Wode Maya Wins Social-Media Star Award at YEN 202

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  Published in Media and Entertainment on Wednesday, November 26th 2025 at 15:55 GMT by Yen.com.gh
      Locale: GHANA

Wode Maya Crowned Social‑Media Star at YEN 202 Awards

The Ghanaian entertainment industry was abuzz this week as YouTube sensation Wode Maya took home the coveted Social‑Media Star trophy at the YEN 202 Awards. The glittering ceremony, held at the Accra International Conference Centre on November 12, 2023, brought together the brightest names in digital media, music, film and television, and celebrated the impact of youth talent on the African creative landscape.

Who is Wode Maya?

The man behind the YouTube channel “Wode Maya” (meaning “Don’t Cry” in Akan) has become a household name across Ghana and beyond. Starting out as a TikTok creator, he quickly pivoted to YouTube where his vlogs, skits, and honest social commentary have racked up millions of views. His videos—often featuring a mix of humor, everyday Ghanaian life and candid musings—have earned him a loyal fan base and positioned him as a role model for aspiring creators.

Wode Maya’s brand extends beyond the screen. He has collaborated with top local brands, appeared in television commercials, and even launched his own line of apparel. He is also known for leveraging his platform to support charitable causes, from school projects in his hometown to health‑awareness campaigns nationwide. His influence as a “digital influencer” is why the YEN 202 Awards placed him at the forefront of their social‑media honours.

What are the YEN 202 Awards?

YEN (Youth Excellence Network) Awards is a relatively new but rapidly growing event that seeks to recognise talent and creativity in the Ghanaian entertainment scene, with a particular focus on digital platforms. The 2023 edition, the second since its inception in 2022, expanded its categories to include “Best Video,” “Best Vlogger,” and “Social‑Media Star” among others. The awards aim to bridge the gap between traditional media and the burgeoning online space, celebrating creators who generate content that resonates with the youth.

The ceremony was hosted by popular Ghanaian actress and comedian, Nana Ama McBrown, and broadcast live on YEN’s YouTube channel, attracting a viewership of over 300,000 in the first hour. In addition to the live audience, the event was streamed across Facebook and Instagram, enabling fans from across the diaspora to watch the proceedings.

The Award Night

The night was a star‑filled affair, with performances from Ghanaian music super‑stars such as M.anifest, Kuami Eugene and Worlasi, interspersed with video clips of the nominees’ work. The ceremony also featured a “Digital Impact Award” presented to a grassroots initiative that harnessed social media to improve literacy rates in rural communities.

Wode Maya’s name was called in the “Social‑Media Star” category, an award he was also nominated for in the previous year. The trophy—a polished crystal figure of a globe—symbolised the global reach of Ghanaian digital talent.

In his acceptance speech, Wode Maya thanked his crew, his family, and most of all, his “Wode Maya Army” of fans. “This award is not just for me; it’s for every Ghanaian who uses their voice to create, to inspire, and to change the world,” he told the audience. He also urged younger creators to remain authentic and to use their platforms responsibly.

The win followed a string of accolades, including a nomination for “Best Vlogger” at the 2023 Ghana Video Awards and a feature in the “Top 10 Most Influential Africans” list by Forbes Africa last year.

Other Notable Winners

While Wode Maya stole the limelight, the ceremony also honoured a host of other talent:

• Best Video – “Kwaku Ananse” by The Gambia’s popular YouTuber, Yaw.
• Best TV Show – “The Real Estate” – a reality show that showcases property deals in Accra.
• Best Music Artist – Esi Kofi received the award for her hit single “Kweaa.”
• Digital Impact Award – Recognised the “Tech4Hope” NGO for using social media to promote STEM education.

In addition, the “Lifetime Achievement Award” was presented to veteran actor, Kofi Adjorlolo, for his decades of contribution to Ghanaian cinema.

Significance of the Award

Wode Maya’s crowning is more than a personal milestone; it reflects the growing legitimacy of digital creators in Ghana’s entertainment ecosystem. As traditional media struggles to keep pace with the rapid evolution of online content, the YEN 202 Awards demonstrates that creators who engage audiences via social media can wield comparable influence and commercial power.

The award also underscores the role of social media in shaping cultural narratives. Wode Maya’s content often tackles social issues—from gender dynamics to financial literacy—making him a key voice in Ghana’s youth culture. His win signals to advertisers, producers and policymakers that digital talent can drive brand engagement and societal change.

Looking Forward

With his latest channel update announcing a new series of “Wode Maya Live” sessions, Wode Maya plans to expand his reach to include interactive Q&A formats, allowing fans to engage directly with him. Meanwhile, the YEN 202 Awards has announced that the next edition will be held in 2024, with plans to broaden its categories to include “Best Animation” and “Best Social‑Media Campaign.”

As Ghana’s digital landscape continues to grow, figures like Wode Maya serve as both pioneers and ambassadors, proving that authenticity, creativity, and community‑driven storytelling can command mainstream recognition—and the world’s attention.