Ajib Gathoni
| |
| Ajib Gathoni in 2025 | |
| Background information | |
|---|---|
| Birth name | Ajib Gathoni |
| Born | 1 June 1999 (age 25) Mombasa, Kenya |
| Genres | Afrobeat dance Contemporary dance |
| Occupations | Dancer Content creator Entrepreneur Brand influencer |
| Years active | 2017–present |
| Partner | Josh Wonder |
| Known for | Viral TikTok dance videos Pulse Influencer Awards Random Wear clothing line |
Ajib Gathoni (born 1 June 1999) is a Kenyan dancer, content creator, entrepreneur, and brand influencer, widely recognized for her viral TikTok dance videos that blend Afrobeat and contemporary styles.[1] With over 1.4 million followers on TikTok, she has become one of Kenya’s most prominent social media personalities, winning the Pulse Influencer Award for Best Dancer in 2021 and 2022.[1] As the CEO of Random Wear, a clothing line co-founded with her partner Josh Wonder, Gathoni has expanded her influence into fashion and entrepreneurship.[2] Her bold career transition from a corporate banking job to full-time content creation, coupled with her advocacy for women’s health and authenticity, has made her a role model for young Kenyans, particularly women.[3]
Early life
Ajib Gathoni was born on 1 June 1999 in Mombasa, Kenya, to a Digo father and a Kikuyu mother.[4] Her father, a polygamist with four wives, fostered a harmonious family environment, which Gathoni credits for her sense of community and resilience.[4] Born into Islam, she converted to Christianity after her parents’ separation, following her mother’s lead.[4] Growing up in Mombasa, Gathoni developed a passion for dance, participating in church and school events, which laid the foundation for her later career.[5]
She attended Chania Girls High School in Thika, Kiambu County, completing her secondary education in 2017.[6] Gathoni then enrolled at Jomo Kenyatta University of Agriculture and Technology (JKUAT) in Juja, pursuing a course in networking.[6] In 2019, her family relocated to Nairobi, a move she initially resisted but later described as pivotal to her career, stating, “Nairobi opened doors I never imagined.”[7] Before her rise to fame, she worked in a banking job in Nairobi, which she found unfulfilling, prompting her to pursue dance and content creation full-time.[3]
Career
Social media beginnings
Gathoni’s social media journey began in December 2017 on Instagram, where she shared modeling and dance content as a member of the Exodus Hype Movers dance crew in Mombasa.[2] Her early posts showcased her Afrobeat and contemporary dance skills, but it was her entry into TikTok during the 2020 COVID-19 pandemic that marked a turning point.[5] “I was bored during the lockdown and curious about TikTok,” she recalled in an interview.[3] Her dance videos, characterized by vibrant energy and cultural resonance, quickly gained traction, amassing a significant following.[3]
TikTok stardom
By 2025, Gathoni’s TikTok account (@ajibgathoni) had over 1.4 million followers and 48.3 million likes, with one video alone garnering 3.8 million views.[2] Her content, blending dance challenges, fashion transitions, and lifestyle vlogs, resonates with both local and international audiences.[8] A pivotal moment came when Nigerian artist Kizz Daniel reposted her dance video to his song “Buga,” amplifying her global reach.[2] Gathoni’s dance style celebrates African music and culture, earning her praise as a cultural ambassador.[9]
She has addressed misconceptions about content creation, emphasizing the discipline required: “People think it’s easy, but it takes creativity, consistency, and resilience.”[3] Gathoni has faced online harassment, particularly as a female creator, but advocates for authenticity and mental resilience.[10] Her mantra, shared in an interview, reflects her approach: “I pray, stay consistent, and walk away from what drains my energy.”[11]
Brand partnerships and entrepreneurship
Gathoni has secured endorsement deals with major brands, including Safaricom, Coca-Cola, Bata, CeraVe, and Chezagame, leveraging her influence to promote products through engaging content.[2] As CEO of Random Wear, co-founded with Josh Wonder, she has built a fashion brand known for trendy designs, reflecting her bold style.[2] Launched around 2021, Random Wear has become popular among young Kenyans, with Gathoni often modeling the outfits in her videos.[12]
Her advocacy for menstrual health has led to collaborations with organizations promoting women’s wellness, further expanding her impact.[13] “I want to use my platform to educate and inspire,” she stated in a media appearance.[10]
Media appearances and public speaking
Gathoni has featured on several Kenyan platforms, including *The Sandwich Podcast*, where she discussed her career shift, faith, and dating; *Tuko Talks*, detailing her journey as a female creator; and *The Trend* with Larry Madowo, highlighting her rise to fame.[14][3][9] Her appearance on *The Wicked Edition* with Dr. King’ori offered a humorous take on her transition from a 9-5 job.[15]
In 2020, she delivered a TEDxYouth@Nairobi talk, “My Dance Journey,” encouraging young people to pursue their passions despite societal norms.[16] “Dance is my voice, my therapy, and my way to connect,” she said, inspiring her audience to find their own creative outlets.[16]
Expansion to other platforms
Gathoni and Josh Wonder launched a YouTube channel, sharing vlogs and collaborative content, aiming for 1,000 subscribers before their first video.[11] On Instagram, she has nearly 300,000 followers, reinforcing her multi-platform influence.[17] Her ability to diversify her content across platforms has solidified her status as a leading Kenyan influencer.
Personal life
Gathoni is in a relationship with Josh Wonder, a fellow TikToker and co-owner of Random Wear.[2] Known as “couple goals” by fans, they collaborate on content and business ventures, blending their creative and entrepreneurial pursuits.[18] Their partnership has been central to Gathoni’s public image, with joint projects showcasing their synergy.
In September 2024, Gathoni revealed her diagnosis with adenomyosis, a condition causing severe menstrual pain, and discussed considering forced menopause as treatment.[19] Her openness has raised awareness about women’s health, earning praise for her vulnerability. “It’s painful, but I want to help others understand,” she shared.[19]
A practicing Christian, Gathoni credits her faith for grounding her amid fame’s pressures.[14] “My faith keeps me humble and focused,” she noted, emphasizing its role in her decision-making.[14] She has also discussed modern relationships, advocating for self-awareness and boundaries in dating.[14]
Legacy and influence
Ajib Gathoni represents a new wave of Kenyan content creators who have transformed social media into a viable career.[3] Her journey from a banking job to TikTok stardom inspires young Kenyans, particularly women, to challenge societal norms and pursue their passions.[16] Her advocacy for menstrual health and authenticity amplifies her impact, positioning her as a voice for change.[13]
By celebrating African culture through dance and fashion, Gathoni has become a global ambassador for Kenyan creativity.[9] Her entrepreneurial ventures, like Random Wear, highlight the economic potential of digital influence, while her resilience against online criticism sets a standard for authenticity.[10] As she stated in her TEDx talk, “Find your dance, whatever it is, and let it speak for you.”[16]
Awards
- Pulse Influencer Award for Best Dancer – 2021, Won[1]
- Pulse Influencer Award for Best Dancer – 2022, Won[1]
- Platform Best Influencer Award – 2022, Nominated[2]
References
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