We're loading the full news article for you. This includes the article content, images, author information, and related articles.
From a factory floor in Italy to a boardroom in Hong Kong, the wordless TikTok king just rewrote the rules of the creator economy—and secured a fortune that rivals traditional media empires.

Silence is golden, but for Khaby Lame, it is platinum. The Senegalese-Italian creator, who conquered the internet without uttering a single word, has just executed a financial maneuver that screams louder than any viral trend. In a deal valued at approximately Sh125 billion ($975 million), Lame has sold a majority stake in his operating company, Step Distinctive Limited, to Rich Sparkle Holdings.
This is not just another influencer cash-out; it is the industrialization of the creator economy. By converting his digital likeness and "common sense" brand into a tradable equity asset, Lame has effectively listed himself on the stock market. The transaction marks a seismic shift where top-tier creators are no longer just billboards for other brands but are becoming conglomerates in their own right.
The deal structure is as intricate as it is lucrative. Lame retains a 49% stake, ensuring he remains the creative engine, while Rich Sparkle Holdings takes over the commercial heavy lifting—merchandising, licensing, and the deployment of an "AI Twin" to scale his presence globally.
For Kenya's burgeoning content creation industry—from Elsa Majimbo to Crazy Kennar—this is the new north star. It proves that the path to generational wealth isn't in the views, but in the equity. Lame has shown that "virality" is a commodity, but "ownership" is the asset.
"He didn't just sell a channel; he sold a system," notes digital economist Dr. Achieng Oloo. "He has secured his great-grandchildren's future while retaining the ability to make us laugh. It is the ultimate business hack." As the ink dries in Hong Kong, the boy from the factory floor has officially become a Titan of Industry.
Keep the conversation in one place—threads here stay linked to the story and in the forums.
Sign in to start a discussion
Start a conversation about this story and keep it linked here.
Other hot threads
E-sports and Gaming Community in Kenya
Active 9 months ago
The Role of Technology in Modern Agriculture (AgriTech)
Active 9 months ago
Popular Recreational Activities Across Counties
Active 9 months ago
Investing in Youth Sports Development Programs
Active 9 months ago