TikTok has announced the recipients of the 2025 TikTok Awards for Sub-Saharan Africa, recognizing creators whose work significantly influenced digital culture across the region. The awards ceremony, held on 6 December in Johannesburg under the theme “New Era, New Icons,” acknowledged creators shaping contemporary expression, creativity, and social conversations, with Nigerian nominees receiving a substantial share of the honors.
According to a statement provided to PUNCH Online, the event included performances by Ciza, Lord Kez, Thuli P, DJ Fif_Laa, and Thabsie. The ceremony was hosted by Bontle Modiselle-Moloi, with Keegan Gordon and Zayaan Noorani leading the red-carpet proceedings. Special appearances included South Africa’s Mihlali Ndamase, who presented the Video of the Year award, and Olympian Akani Simbine, who presented the Sports Creator of the Year award.
TikTok stated that the awards are intended to acknowledge creators whose contributions have influenced audiences both on and beyond the platform. Boniswa Sidwaba, TikTok’s Head of Content Operations for Sub-Saharan Africa, noted that the ceremony celebrated individuals who have transformed short-form content into significant cultural movements. The full event will be rebroadcast on TikTok LIVE on 11 December at 20:00 SAST via the @tiktok.africa account.
Nigerian Honourees and Runners-Up (2025)
Social Impact Creator of the Year (Sponsored by Dis-Chem)
Winner: Dejoke Ogunbiyi — @noositiwantiwa_ (Nigeria)
Recognized for content addressing community issues and promoting civic action.
Runner-up: Sinethemba Masinga — @ufarm_julia (South Africa)
Creator of the Year (Sponsored by NIVEA)
Winner: Raja’atu Muhammed Ibrahim — @diaryofanortherncook (Nigeria)
Honored for exceptional documentation of Northern Nigerian culinary traditions.
Storyteller of the Year (Sponsored by inDrive)
Winner: Brian Nwana — @briannwana (Nigeria)
Recognized for integrating food, interviews, and human-interest storytelling, including his Guinness World Record achievement.
Rising Star of the Year
Runner-up: Esther Francis — @estherfrancisbackup (Nigeria)
Noted for accessible educational content on health-related topics.
Winner: @tunero_animations (Kenya)
Sports Creator of the Year
Runner-up: Victor Ademola — @ademolavictortv (Nigeria)
Acknowledged for commentary on Nigerian and global football.
Winner: John Maingi Mbugua — @zozasportscast (Kenya)
Entertainment Creator of the Year (Sponsored by PEP)
Winner: Belove Olocha — @beloveolocha (Nigeria)
Commended for engaging entertainment and film-related commentary.
Runner-up: Jabulani Macdonald — @jabu_macdonald (South Africa)
Education Creator of the Year
Winner: Izzi Boye — @izziboye (Nigeria)
Recognized for simplifying technology, gadgets, and digital know-how.
Runner-up: @michelle_expert (South Africa)
Artist of the Year
Winner: Crown Uzama (Shallipopi) — @theycallmeshallipopipp (Nigeria)
Honored for the widespread impact of his 2025 release Plutomania.
Winners from Other African Countries
Video of the Year
Winner: Fanuel John Masamaki — @zerobrainer0 (Tanzania)
Acknowledged for innovative silent comedy skits.
Rising Star of the Year
Winner: @tunero_animations (Kenya)
Food Creator of the Year (Sponsored by Coca-Cola)
Winner: @malumfoodie (South Africa)
Runner-up: @chefabbys (Ghana)
Sports Creator of the Year
Winner: John Maingi Mbugua — @zozasportscast (Kenya)
Food Creator of the Year — Runner-Up
Runner-up: Abena Amoakoaa Sintim-Aboagye — @chefabbys (Ghana)
Entertainment Creator of the Year — Runner-Up
Runner-up: Jabulani Macdonald — @jabu_macdonald (South Africa)
Social Impact Creator — Runner-Up
Runner-up: Sinethemba Masinga — @ufarm_julia (South Africa)#newsafro_
