Social media influencer Imani Vanzap is an unmatched presence of positivity amid the countless options for your social media views. Affectionately known as the “World’s Auntie,” her bold humor, vibrant spirit, and infectious positivity captured all of our hearts.
Suggested Reading
Joy and laughter was guaranteed whenever you heard “BECOME!” come across your social media feed. And behind the camera lens was her beloved “Nephew” Erik Dillard, the creative powerhouse who worked tirelessly to bring Vanzap’s persona to life.
But a turn of fortunes for Vanzap and Nephew has it so that iconic snap of her Chinese fan we all know and love isn’t gracing our screens nearly as often. So what’s going on…?
This is the story of Imani Vanzap.
The Beginning
Back in 2018, Imani Vanzap emerged onto social media as our beloved social media personality, gaining her viral fame through her touching Instagram and TikTok content. Through a simple scroll, chances are you’d catch her responding to something powerful or uplifting — but always sprinkling in her sassy personality.
Over time, she built a tight-knit online family of over a million people, all drawn to her honest journey of self-discovery, healing and positivity.
Erik Dillard: The Mastermind Behind The Scenes
Behind the witty and comical voice of Imani Vanzap, you will find nephew Erik Dillard working behind the scenes. The creative mastermind is more than the brains behind the brand; he’s the producer, manager, and steady hand that shaped Vanzap’s online persona. With over 25 years in the entertainment game, Dillard has poured his heart into building her platform from the ground up, using it to spread healing, create cultural conversations, and uplift folks one video at a time.
The Breakthrough
Beyond Vanzap’s positive spirit, she often spoke candidly about surviving a traumatic brain injury (TBI) and battling toxic relationships — including narcissistic relationships — while maintaining her platform through her resilience and healing.
Traumatic Health Crisis
While Vanzap’s platform continued to grow, her and Nephew’s health took a significant hit. In mid-2025, Nephew suffered a severe stroke, which paused her regular posting. She publicly shared that she was “overcoming a nervous breakdown,” and was leaning on her faith and her community support during recovery.
Online Presence Declined
After being hospitalized, her output slowed significantly. Fans continued to show support while Vanzap emphasized the importance of self-care, love, and collective encouragement. Her vulnerability shone through with her honesty and she thanked her audience for showing love through her journey to recovery.
Where Are They Now?
As of this writing, Vanzap appears to be focusing on her recovery, continuing both physical and occupational therapy. While she’s slowly finding her way back to the spotlight, she’s been sharing personal moments of encouragement and love. In recent posts, she’s celebrated the growth and healing journey of her beloved “Nephew” Erik — reminding fans that even in your hard season, there is so much more of life left to live.
Straight From 
Sign up for our free daily newsletter.