As we’ve seen in previous years, the weight of Black Twitter’s commentary alone can make or break a show. Who can forget the cultural impact the online community generated for Bird Box in 2018? Not only did the film secure the highest opening week figure for a Netflix original at the time with over 45 million streams but even Netflix couldn’t deny the pivotal role its Black audience had in boosting the film’s digital success.
While Bird Box is the most widely documented example, it’s not the only one. Across the board, we’ve seen this trend play out with Netflix’s pick-up of Girlfriends, Love is Blind, this year’s Too Hot to Handle and, of course, Love Island. Don’t just take my word for it – it’s all in the numbers. In 2020, data scientist Chris Schon revealed that during the winter series of the reality show, seven of the top 10 #LoveIsland hashtag users with the highest engagement on Twitter were Black British. Six placed higher than the show’s official Twitter page.
Now, following the emergence and growing usage of other digital mediums, we’re seeing these discussions spill outside the realm of Twitter and onto newer platforms including Clubhouse and TikTok. From calling out ongoing issues with the show in relation to race and colourism to providing pure banter, memes and enjoyable takes, here are the essential Love Island Black commentators leading this year’s conversation.
Ashleigh Louise
In the audio sphere, Clubhouse has become the hub for digital discourse. So it’s fitting that Love Island chatter has wasted no time making its way to the app. Leading this vocal discourse is none other than “famous moderator” Ashleigh Louise. As part of her popular segment #TalksWithAsh, the project manager and host’s Love Island debrief has provided a space for many to share their immediate afterthoughts on each episode outside of a 280 character limit.
Follow for: Collective topical discussions
Reach: 56.9K
Follow @axhleighlouise on Twitter
Bolu Babalola
The pop culture aficionado, author and writer was one of the most prolific – if not the most prolific – users on Twitter following the show’s digital success back in 2018. Adored for her witty yet honest takes, Bolu Babalola has become a reputable source for all things Love Island. While she took a mild step back during the winter series – still dipping her toe in here and there – Babalola has comfortably reclaimed her role as the ultimate commentator and hasn’t missed since.
Follow for: Home truths
Reach: 102.6K
Follow @beebabs on Twitter
Victoria Sanusi
Resident hype girl is journalist Victoria Sanusi. Among her hilarious yet accurate takes is a flurry of tweets championing her favourite islanders and their latest looks. Plus if you’re a Love Island veteran, Sanusi’s references to previous seasons make each episode that much more enjoyable. And fortunately for us, the cultural commentator and her co-host Jasmine Braithwaite launched a miniseries dedicated to the show on their award-winning podcast, Black Gals Livin’. On Black Twitter’s impact on the show, Sanusi told R29: “Black commentary on Twitter truly makes Love Island, no one can deny it. You feel pretty rubbish with yourself watching it after the live airing because you didn’t get an opportunity to watch it alongside Twitter and the jokes everyone is creating.”
Follow for: Timely memes
Reach: 22.5K
Follow @victoriasanusi on Twitter
Adella Afadi
Commentary and critical analysis is pretty much Adella Afadi’s thing – it’s earned her YouTube channel almost five million views. Her perspective on pop culture and the online world makes her the perfect hub for an insightful take on the topical issues raised on Love Island. In her video dissecting the start of the season, she dives into a much-needed conversation about the show’s perception of beauty standards with her latest theory: the “first glance approach”. And I must say, she’s definitely onto something.
Follow for: Deep video essays
Reach: 63.2K
Watch Adella Afadi on YouTube
Chanté Joseph
Voicing what everyone is pretty much thinking at all times is Chanté Joseph. From questioning the men’s weird obsession with blonde hair to declaring her intention to rap Nicki Minaj lyrics if she didn’t get picked (this has to be my favourite tweet so far), Joseph’s tweet rate is unmatched. Who needs to watch the actual series when her stream of live thoughts is enough to paint an accurate depiction of each episode? If you’re not on Twitter, Joseph hosts gal-dem’s weekly Love Island debrief show, Casa Gimme More, with fellow writer Adwoa Darko.
Follow for: Episode highlights
Followers: 40.4K
Follow @ChantayyJayy on Twitter
Habiba Katsha
Journalist turned Love Island commentator Habiba Katsha is an emerging voice in this year’s discussion. Her honest takes on the islanders are what everyone needs to hear and it’s no surprise that her commitment to the show led her to launch a podcast dedicated to this season called Island Gyals with her friend Yewande Akeju. Only a couple of episodes in, the pair have already carved out a space as the go-to voices for all things Love Island. When asked about Black Twitter’s impact for R29, Katsha noted: “I definitely think Black Twitter has contributed to the success of Love Island. I’d even go on to argue that Black Twitter’s commentary is funnier than the show itself sometimes. Black people are so innovative when it comes to memes and jokes relating to TV shows while adding political commentary too.”
Follow for: Critical analysis
Reach: 10.2K
Follow @Habibakatsha on Twitter
Jason Okundaye
We’re only two weeks in and journalist Jason Okundaye has already stolen the show as this season’s standout Love Island commentator. His honest takes calling out some of the actions of this year’s contestants kept viewers engaged following the show’s slow start and before the week had finished, he was the second most liked tweeter under the #LoveIsland hashtag and Bustle’s Love Island weekly correspondent. Who knows what he’ll do next? Just know we’re ready.
Follow for: Engaging live tweets
Reach: 43.4K
Follow @jasebyjason on Twitter
Vee Brown
The weekly slot of Love Island: Aftersun doesn’t even compare to the banter and entertainment that comes with comedian Vee Brown’s daily offering, The Sundown. Streamed live on YouTube entertainment platform Link Up TV, Brown is joined by a different guest – including winter Love Island series contestant Priscilla Anyabu – to unpack all the controversial moments immediately after each episode airs. With the opportunity for viewers to call in and share their thoughts, its unpredictable nature is just the content we need.
Follow for: Unfiltered banter
Reach: 134K
Follow @veryveebrown on Instagram
Like what you see? How about some more R29 goodness, right here?
Is A Queer Version Of ‘Love Island’ The Answer?