Deepfakes media is produced using artificial intelligence neural networks known as Generative Adversarial Networks. This AI technique has been used to combine, replace or superimpose images and videos to create controversial deepfakes videos. The emergence of deepfakes has been referred to as infopocalypse due to the difficulty the content poses to producers, publishers, and consumers of information. Recent studies in Europe, China, and the United States have reported a rise in user cynicism, apprehension, and erosion of journalists' roles. However, literature is lacking on African online media discourses on deepfakes technology and content. Using mediatization theory and reflexive inductive thematic analysis, this study sought to fill this gap by investigating socio-political discourses, perceptions, and awareness of deepfakes technology and media content in Nigeria, Kenya, and South Africa. Findings indicate that, unlike the rest of the world, online media is concerned about deepfakes impact on already fragile political and security situations, particularly during the electioneering period. There are deep anxieties about the rising cases of deepfakes-instigated financial fraud, religious animosity, xenophobic attacks, and cyber-harassment. Also, even though there is a genuine effort to enumerate deepfakes usefulness through media/legal/public literacy and awareness, the general online media logic and perception are dystopian. Implications are discussed.

Although government agencies prefer public information model when disseminating information, this study opines that public relations managers of Kenya's investigative agency (DCI-Kenya) relied on publicity model to communicate a high-profile corruption expose involving a deputy presidential candidate, nine days before 2022 general election. As a result, Kenyans online questioned the authenticity of not only the corruption expose but also the organizations’ intentions and preferences so close to the general elections. Using political organization-public relationship model and contingency theory this study thematically examined the attitudes of commenting audience on DCI-Kenya official Facebook page, to interpret users' perceptions towards the organization and the information published (message), the timing factor, and the relationship between perceived source and message authenticity with trust and satisfaction. The findings indicate that DCI-Kenya communication approach was detrimental to the public trust the organization has cultivated in recent years and leaves many dissatisfied with their ability to deliver on their mandate of fighting corruption. This study offers valuable insights for political public relations practitioners, particularly on the importance of timing and source authenticity in heightened political environments. Interestingly, findings indicate a strong link between source authenticity, public's trust, and satisfaction but a weaker link to the message authenticity.

Politicians have always been fascinated by the power of language and rhetoric in their quest to influence voters. For decades, ethnic-based political rhetoric has dominated African politics. In Kenya, the rhetoric of "Hustler versus Dynasty (HvD)," coupled with a powerful personal narrative is shifting the debate from ethnic to class-based politics setting up a face-off between the rich and poor. In light of the fierce competition between "hustlers" and "dynastic elites," this study aims to investigate the media role in popularization and framing of Hustler versus Dynasty rhetoric, risks of class-based social conflict, lessons and future implication of this rhetorical approach for Kenya and other Africa societies. Using an online survey of 140 Kenyans, the results indicate that the media has popularized the rhetoric by making it the center of their agenda through episodic and thematic framing. This has earned 'hustler narrative' massive support particularly among the poor and unemployed youth creating fears of social conflict in future. The rhetorical approach has created a new class-based voting pattern (2022 elections). The effectiveness of Hustler-versus-Dynasty class-based approach in mobilization and persuasion in Kenya means it could be replicated by other countries struggling with powerful political dynasties in Africa and beyond.

With the mutualism of digital technology and human interaction making (new) media communication more and more limitless and boundaryless, the integrated amalgamation of communication and social media (CommSocMed) has provided a fertile ground for research, examining how our society or individual idiosyncrasies have been transformed