Introduction
Berthold Kobby Winkler Ackon (born March 3, 1990), popularly known as Wode Maya, is a Ghanaian YouTube personality, vlogger, digital media influencer, and aeronautical engineer. His name Wode Maya (Wǒ de Mǔqīn) translates to My Mother in the Chinese language. In 2017, he took a video in a bus where seats were empty beside him and other passengers stood due to his skin colour and the video went viral. He is acclaimed to be one of the top and most Influential YouTubers in Africa.
Early life and education
Wode Maya is from Ahekofi, Kofikrom, an area in the Western region of Ghana. He attended the Beijing Language and Culture University (BLCU).
Career
He was still a student when he started vlogging in China about his experiences and later quit his job as Aeronautical engineer. His moniker Wode Maya comes from the Mandarin expression wǒ de mā ya (我的妈呀, lit. "Oh, my mom!"), which is an interjection that roughly equates to English "Oh my god!" In December 2021, he started his own real estate company and said it will be known as 'CHARLIEMAG Estate' located in East Legon. He was one of six prominent YouTubers from around the world invited to cover the annual conference of the World Economic Forum in 2023. He was also invited to cover the 2023 Munich Security Conference.
Personal life
Wode Maya is married to Miss Trudy, a Kenyan YouTuber.
Philanthropy
Wode Maya donated roughly $10,000 for a dumpsite to be transformed into a park after being inspired by a man in Kwahu. In 2021, he helped raise $10,000 to cater to the educational needs of one-hundred children. He claimed it was more than a donation and called on others to take up such deeds.
Accolades
Wode Maya won Online Creator of the Year at the 2022 Entertainment Achievement Awards.