Emmanuel Kellam Olaniyan (born 27 November 1997) is a Nigerian-British television presenter and YouTube personality better known as Eman Kellam. He is best known for his presenting work for CBBC, MTV, BET International and his own YouTube web show British Slang With Eman Kellam.
Olaniyan started creating content on his YouTube channel "EmansBlogs" in 2012.[4] He started creating video blogs in his kitchen discussing topics that were popular and relevant at that point in time. It was not, however, until 2014 when he uploaded his most viewed video, "Pranking My African Dad",[5] in which he told his father that he had impregnated a 14-year-old girl, that his channel went viral and started to pick up speed and gain subscribers. This video has had over 8 million views as of August 2021 and has been discussed and shared across various platforms including WorldStarHipHop[6] and Bossip.[7] In January 2016, he appeared on the CBBC Channel as Lifebabble talent on the Scottish BAFTA award nominated show Lifebabble.[8][9]
French Montana collaboration
On 5 November 2016, French Montana premiered his highly anticipated album MC4 on the Apple Music show OVO Sound Radio.[10] The show was curated by Noah "40" Shebib and Oliver El-Khatib who founded OVO Sound radio with multi award-winning artist Drake.
Olaniyan and his father featured on the show in a intro skit on MC4 called "Check Come". The skit was taken from Olaniyan's infamous "Pranking My African Dad" video.
CBBC and BBC "Own It"
In February 2018 Olaniyan appeared on The CBBC Channel in the United Kingdom as a guest presenter to promote "BBC Own It", a new online learning resource commissioned by the BBC aimed at 9-12 year olds. Covering a range of topics that would relate to children growing up in the digital age. Own It launched nationally on Tuesday 7 February 2018.[11] He then made several guest presenting appearances on the channel along with featuring in other CBBC shows.
YouTube Black Voices
In January 2021 YouTube announced the international list of creators of the inaugural YouTube Black Voices Class of 2021, of which Olaniyan was a UK class member .
Some members of the class of 2021 were also featured in the September 2021 issue of British Vogue in which Olaniyan was also included. Quote from British Vogue feature "As YouTube expands its diverse community, the Class of 2021 are the new figureheads in the making to follow. Prepare to watch those featured here go stratospheric".
TikTok's "One's To Watch"
In October 2024 TikTok announced their list of "Creators To Watch" for Black History Month 2024 in which Olaniyan was listed as one of eight. [12]
Quote from TikTok
"From history and fashion, to food and comedy, #BlackTikTok encompasses the diversity and trendsetting creativity of Black culture on TikTok, and demonstrates how Black creators continue to influence mainstream culture and shape industries.
Take a look at some of the talented Ones To Watch this October, who are using their creativity to celebrate, honour and shape Black culture and history."
Olaniyan released his secret debut EP "For The Summer" on 10 June 2021. Speaking via Instagram he said "I remember going on tour with Lotto Boyzz in 2017 and seeing how much they loved making music. I was only hosting for them back then, but seeing the passion really inspired me to want to take music seriously. It's been a long time coming. Music is one of the things I love the most."
