Renowned journalist, poet, spoken word artist, and author Tofarati Ige, popularly known as Grand Tycoon, has been named one of “50 African Personalities and Brands Who Have Mastered the Art of Visibility” by Visibility 50 Africa (2025). The annual recognition celebrates individuals and brands across the continent who have successfully built influence, relevance, and impact through strategic visibility.

Grand Tycoon has distinguished himself across journalism, literature, and performance arts. An award-winning journalist by profession and a poet by passion, he is celebrated for his storytelling, lyrical depth, and ability to connect African culture with contemporary narratives.

In 2025, Tofarati delivered standout performances at major cultural and creative platforms, including Gbenga Adeyinka’s Laffmattazz Lagos Edition and Asiri’s “I Don’t Need Your Opinion” comedy show, solidifying his reputation as a compelling spoken word artist. Beyond performance, he shapes cultural conversations as a Lifestyle Editor, amplifying African stories with authenticity.

As an author, he has produced acclaimed works such as Town Crier and Oriki, collections of praise poetry that draw on African oral traditions while engaging modern themes. His writing demonstrates a commitment to preserving cultural identity while pushing creative boundaries.

Reacting to the recognition, Ige described it as humbling and motivating:
“Visibility, when rooted in purpose, becomes responsibility. This recognition is not a destination, but a call to do more — tell truer stories, amplify African voices, and build platforms where culture, creativity, and truth can thrive. In 2026, my focus is on deepening impact through intentional storytelling, expanding my literary and performance work across Africa, and empowering the next generation of creatives to be seen, heard, and valued.”

Other notable honorees on the list include Davido, Wizkid, Burna Boy, Funke Akindele, Ayra Starr, Joshua Selman, Nathaniel Bassey, GehGeh, Bimbo Ademoye, and Chimamanda Adichie, recognizing their contributions to culture, music, and public influence across Africa.