Nigerian content creators dominated the 2025 TikTok Awards for Sub-Saharan Africa, taking home six of the ten major awards at the Johannesburg ceremony.
The event, themed “New Era, New Icons”, celebrated creators across the continent who are shaping culture, entertainment, and digital storytelling. Winners hailed from Nigeria, South Africa, Kenya, Tanzania, and Ghana, with Nigeria leading the pack.
Shallipopi emerged as Artiste of the Year, while Guinness World Record holder Brian Nwana won Storyteller of the Year, further cementing Nigeria’s strong presence at the awards.
Boniswa Sidwaba, TikTok’s Head of Content Operations for Sub-Saharan Africa, praised the impact of Nigerian creators, noting their cultural influence and the support they received from the TikTok community.
READ ALSO:
- NANS Backs Insurance Sector’s Transformation Agenda, hails NAICOM
- SJN Trains Osun Journalists on Accurate Reportage of SRHR, SGBV
- At 66, Nigeria on the path to a stronger, more prosperous nation – Yilwatda
- Nollywood Stars Dakore, Timini Pen Heartfelt Tributes As Mother Turns 70
- ‘Stop Offering Spiritual Solutions To Practical Problems’ — Mary Njoku To Pastors
“With Nigerian creators securing six of the ten awards, we are honoured to celebrate their impact, especially as these victories were voted for by the TikTok community, who continue to champion the stories shaping culture,” she said.
“Tonight’s ceremony was a gathering of the trailblazers who have redefined what it means to be a creator in Africa. This year, we are honoured to see West African creators who turned short video clips into cultural movements be recognised.”
Full List of Winners
Creator of the Year
• Raja’atu Muhammed Ibrahim — @diaryofanortherncook (Nigeria)
Storyteller of the Year
• Brian Nwana — @briannwana (Nigeria)
Education Creator of the Year
• Izzi Boye — @izziboye (Nigeria)
• Runner-up: Michelle Expert — @michelle_expert (South Africa)
Entertainment Creator of the Year
• Belove Olocha — @beloveolocha (Nigeria)
• Runner-up: Jabulani Macdonald — @jabu_macdonald (South Africa)
Social Impact Creator of the Year
• Dejoke Ogunbiyi — @noositiwantiwa_ (Nigeria)
• Runner-up: Sinethemba Masinga — @ufarm_julia (South Africa)
Artist of the Year
• Crown Uzama (Shallipopi) — @theycallmeshallipopipp (Nigeria)
Video of the Year
• Fanuel John Masamaki — @zerobrainer0 (Tanzania)
Rising Star of the Year
• Tunero Animations — @tunero_animations (Kenya)
• Runner-up: Esther Francis — @estherfrancisbackup (Nigeria)
Food Creator of the Year
• Malum Foodie — @malumfoodie (South Africa)
• Runner-up: Abena Amoakoaa Sintim-Aboagye — @chefabbys (Ghana)
Sports Creator of the Year
• ZOZA Sports Cast — @zozasportscast (Kenya)
• Runner-up: Victor Ademola — @ademolavictortv (Nigeria)
The awards highlighted the growing influence of Nigerian creators in shaping trends and cultural conversations across the continent.
