Wode Maya (born Berthold Kobby Winkler Ackon, 3 March 1994) is a Ghanaian YouTuber, travel vlogger, entrepreneur, and digital media influencer known for promoting positive stories about Africa. Through his YouTube channel, he documents economic development, business innovation, tourism, and inspiring individuals across the African continent. He is widely regarded as one of the most influential African YouTubers and a leading advocate for changing global narratives about Africa.
Quick Facts
- Full Name: Berthold Kobby Winkler Ackon
- Known as: Wode Maya
- Date of birth: 3 March 1994
- Age: 32 years old as of 2026
- Occupation: Youtuber
- Net Worth: $2 Million US dollars
- Wife: Gertrude Awino Njeri
- Children: 1 as of 2026
Early Life and Background
Wode Maya was born Berthold Kobby Winkler Ackon on 3 March 1994 in Ahekofi, a small community in the Western Region of Ghana. He grew up in a modest household and spent much of his childhood in rural Ghana, where he developed an early appreciation for African culture and community life.
Raised by hardworking parents, Ackon experienced both the challenges and opportunities of growing up in a developing environment. His upbringing strongly influenced his later mission of showcasing Africa’s untold success stories and encouraging young Africans to believe in opportunities on the continent.
Education
Wode Maya attended school in Ghana before moving abroad to pursue higher education. He later enrolled at **Shenyang Aerospace University in China, where he studied Aeronautical Engineering. (1
While studying in China, he began sharing videos on social media documenting his experiences as an African student living abroad. These early videos would eventually become the foundation for his YouTube career.
Origin of the Name “Wode Maya”
The name “Wode Maya” originates from the Chinese phrase “Wǒ de mā ya” (我的妈呀), which loosely translates to “Oh my God!” in English. Ackon adopted the phrase as his online persona during his time in China because it was a common expression used by locals in moments of surprise or excitement.
Over time, the name became synonymous with his YouTube brand and mission to present Africa to the world.
Career
Early YouTube Career
Wode Maya began uploading videos around 2013 while still studying in China. His early content focused on the experiences of Africans living in China and the challenges they sometimes faced abroad.
One of his early viral videos documented an incident on a bus in China where passengers avoided sitting next to him because of his skin colour. The video gained widespread attention and helped grow his online audience.
Rise to Prominence
After completing his studies, Wode Maya decided to pursue content creation full-time. Instead of focusing only on life abroad, he shifted his content toward African development, entrepreneurship, tourism, and success stories.
His videos feature:
- African entrepreneurs
- Innovative businesses and startups
- Infrastructure projects across Africa
- Cultural experiences and travel
- Interviews with inspiring individuals
Through this approach, he created a powerful narrative known as “Africa to the World,” aimed at challenging negative stereotypes about the continent.
His channel eventually grew to millions of subscribers and hundreds of millions of views, making him one of the most recognized digital storytellers in Africa. (2)
Business Ventures
Beyond YouTube, Wode Maya has expanded into several entrepreneurial activities.
In 2021, he launched a real estate project known as CHARLIEMAG Estate, based in East Legon, Accra, Ghana. The project focuses on property development and housing investment.
He has also collaborated with African entrepreneurs, tourism boards, and international organizations to promote business opportunities across the continent.
Net Worth of Wode Maya
The net worth of Wode Maya is estimated between $500,000 and $2 million as of 2024–2025. His fortune mainly comes from his highly successful YouTube channel, brand collaborations, speaking engagements, and real-estate investments.
Recognition and Influence
Wode Maya is widely considered one of Africa’s most influential online creators.
Some of his notable recognitions include:
- Online Creator of the Year at the Entertainment Achievement Awards (2022).
- Invitation to cover global events such as the **World Economic Forum Annual Meeting in 2023.
- Participation in the **Munich Security Conference as a digital content creator.
In 2025, the Ghanaian government honored him with a diplomatic passport in recognition of his efforts to promote Ghana and Africa internationally. (3)
Personal Life
Wode Maya is married to Miss Trudy (Gertrude Awino Njeri), a Kenyan YouTuber and travel vlogger. The couple met while collaborating on a video project in Ethiopia and later began a relationship. (4)
They held a traditional wedding ceremony on 10 September 2022 in Siaya County, Kenya, attended by close family members. (5)
The couple shares a strong online presence and often collaborates on travel and lifestyle content.
Children
After several years of fertility challenges and multiple miscarriages, Wode Maya and Miss Trudy welcomed their first child in 2025, a milestone that the couple described as a deeply emotional journey. (6)
Philanthropy
Wode Maya is also involved in charitable activities across Africa.
Some of his philanthropic efforts include:
- Donating approximately $10,000 to transform a dumpsite into a public park.
- Raising funds to support the education of 100 children.
Through his platform, he frequently highlights grassroots projects and community initiatives that contribute to social development.
Legacy and Impact
Wode Maya has become one of the most recognizable African digital storytellers. Through his travel documentaries and interviews, he has helped reshape international perceptions of Africa by focusing on progress, innovation, and opportunity.
His slogan, “Africa to the World,” reflects his mission to promote pride in African identity and encourage investment and tourism across the continent.
