Mental Health Reality Check: The LazyWrita Story

Nigerian content creator Anda Damisa, known as “LazyWrita” to his nearly 100,000 followers, announced his own death on Instagram December 29th with the words “I just don’t have the energy to continue anymore.” The lifestyle and poetry creator had recently opened up about his mental health struggles and his decision to step back from social media.

This isn’t just tragic news: it’s a wake-up call about creator burnout and the mental health crisis in our community.

The reality check we all need:

• Content creation isn’t just “posting pretty pictures”: it’s emotional labour
• Building an audience while managing personal struggles requires support systems
• Taking breaks isn’t failure; it’s survival

If you’re struggling:

• Text “STRENGTH” to 741-741 (Crisis Text Line – US)
• Visit Talk Suicide Canada for Canadian resources
• Remember: Your worth isn’t tied to your follower count or engagement

The creator economy can’t keep consuming people. We need to normalize mental health conversations, support creators taking breaks, and build communities that prioritize wellbeing over content output.

Read more about Anda Damisa’s story on People Magazine

Remembering Lamarr Wilson: A Tech Community Loss

The tech creator community lost a giant this week. Lamarr Wilson, the “Tech Lifestyle Entertainer” with over 2 million YouTube subscribers, passed away at 48 in Los Angeles. His family confirmed his death was due to asphyxia and suffocation.

Wilson wasn’t just another tech reviewer: he was a bridge-builder who brought energy, comedy, and authentic Black perspective to a space that desperately needed diversity. He was set to judge the 2026 CES Innovation Awards, cementing his industry influence.

Wilson’s lasting impact on Black tech creators:

• Representation matters in every niche. Wilson proved tech content could be entertaining and inclusive
• Community building over competition. He regularly featured on other channels and supported emerging creators
• Authenticity wins long-term. His comedic, energetic style stood out in a often-dry tech space

For creators in tech, business, or any “traditionally white” space: Wilson’s legacy reminds us that our perspectives aren’t just welcome, they’re necessary.

Read tributes to Lamarr Wilson on Black Enterprise

Black Nerds Building Community Through Gaming

Here’s some good news: Black “Blerds” (Black nerds) are creating genuine community through Magic: The Gathering, and it’s beautiful to watch. Creators like Joseph Johnson and Keontaye Williams are hosting meetups, conventions, and online series to build safe, welcoming spaces for Black and queer players in a hobby historically dominated by white voices.

What’s happening:

• Large meetups like “The Cookout” raise money for organizations like Black Girls Code
• Mentorship programs connect younger players with experienced community members
• Online content creates representation in gaming spaces

Lessons for all creators:

• Niche communities are powerful. There’s room to create spaces for people who look like you in every interest area
• Purpose drives engagement. Combining community building with charitable giving creates deeper connections
• Representation creates opportunity. When people see themselves reflected, they participate more

Whether you’re into gaming, cooking, fitness, or any other passion: there’s space for you to build community around shared interests and cultural connection.

Full story on USA Today

Global Inspiration: Nairobi’s Influencer Wave

While we’re talking about community building, let’s look at Nairobi’s thriving influencer scene for inspiration. These creators are pushing boundaries and building massive followings:

Creators to watch:

• Corazon Kwamboka: Lawyer-turned-influencer championing body positivity

• Betty Kyallo: Media personality and entrepreneur respected for business acumen

• Dennis Ombachi (“The Roaming Chef”): Former rugby player creating viral no-narration cooking content while advocating for mental health

• Black Mully: Digital comedian and “prank king” pushing creative boundaries

• Bernice Nunah: Rising fashion icon and mental health advocate

What we can learn:

• Bold authenticity wins. These creators aren’t playing it safe: they’re starting conversations
• Multi-platform strategy works. They’re building audiences across TikTok, Instagram, YouTube, and beyond
• Cultural pride drives content. They’re not trying to appeal to Western audiences: they’re celebrating their own culture

For creators everywhere, Nairobi’s scene proves that authentic cultural content finds its audience. You don’t need to code-switch or water down your perspective to build a following.

Meet Nairobi’s top influencers on Business Insider Africa

Your Weekly Action Items

This week, focus on:

1. Document your journey. Whether you’re just starting or years in, create content showing your process, struggles, and growth
2. Check in on your creator friends. Mental health isn’t optional: reach out to people in your network
3. Find your niche community. Look for spaces where you can build genuine connections around shared interests
4. Study global creators. What can you learn from successful Black creators in other markets?

Resources to bookmark:

• Mental health support for Canadians
• BCC’s creator spotlights for community inspiration
• Submit your own story to amplify your voice

The Real Talk

This week reminded us that the creator economy is both opportunity and responsibility. We’re building something new, but we can’t forget to take care of each other in the process.

Doechii’s clap back shows us how to own our narratives. Lamarr Wilson’s legacy proves representation creates lasting impact. The gaming and Nairobi communities demonstrate how authentic passion builds real connection.

But LazyWrita’s story reminds us that none of it matters if we’re not taking care of your mental health first.

Keep showing up, claim your space, and stay connected. The creator economy needs your voice, your perspective, and your authentic story. But it needs you healthy and whole first.

Got stories, wins, or struggles to share? Submit them here and let’s keep building this community together.

Stay connected for more real talk and resources every week.

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