Illustrated portrait of Thandi Gama

Top 20 · South Africa 2026

Thandi Gama

Beauty and content production

A self-taught makeup artist and early South African YouTuber who opened the content studio The Paris Edit in 2025 and teaches other creators gear and production technique.

Thandi Gama is one of South Africa’s most respected and technically gifted creative voices, whose influence stretches across YouTube, Instagram, TikTok, and the creator community at large. An early adopter of YouTube culture, Thandi began her journey by sharing beauty, lifestyle, and makeup content, teaching herself makeup artistry and building her channel into a trusted source of both inspiration and education for thousands of followers.

In 2025, she took a major step forward in her commitment to the creator economy by opening The Paris Edit, a content studio born from her own experiences as a creator. Designed as a space that understands the unique needs of digital storytellers, the studio offers creators a home to imagine, shoot, and produce work with intention, something she saw as missing and deeply needed in the local industry.

Thandi is known for the exceptional quality of her work and her generous approach to sharing technical knowledge. She regularly breaks down gear, technique, and production best practices in her content, helping other creators elevate their craft, and she is widely recognised for capturing stunning imagery of fellow creators at events, a testament to her eye for detail and collaborative spirit.

Thandi has spoken openly about her own journey with skin and self-confidence, including past experiences of being bullied about her skin, a vulnerability that has helped her build a profoundly authentic relationship with her audience. This openness resonated strongly with followers and led to meaningful partnerships, including work with skincare brands that validate and support her journey. A pioneer in her field, Thandi continues to push creative boundaries while uplifting others, blending high-quality content creation with community building and technical mentorship in a way that few in the industry do.