In an online world overflowing with content, Zikoko and TechCabal stand out—not just for their vibrant storytelling, but also for how they foster community and spark meaningful dialogue. Zikoko captures the pulse of African youth with humor, soul, and bold cultural commentary. From memes to identity-focused essays, it’s more than a media platform—it’s a mirror for a generation. On the other end of the spectrum, TechCabal is the go-to platform for in-depth coverage of Africa’s tech ecosystem, serving founders, investors, and policymakers with data, insights, and critical conversations.At the heart of both platforms is Tomiwa Aladekomo, the CEO of Big Cabal Media, the powerhouse behind these brands.
With one foot in strategy and the other in storytelling, Tomiwa is steering a new generation of media that isn’t just reporting African stories—it’s shaping them. Whether it’s raising $2.3M to scale Big Cabal or challenging legacy institutions to evolve digitally, Tomiwa is a rare kind of leader—one who knows how to capture attention while building trust.
1. He Holds Degrees in Business and Anthropology
While most media executives come from one of the traditional schools of thought—journalism, marketing, or tech—Tomiwa Aladekomo combines business savvy with deep cultural insight. He earned a BSc in Business Administration from Boston University, equipping him with a strong foundation in management and finance. However, what sets him apart is his Master’s degree in Anthropology from Columbia University, a discipline that is rooted in understanding human behavior, culture, and society.
This unique blend of education isn’t just decorative. It’s reflected in how Zikoko taps into youth culture with empathy and nuance, or how TechCabal doesn’t just report on startups—it contextualizes them within Africa’s broader socio-economic fabric. Tomiwa’s ability to think commercially while never losing sight of people and culture is what makes Big Cabal Media both sustainable and impactful. It’s the rare combination of analytical sharpness and human-centered thinking—business meets anthropology—that shapes the bold and relevant media platforms he leads today.
2. He Transformed Big Cabal Into a Media Powerhouse
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When Tomiwa Aladekomo became CEO of Big Cabal Media in 2018, the company was still in its early stages—ambitious, but relatively unknown. Under his leadership, it has evolved into one of Africa’s most dynamic and disruptive media houses. Big Cabal now operates two highly influential platforms: TechCabal, which chronicles Africa’s rapidly evolving tech landscape, and Zikoko, a youth-focused outlet that speaks the language of pop culture, humor, identity, and shared experiences.
What’s truly remarkable is how Tomiwa infused editorial integrity with business innovation. He spearheaded a $2.3 million fundraising round in 2022, a significant achievement for a media company on the continent. He also led the company in developing original content, establishing brand partnerships, and implementing data-driven journalism, ensuring the business is both creatively rich and financially sustainable.
In an era where many traditional media companies are struggling, Big Cabal has grown by prioritizing storytelling and community. With Tomiwa at the helm, it’s not just a media company—it’s a movement reshaping how Africa tells its stories.
3. From Concert Promoter to Media Executive—His Journey Wasn’t Linear
Tomiwa Aladekomo didn’t take the traditional path to media leadership. Before leading one of Africa’s most innovative media companies, he was organizing concerts and cultural events. In 2009, he founded Quirk, a creative event company behind iconic productions such as Fela in Lagos, the Lagos Jazz Festival, and Music Meets Runway. These events weren’t just shows—they were culture-building moments that brought Nigerian art and music to life.
From there, he transitioned into corporate marketing, taking on a senior digital role at Nigerian Breweries, where he managed global brands such as Heineken, Star, and Gulder. It was a fast-paced crash course in brand storytelling, digital strategy, and consumer engagement.
Tomiwa then moved into media strategy at Ventra Media Group, eventually becoming Managing Director. The breadth of his career—from the arts to FMCG marketing to media—reflects a unique versatility. It also explains his success: he understands both the art and the business of storytelling, and he has used that dual lens to shape how African stories are told across various platforms.
4. He’s BuildingRea a Media Company for the Next Generation
At Big Cabal Media, Tomiwa Aladekomo isn’t just maintaining a business—he’s actively shaping the future of African media. Since becoming CEO in 2018, he has led the company through a transformative journey, culminating in a successful $2.3 million funding round in 2022. His mission? To build a sustainable media company that tells African stories with nuance, originality, and global relevance.
TechCabal is now one of Africa’s most respected voices in tech reporting, helping investors, entrepreneurs, and readers worldwide understand the pulse of Africa’s digital revolution. Zikoko, on the other hand, captures the daily lives, emotions, and humor of Africa’s youth with memes, videos, quizzes, and personal essays. It’s not just media—it’s culture curation.
Through original storytelling, tech innovation, and a strong editorial voice, Tomiwa is positioning Big Cabal Media as a cultural force—one that is defining how the world views modern Africa and how young Africans perceive themselves.
5. His Influence Goes Beyond Media
Tomiwa Aladekomo’s impact extends beyond journalism and entertainment. He’s also actively shaping policy and advocacy for Africa’s digital and creative sectors. As a board member of the Africa Tech and Creative Group (ATCG), he’s working to ensure that the Africa Continental Free Trade Agreement (AfCFTA) supports the interests of tech innovators, content creators, and small businesses across the continent.
His voice resonates in policy discussions, think-tank gatherings, and business panels. Whether speaking at NECLive, Social Media Week, or the Moonshot Conference, Tomiwa brings clarity and conviction to conversations about innovation, digital transformation, and youth engagement.
He’s also a non-executive director at Chams Plc, reinforcing his role in guiding Nigeria’s broader technology ecosystem. With his background in anthropology and business, Tomiwa connects ideas across sectors, weaving together insights from media, policy, culture, and commerce.
For Tomiwa, storytelling is just one piece of a much larger vision—to build Africa’s creative and digital future from the ground up.
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A Legacy Still Unfolding
Tomiwa Aladekomo is more than a media executive—he’s a builder of ecosystems, communities, and movements. From reshaping African narratives through Zikoko and TechCabal to shaping policy through the Africa Tech and Creative Group, his work is rooted in a belief that media can be a tool for change.
Whether he’s interviewing tech innovators on Arise News or pushing the boundaries of storytelling at Big Cabal Media, Tomiwa is helping to chart a bold, creative course for Africa’s future. And while the headlines may focus on his leadership, fundraising, and business moves, the true measure of his legacy will be in the voices he’s amplified, the stories he’s told, and the future he’s dared to imagine.
Tomiwa isn’t just watching the future unfold—he’s building it. One story, one startup, one bold idea at a time.