DAKAR, Senegal — Khaby Lame, who is recognized as the most followed TikTok personality globally despite his silent comedic style, was appointed a UNICEF goodwill ambassador on Friday, during a visit to his homeland. Lame, originally from Senegal, now boasts more than 162 million followers, gaining immense popularity with his engaging videos that humorously react to ordinary situations without uttering a single word. His rise to fame accelerated during the pandemic, after losing his factory job, which provided him the opportunity to focus more on creating and sharing content.

In his new role as a UNICEF ambassador, Lame expressed excitement about the opportunity to understand global challenges better. He emphasized his eagerness to contribute toward addressing some of these issues and highlighted the significance of being associated with an organization that prioritizes children’s rights. Lame shared his personal journey, reflecting on his childhood fears of poverty, struggles in education, and the tumultuous period during the COVID-19 outbreak when he lost his job. He is a strong advocate for the potential of all children, as he believes they can flourish when given the right opportunities.

Senegal experiences high levels of irregular migration to Europe, with a staggering 60% of its population under the age of 25 and about 90% working in the informal sector. Young people in the country have long witnessed the profits from their natural resources being siphoned off abroad, leaving many to feel that perilous voyages across the Atlantic in makeshift fishing vessels are their only options.

When discussing his aspirations for the youth of Senegal, Lame encouraged them to “dream big,” advising them to strive to achieve their ambitions despite discouragement from others. He emphasized the importance of perseverance in the face of challenges.

Lame’s early life began in Senegal, but he moved to Italy as a toddler with his working-class family. Despite living in Italy for two decades, he only obtained Italian citizenship at the age of 20. “I’ve been in Italy for 20 years since I was just 2 years old,” he remarked in Dakar, dressed in a chic beige suit and tie. He reiterated his dual identity, stating, “My blood is from Senegal, but I feel Senegalese and Italian at the same time.”

His appointment to UNICEF was announced following a four-day trip to Senegal, during which he interacted with children and young people who are making a positive difference in their communities.