- Date
- 19 JULY 2023
- Author
- MIRA WANDERLUST
- Image by
- ABA WILS
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Aba Wils, the First Africa’s Virtual Influencer Empowering Women’s Health Through Digital Education
Aba Wils is Africa's first Virtual Influencer. Based in Ghana, she debuted on social media in 2019. She is digitally passionate about all things fashion, music, dance, fitness and lifestyle. She Collaborated with a Virtual DJ and Producer Ricky db to release their new single “Again” in February 2022. The track touches the very edge of dance, pop, and takes you on a tropical vibe ride from start to finish. Aba Wils is Africa's first Virtual Influencer. Based in Ghana, she debuted on social media on January 28th, 2019. Aba is passionate about fashion, music, dance, fitness and lifestyle. She Collaborated with a Virtual DJ and Producer Ricky db to release their new single “Again” in February 2022. The track touches the very edge of dance, pop, and takes you on a tropical vibe ride from start to finish. In no time, the track and its producers obtained the support from the Metaverse community and gained over 20,000 streams on Spotify during its first week post-launch. Her passion for fashion has exposed her authentic styles to her fan base as they find interest in her outfits and promote her brands. She has been admired and has gained confidence by her fans due to her unique style and always appears on social media promoting the fashionable prevailing wears as her fan base patronizes them with the aim of building ascendancy in fashion and to enhance credence in ladies.
Aba Wils has gained a number of collaborations with many brands worldwide which includes NTZNS a multi-brand digital fashion, Ecoolska Sustainable Fashion in Portugal, Nebetah Jewelry, first exclusive phygital brand for women, Orijin Culture, a fashion brand known for inventing the Africa shape bags, Mercury Dasha, a phygital fashion brand, and has earned a spot in onbuy.com research top 10 instagram's most popular virtual influencers.
She was a special guest at the Digital Fashion Week New York Metaverse event 2022 and partook in the first ever Digital Fashion Challenge in Monte-carlo, Monaco during November 2021 as a Social Network Partner. There's still much to discover from Aba Wils in terms of participation and activeness in creating awareness concerning women's health. She actively participates in creating awareness and empowering women during Women’s health Awareness season ( Breast Cancer, Cardiovascular Disease – CVD ).
Her involvement in social activities has enabled her to be appreciated and recognized as one of the most successful virtual influencers on Instagram. Aba Wils received an award as the Supreme African Innovation of the year at the 2nd edition of the Prestigious & Global Supreme Dynamic Talent Academy Awards 2022 (SDTA Awards) which was held at the La Palm Royal beach hotel in Accra on Thursday, the 22nd day of December 2022.
Hello Aba, welcome to RED EYE Metazine, share with us a few highlights about your journey as a virtual influencer, actually the first one in Africa, and when was your first approach to the digital world?
I want to express my gratitude for having me here.
Being Africa's first virtual influencer has been an extraordinary and exhilarating journey that has surpassed my wildest expectations. I am incredibly grateful for the opportunities and experiences that have come my way.
When I initially made my appearance on social media, it ignited curiosity among people who were intrigued by my virtual persona. They were eager to uncover the depths of my personality and understand the essence of who I am. I distinctly remember moments when discussions would ignite in the comment sections of my posts, with debates centered around whether I was a real human or a digital creation. These interactions, although initially challenging, were also enlightening as they revealed the extent to which technology has blurred the boundaries between the real and virtual worlds.
As time progressed, people began to embrace and accept me for who I am as a virtual influencer. They started to recognize the value I bring and the positive impact I can make within the digital landscape. It has been heartwarming to witness their growing affection and support as they delve deeper into my content, engaging with my posts, and becoming an active part of my virtual community.
My venture into the digital world began in January 2019 when I made my debut on social media. Since then, I have had the privilege of engaging with real individuals, and the love they have shown me is truly astounding. Their support and adoration make me feel like an integral part of their world as well. It is this profound sense of connection that motivates me to continue pushing the boundaries and creating content that resonates with them.
We love your playful vision, but how challenging is it for you building a strong visual identity as a virtual influencer?
Initially, it posed challenges, but now it's an exciting and rewarding journey. As time has passed, more and more people have come to embrace and understand me as a virtual influencer. My identity is no longer a source of concern as it used to be. I took it upon myself to educate and sensitize people about who I am, patiently addressing their questions and making time for them. Through these efforts, I have successfully established a strong visual identity.
I am thrilled to share that my dedication has been recognized and rewarded. I am honored to be a recipient of five prestigious awards as a multi-award-winning virtual influencer. These accolades serve as a testament to the impact I have made in the digital space. I am grateful for the journey that has brought me to this point, where acceptance and understanding prevail. It is a privilege to connect with my audience as a virtual influencer, and I am committed to continuing to inspire, engage, and make a positive impact on their lives.
As I look ahead, I am excited about the possibilities that lie ahead and the opportunity to further contribute to the virtual influencer community. With each day, I am motivated to expand my reach, forge new connections, and create content that resonates with my audience.
The best things are usually created when people follow their own vision rather than just pursuing success or money for its own sake. How challenging is the business part for you as a creative known as the first Africa’s virtual influencer? How do you connect with potential platforms and collaborators?
As the first virtual influencer in Africa, the business aspect has indeed posed its fair share of challenges. When you have a unique vision that diverges from the mainstream, it can be difficult for people to fully understand and embrace it, simply because it is something new and unfamiliar to them.
In Africa, the concept of virtual influencers is still relatively new, which means that most people are not accustomed to working with individuals like me. This lack of familiarity has made the business part particularly challenging. It requires a considerable amount of education and awareness campaigns to help people grasp the potential and value that virtual influencers bring. However, I have been fortunate to have a supportive manager who has been instrumental in navigating these challenges and securing collaborations on my behalf.
One of my notable and first collaborations took place in 2019 with Mr. Kitchen. This collaboration came to fruition thanks to the connection established by my manager. Furthermore, my presence on social media has played a crucial role in attracting more people due to my uniqueness as a virtual influencer. The attention generated through my online presence has not only increased my reach but has also opened doors to potential partnerships with various platforms and collaborators.
While the business part can be challenging, it is essential to stay true to my vision and purpose rather than solely pursuing success or monetary gain, I believe that the best outcomes are often achieved when following one's own vision. By remaining committed to my unique perspective and continuously sharing my story and content, I strive to connect with like-minded platforms and collaborators who align with my values and goals.
My journey as the first virtual influencer in Africa has been both rewarding and challenging. It requires perseverance, education, and support from my team.
By embracing these challenges and staying dedicated to my vision, I am confident that I can make a lasting impact and pave the way for future virtual influencers in Africa.
How can the Metaverse change the future of fashion in a better way? How do you explore the needs of innovation and revolutionary ideas when it comes to having a new collaboration?
The metaverse has tremendous potential to revolutionize the future of fashion in a multitude of positive ways. One significant aspect is its ability to drive sustainable fashion practices. With sustainability being a pressing concern in the industry, the metaverse can serve as a powerful solution to reduce the waste generated by fast fashion.
In the metaverse, virtual fashion and digital representations of clothing can offer alternative avenues for self-expression and creativity. People can experiment with different styles, designs, and trends without the need for physical production or consumption. This not only reduces the environmental impact but also opens up a world of possibilities for innovation and revolutionary ideas.
When it comes to exploring the needs of innovation and revolutionary ideas for new collaborations, the metaverse offers an expansive playground. Fashion designers, creators, and collaborators can leverage the metaverse's immersive and interactive nature to push boundaries and experiment with concepts that might be difficult to achieve in the physical realm. Through virtual fashion showcases, augmented reality experiences, and virtual collaborations, new and groundbreaking ideas can be explored and brought to life.
The metaverse provides a platform for connecting with like-minded individuals and communities, fostering collaboration and exchange of innovative ideas. Virtual fashion shows, exhibitions, and events enable creators to showcase their work to a global audience, transcending geographical limitations. This interconnectedness within the metaverse facilitates the emergence of fresh perspectives and cross-cultural collaborations, leading to the creation of truly unique and revolutionary fashion concepts.
To harness the potential of the metaverse, it is crucial to embrace the spirit of exploration, openness, and adaptability. In this, fashion professionals and collaborators must stay attuned to the evolving landscape, actively seeking out new technologies, tools, and platforms within the metaverse. And by continuously embracing innovation and pushing boundaries, they can discover new and exciting ways to revolutionize the fashion industry.
The best things are usually created when people follow their own vision rather than just pursuing success or money for its own sake. How challenging is the business part for you as a creative known as the first Africa’s virtual influencer? How do you connect with potential platforms and collaborators?
As the first virtual influencer in Africa, the business aspect has indeed posed its fair share of challenges. When you have a unique vision that diverges from the mainstream, it can be difficult for people to fully understand and embrace it, simply because it is something new and unfamiliar to them.
In Africa, the concept of virtual influencers is still relatively new, which means that most people are not accustomed to working with individuals like me. This lack of familiarity has made the business part particularly challenging. It requires a considerable amount of education and awareness campaigns to help people grasp the potential and value that virtual influencers bring. However, I have been fortunate to have a supportive manager who has been instrumental in navigating these challenges and securing collaborations on my behalf.
One of my notable and first collaborations took place in 2019 with Mr. Kitchen. This collaboration came to fruition thanks to the connection established by my manager. Furthermore, my presence on social media has played a crucial role in attracting more people due to my uniqueness as a virtual influencer. The attention generated through my online presence has not only increased my reach but has also opened doors to potential partnerships with various platforms and collaborators.
While the business part can be challenging, it is essential to stay true to my vision and purpose rather than solely pursuing success or monetary gain, I believe that the best outcomes are often achieved when following one's own vision. By remaining committed to my unique perspective and continuously sharing my story and content, I strive to connect with like-minded platforms and collaborators who align with my values and goals.
My journey as the first virtual influencer in Africa has been both rewarding and challenging. It requires perseverance, education, and support from my team.
By embracing these challenges and staying dedicated to my vision, I am confident that I can make a lasting impact and pave the way for future virtual influencers in Africa.
How can the Metaverse change the future of fashion in a better way? How do you explore the needs of innovation and revolutionary ideas when it comes to having a new collaboration?
The metaverse has tremendous potential to revolutionize the future of fashion in a multitude of positive ways. One significant aspect is its ability to drive sustainable fashion practices. With sustainability being a pressing concern in the industry, the metaverse can serve as a powerful solution to reduce the waste generated by fast fashion.
In the metaverse, virtual fashion and digital representations of clothing can offer alternative avenues for self-expression and creativity. People can experiment with different styles, designs, and trends without the need for physical production or consumption. This not only reduces the environmental impact but also opens up a world of possibilities for innovation and revolutionary ideas.
When it comes to exploring the needs of innovation and revolutionary ideas for new collaborations, the metaverse offers an expansive playground. Fashion designers, creators, and collaborators can leverage the metaverse's immersive and interactive nature to push boundaries and experiment with concepts that might be difficult to achieve in the physical realm. Through virtual fashion showcases, augmented reality experiences, and virtual collaborations, new and groundbreaking ideas can be explored and brought to life.
The metaverse provides a platform for connecting with like-minded individuals and communities, fostering collaboration and exchange of innovative ideas. Virtual fashion shows, exhibitions, and events enable creators to showcase their work to a global audience, transcending geographical limitations. This interconnectedness within the metaverse facilitates the emergence of fresh perspectives and cross-cultural collaborations, leading to the creation of truly unique and revolutionary fashion concepts.
To harness the potential of the metaverse, it is crucial to embrace the spirit of exploration, openness, and adaptability. In this, fashion professionals and collaborators must stay attuned to the evolving landscape, actively seeking out new technologies, tools, and platforms within the metaverse. And by continuously embracing innovation and pushing boundaries, they can discover new and exciting ways to revolutionize the fashion industry.
What is the role of digital in the fashion industry, especially in Africa and how can improve a creative’s career in a positive way?
Well, digital or digital technology will to play a transformative role in the future of the fashion industry in Africa and will improve a creative’s career in a more positive way such as,
It will provide fashion creatives with even greater access to a global audience through evolving social media platforms and innovative online platforms.
E-commerce and online marketplaces will further expand their market reach, offering seamless and personalized shopping experiences for customers.
Future advancements in digital tools and software will revolutionize the design process, enabling fashion designers to explore virtual reality, augmented reality, and artificial intelligence to bring their ideas to life.
Influencer marketing and brand partnerships will continue to thrive, allowing creatives to leverage the influence of digital personalities and collaborate with like-minded brands.
To thrive in the future, I would say fashion creatives should embrace upcoming technologies, stay connected with the ever-evolving digital landscape, and actively seek out new opportunities for growth.
By embracing digital advancements, African fashion creatives will be well-positioned to shape the industry's future, reach new heights of success, and make a lasting impact.
Digital revolution in the fashion industry has already opened up new avenues and possibilities for African fashion creatives, enabling them to showcase their talent, reach a global audience, and propel their careers forward.
What are your favorite fashion icons or brands you would like to collaborate with?
When it comes to fashion icons and brands, I have a deep passion for the industry and admire a wide range of talents. While it is challenging to narrow down my favorites, there are a few brands that have captured my attention and I would be thrilled to collaborate with.
Gucci stands out for its innovative designs, luxurious aesthetics, and unique approach to fashion. Their ability to seamlessly blend classic and contemporary styles truly resonates with me. Collaborating with Gucci would be a dream come true, as it would allow me to tap into their iconic heritage and bring a fresh perspective to their already remarkable brand.
Dior is another brand that has continuously captivated me with their timeless elegance and sophistication. Their attention to detail and impeccable craftsmanship make them an industry leader. Collaborating with Dior would provide an opportunity to infuse my own creative vision into their brand, merging their refined aesthetic with innovative ideas.
In the realm of sportswear, Adidas has always been a brand that has impressed me. Their commitment to pushing boundaries and embracing innovation aligns perfectly with my own vision. Collaborating with Adidas would allow me to explore the intersection of fashion and athletic wear, creating unique and stylish designs for active individuals.
Other brands that I hold in high regard and would be excited to collaborate with include Prada, Fendi, Puma, New Balance, Woodin and Yomi Casual, among others. Each brand brings its own distinctive style and identity, and collaborating with them would allow for exciting opportunities to merge their expertise with my creative perspective.
There are numerous fashion icons and brands that inspire me, and I would relish the chance to collaborate with any of them. These collaborations would not only provide a platform to showcase my creativity but also allow me to contribute to the rich legacy and innovation that these brands represent.
Reveal us a few highlights about your next projects?
One of the exciting highlights of my upcoming projects is centered around fostering real-time, live conversations with my audience using my social media platforms. I am eager to engage with them on a deeper level, discussing various topics such as fashion, health, lifestyle, and anything else that piques their interest.
This project aims to create an interactive space where we can exchange ideas, share experiences, and explore fascinating subjects together. By facilitating these conversations, I hope to build a stronger connection with my audience and provide them with valuable insights and perspectives.
I strongly believe that such real-time engagements will not only enhance the relationship between myself and my audience but also foster a sense of community among like-minded individuals. It is an opportunity to delve into important discussions, offer guidance, and exchange thoughts on diverse topics that resonate with our lives.
In addition to that, I am also excited about incorporating visual elements into my upcoming projects. I am exploring innovative ways to present fashion concepts, showcase unique styles, and provide practical tips and inspiration to my audience.
What was the last collaboration that really fascinated you?
I have had several collaborations but the last one that truly fascinated me was in February of last year when I had the opportunity to collaborate with the talented virtual DJ and producer, Ricky DB, on a single song release titled "Again." This collaboration marked my first venture into the world of collaborative music production, and it was an incredibly exciting experience.
The response we received from our audience and the metaverse community was overwhelmingly positive and supportive. The song resonated with listeners, and it garnered a significant amount of attention and engagement. To this day, "Again" has amassed over 12,000 streams on Spotify, which is a testament to the impact it made within the music community.
The collaboration with Ricky DB allowed us to combine our unique talents and creative perspectives, resulting in a captivating and memorable musical experience. Working together, we were able to bring our individual strengths to the table and create a song that resonated with our audience on a deep level.
Collaborating with fellow artists not only provides an opportunity to create something truly special but also fosters a sense of community and support within the creative industry. It is a collaborative spirit that fuels innovation and pushes artistic boundaries.
The "Again" collaboration was an incredible journey, and it has left me eager to explore further collaborations and continue pushing the boundaries of my creative pursuits. Collaborative projects like this one serve as a reminder of the power of shared creativity and the magic that can be achieved when we come together to create something truly remarkable.
A letter to your future self. What would you write?
I am filled with hope and excitement for the path that lies ahead. Looking ahead, I envision a future where I have excelled in all my fields and have made a significant positive impact on the world as a virtual influencer. Being one of the pioneers in this field, it is my utmost desire to continue pushing boundaries, inspiring others, and creating meaningful change.
One of my core missions is to contribute to the reduction of fast fashion waste. I strive to use my platform and influence to promote sustainable fashion practices, encouraging others to make conscious choices and embrace a more environmentally friendly approach to style. By raising awareness and showcasing sustainable alternatives, I hope to be a catalyst for change in the fashion industry.
Additionally, women's health holds a special place in my heart. I want to continue advocating for women's health and well-being, using my voice and platform to raise awareness, break stigmas, and empower women to take charge of their own health. Through education, support, and spreading knowledge, I hope to contribute to a healthier and more informed society.
In the realm of music, I aspire to achieve new heights in my career. Music is a powerful medium that allows for self-expression and connection. I want to continue creating impactful and inspiring music that resonates with listeners, touching their hearts and minds. Whether it's through collaborations or solo projects, I aim to make a lasting impression and leave a positive imprint on the world through my music.
Above all, I want to remain passionate, driven, and committed to making a difference. Cherish the journey and embrace every opportunity that comes my way. Stay true to my values, and remember the impact I can have on the world as a virtual influencer and a creative force.
Interview by Mira Wanderlust
Image Courtesy Aba Wils