A music artist known as Ablexu, who hails from Congo and grew up in Switzerland, has been using his TikTok platform, boasting over two thousand followers, to raise funds for displaced individuals in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC). Despite being physically distant from Congo, he is troubled by the lack of media attention the country’s ongoing crisis receives.
Ablexu made a public commitment on TikTok to allocate 80% of the earnings from his song “Not That Type” towards providing essential supplies like medicine, feminine care products, and other urgent items for those in need. His goal is to leverage the popularity of his song to increase revenue, enabling more substantial donations.
This initiative by Ablexu is part of a larger trend seen among TikTok users who are using the platform’s features like music promotion, filters, and live broadcasts to raise virtual gifts and funds for various social causes. By spreading awareness and encouraging others to use his song, Ablexu hopes to amplify the reach and impact of his fundraising efforts.
The situation in the DRC is dire, with long-standing conflicts leading to significant displacement of people, particularly in resource-rich regions like Ituri, North Kivu, and South Kivu. Recent events, such as the resurgence of the M23 rebel group in 2021, have further exacerbated the crisis, displacing hundreds of thousands and pushing the total number of internally displaced persons to seven million.
The escalating conflict, including the recent takeover of Goma by M23, has raised concerns about the potential for a broader regional conflict, intensifying the already severe humanitarian crisis in the region. The need for support and attention from the international community is urgent, especially with millions of Congolese facing food insecurity and other challenges.
Through TikTok’s monetization tools, creators like Ablexu can earn royalties based on the number of videos featuring their songs on the platform. While viral hits can generate substantial revenue, even lesser-known artists like Ablexu can contribute significantly to fundraising efforts by donating proceeds to grassroots organizations supporting crisis-affected communities.
In addition to music, TikTok offers creators the opportunity to earn money through designing popular effects and participating in programs like the Effects Creator Rewards initiative. These features have enabled creators to not only generate income but also raise awareness and funds for causes like the Congo crisis by creating content that resonates with their audience.
The use of TikTok as a platform for fundraising and activism has attracted both support and skepticism. While some creators have successfully raised funds and awareness for important causes, there are concerns about the authenticity and impact of these initiatives. Organizations like Friends of the Congo work to ensure transparency and accountability in collaborations with TikTokers to maintain the integrity of fundraising efforts.
Despite facing scrutiny and restrictions in certain regions, TikTok continues to serve as a powerful tool for social good, demonstrating how digital platforms can be leveraged for positive change. By combining music promotion, creative content creation, and fundraising efforts, TikTok creators are making a tangible impact in addressing crises like the one unfolding in the DRC.