When Adamu Godwin Umar uploaded his first AI-generated video, he waited eagerly to see how people would respond.

The video got five views. Not five thousand. Just five.

For many people, that might have been enough reason to stop.

For Adamu, it became the beginning of something much bigger.

Today, less than 8 months later, he has built a growing online community of more than 40,000 followers, using artificial intelligence to create content that celebrates his culture, tells meaningful stories, and generates income.

Before joining the AI Content Creation Programme at Dinovate Creative Academy, Adamu’s understanding of AI was limited.

“I just had basic knowledge,” he says. “I didn’t really understand AI content creation.”

But his interest went beyond learning a new digital skill.

As a member of the Gbagi tribe in Nigeria’s North Central region, he noticed that stories from his community were rarely represented in today’s digital landscape.

“When I looked around the entertainment space, my tribe was somehow left behind.”

That observation sparked an idea.

“If people are attracted to AI content, why not use it to showcase my culture? “

During the Academy programme, students were introduced to AI-generated talking videos. Inspired by the possibilities, Adamu began experimenting with different tools and techniques until he created his first animated storytelling video.

That moment changed everything.

“That’s when I knew this was something I really wanted to do.”

Encouraged by his instructor, *Pamela Williams, he launched his TikTok page, *ShalomtoonsABJ.

The first few posts attracted very little attention.

But instead of giving up, Adamu kept learning, creating, and improving.

Slowly, the audience began to grow.

Today, Shalomtoons has attracted more than 40,000 followers across TikTok, with a growing presence on YouTube.

The impact, however, extends far beyond the numbers.

Even before completing the programme, clients began reaching out for paid projects, requesting AI-generated graphics, animated visuals, and creative video content.

What started as curiosity quickly became both a creative outlet and a source of income.

Through his work, Adamu now tells stories in both English and Gbagi, using AI to preserve culture while making it accessible to audiences around the world.

“My intention is not just for my tribe alone,” he says. “It’s for the entire world. But I must first project where I’m coming from.”

His journey is also inspiring others.

Young people in his church have approached him to teach them AI content creation, eager to learn the same skills that have transformed his own path.

For Adamu, that may be one of the most rewarding outcomes.

Knowledge that once seemed out of reach is now creating opportunities for others.

Looking back, he describes Dinovate Creative Academy as the turning point that gave direction to his passion.

“Dinovate has really shaped my journey to become a better version of myself.”

At Dinovate Creative Academy, we believe technology is most powerful when it helps people tell authentic stories.

Adamu’s journey is proof that innovation doesn’t replace culture—it can amplify it.

Sometimes, all it takes is one opportunity.

And sometimes, every big story really does begin with just five views.