The Kengaroo is a biweekly newsletter that curates the latest on Gen Z culture in Africa and around the world. Subscribe to be among the first to get the next issue when it’s up.

⭐️ Z-Brand Spotlight: The Sandwich Podcast

The Sandwich Podcast is a Kenyan comedic podcast hosted by four creatives: Joan, Kibz, Nyamita and Owen. Delivered in a mix of English, Swahili, and Sheng, the topics discussed on the podcast are inspired by the hosts’ life experiences and the guests they feature.

A month ago, The Sandwich Podcast was selected by Spotify as one of four Kenyan podcasts to receive funding through the streaming company’s Africa Podcast Fund. This recognition validates The Sandwich Podcast’s place as one of the fastest-growing and most culturally relevant podcasts in East Africa.

🔥 Hot Topics

1 • Balenciaga apologises for its problematic bondage-themed ad

Yesterday, Balenciaga was confronted with pushback to its bondage-themed ad that included children holding teddies in bondage. As a brand loved greatly by politically sensitive Gen Z consumers, Balenciaga is faced with quite a PR challenge.

2 • Millennials and Gen Z are taking over luxury brands

Customers of luxury brands are increasingly younger. Gen Z and millennial consumers currently represent 40% of global luxury shoppers and are projected to grow to 70% by 2025. Here’s how fashion brands are adapting.

3 • Google shares “soothing videos” trends Gen Z is obsessed with

We feel seen. In this blog post written by the YouTube’s head of Culture & Trends team, you’d find a list of soothing videos capturing the attention of Gen Z viewers. They really got it right.

4 • Gen Z recruitment company secures a £4m investment bag

London-based recruitment app, Placed, raised an additional £4m in funding to accelerate its mission to bridge the gap between employers and Gen Z job seekers. With the rampant layoffs and hiring freezes, apps like Placed could not exist at a better time.

✨ New on Kenga

• The Influence of K-Pop on How Black Girls Style Their Hair in 2022 — Victoria Audu, Kenga Style Editor

• Tems, Burna Boy, and More Nominated for the 65th GRAMMY Awards — Arinze Obiezue, Kenga Publisher

• Lupita Nyong’o’s Collab with Infamous Diamond Company De Beers is Giving Chaos — Arinze Obiezue, Kenga Publisher

🎵 TikTok of the Week

🐦 Tweet of the Week