TikTok Awards Sub-Saharan Africa celebrates the creators shaping a new era of African storytelling
Africa has crowned its newest icons at the 2025 TikTok Awards Sub-Saharan Africa, where Nigerian creators delivered a commanding performance by winning six out of the ten categories. The ceremony, held in Johannesburg on 8 December 2025 under the theme “New era, New icons,” celebrated the creators reshaping digital culture and redefining how African stories are told. This year’s event highlighted not only the rise of standout talents from Nigeria but also the growing influence of TikTok as a platform that amplifies creativity across the continent.
Inside the TIkTok Awards
Creators also reflected on TikTok’s role in giving African culture greater visibility. Raja’atu Muhammed Ibrahim, who won Creator of the Year, expressed gratitude for the platform’s impact in showcasing African culture. Meanwhile, Storyteller of the Year Brian Nwana highlighted the shared responsibility of creators in shaping narratives across the continent. “We all tell stories that help drive the local communities, our cities, and our countries, and when we do that, we change the perception that the world has about us,” he said.
The night also underscored TikTok’s growing influence in elevating African music. Accepting the Artist of the Year award, Shallipopi shared his appreciation for the platform for supporting upcoming artists and giving them a spotlight to shine. His chart-topping hit “Laho” became a cultural reset across the platform in 2025, sparking viral challenges and reinforcing his “Pluto Presido” persona.
Supported by partner brands such as NIVEA, inDrive, Coca-Cola, PEP and Dis-chem, the TikTok awards recognised creators from Nigeria, South Africa, Kenya, Ghana and Tanzania. According to Boniswa Sidwaba, TikTok’s Head of Content Operations for Sub-Saharan Africa, “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.”
Sidwaba added that the event brought together “trailblazers who have redefined what it means to be a creator in Africa,” acknowledging the growing number of West African creators whose short-form content has evolved into cultural movements.
Read also: Get to know the nominees for the 2025 TikTok Awards Sub-Saharan Africa
Full list of winners
Creator of the Year
Raja’atu Muhammed Ibrahim @diaryofanortherncook (Nigeria)
She was celebrated for her cinematic documentation of Northern Nigerian cuisine, which continues to draw global attention.
Storyteller of the Year
Brian Nwana @briannwana (Nigeria)
He was recognised for weaving compelling narratives into his food-focused content and for his bold, record-setting approach to creation.
Entertainment Creator of the Year
Belove Olocha @beloveolocha (Nigeria)
Was awarded for consistently engaging audiences with relatable and dynamic film content.
Education Creator of the Year
Izzi Boye @izziboye (Nigeria)
Was acknowledged for making tech more accessible through practical reviews, digital tips and gadget breakdowns.
Social Impact Creator of the Year
Dejoke Ogunbiyi @noositiwantiwa_ (Nigeria)
She was honoured for using TikTok to spark meaningful conversations and mobilise her community for positive change.
Artist of the Year
Crown Uzama @theycallmeshallipopipp (Nigeria)
Was recognised for a year dominated by “Plutomania,” with chart-topping tracks that became the soundtrack of 2025.
Video of the Year
Fanuel John Masamaki @zerobrainer0 (Tanzania)
He was celebrated for his signature comedy based on football sketches that resonate widely across the continent.
Rising Star of the Year
Tunero Animations @tunero_animations (Kenya)
Was honoured for animated storytelling featuring characters like Bob Kichwa Ngumu, whose humour and relatability have gone viral.
Food Creator of the Year
Tebogo Chami Moroke@malumfoodie (South Africa)
He was recognised for his flavour-rich content, delivered with charisma in Spitori and local South African languages.
Sports Creator of the Year
John Maingi Mbugua@zozasportscast (Kenya)
Was awarded for fan-driven football analysis delivered with passion, precision and authenticity.
This awards ceremony underscores the transformative power of African creators whose stories, sounds and perspectives continue to influence global culture. With Nigeria leading this standout year, the ceremony reaffirmed TikTok’s role as a platform where African creativity thrives, allowing new icons to emerge across the continent.
Read more: TikTok Sub-Saharan Awards: Exploring Johannesburg and Soweto
