Nigeria reaffirmed its status as Africa’s creative powerhouse over the weekend as its creators swept six of the ten top categories at the 2025 TikTok Awards Sub-Saharan Africa. Held in Johannesburg under the theme “New Era, New Icons,” the ceremony spotlighted the continent’s brightest digital talents — and Nigeria’s creators left no doubt about where the momentum is coming from.
From Sokoto to Lagos and Abuja, Nigerian winners were celebrated for shaping global conversations around food, music, storytelling, education, and social impact. The night also doubled as a nod to TikTok’s expanding influence in amplifying African culture and elevating homegrown creators to global relevance.
Creator of the Year, Raja’atu Muhammed Ibrahim (@diaryofanortherncook), captured the mood best as she thanked the platform for enabling her to showcase northern Nigerian cuisine to millions worldwide. Abuja-based creator, Brian Nwana, who clinched Storyteller of the Year, reminded the audience of the power creators hold: “Every creator is a storyteller… and when we do that, we change the perception the world has about us.”
The celebration extended to music, with Shallipopi — the “Pluto Presido" behind 2025’s runaway hit “Laho” — taking home Artist of the Year after a record-breaking run defined by viral challenges and continent-wide cultural influence.
Supported by major partners including NIVEA, inDrive, Coca-Cola, PEP, and Dis-Chem, this year’s awards highlighted creators from Nigeria, South Africa, Kenya, Ghana, and Tanzania. But Nigeria unmistakably led the night.
Boniswa Sidwaba, TikTok’s Head of Content Operations for Sub-Saharan Africa, said the results reflect a community-driven celebration: “With Nigerian creators securing six of the ten awards, we are honoured to celebrate their impact… These creators have turned short video clips into cultural movements.”
The full ceremony will broadcast exclusively via TikTok LIVE on 11 December at 19:00 WAT on @tiktok.africa.
Full List of 2025 Award Winners
Creator of the Year (Sponsored by NIVEA)
Winner: Raja’atu Muhammed Ibrahim (@diaryofanortherncook) – Nigeria
The Sokoto-based creator took home the night’s biggest honour for her visually rich storytelling through northern cuisine and culture.
Storyteller of the Year (Sponsored by inDrive)
Winner: Brian Nwana (@briannwana) – Nigeria
Known for his food-driven storytelling and record-breaking content, Nwana’s blend of street interviews and human-interest narratives stood out.
Education Creator of the Year
Winner: Izzi Boye (@izziboye) – Nigeria
A leading tech educator, Izzi simplifies gadgets and digital hacks for everyday users.
Runner-up: @michelle_expert (South Africa)
Entertainment Creator of the Year (Sponsored by PEP)
Winner: Belove Olocha (@beloveolocha) – Nigeria
Olocha’s movie-centered content continues to resonate widely. She thanked her supporters after sharing she quit her job to pursue content creation full-time.
Runner-up: Jabulani Macdonald (@jabu_macdonald) – South Africa
Social Impact Creator of the Year (Sponsored by Dis-Chem)
Winner: Dejoke Ogunbiyi (@noositiwantiwa_) – Nigeria
From Ibadan, she uses the platform to champion social causes and community conversations.
Runner-up: Sinethemba Masinga (@ufarm_julia) – South Africa
Artist of the Year
Winner: Crown Uzama “Shallipopi” (@theycallmeshallipopipp) – Nigeria
With “Laho” and the unstoppable Plutomania wave, Shallipopi dominated music trends across the continent.
Other 2025 Winners
Video of the Year
Winner: Fanuel John Masamaki (@zerobrainer0) – Tanzania
Rising Star of the Year
Winner: @tunero_animations – Kenya
Runner-up: Esther Francis (@estherfrancisbackup) – Nigeria
Food Creator of the Year (Sponsored by Coca-Cola)
Winner: @malumfoodie – South Africa
Runner-up: Abena Amoakoaa Sintim-Aboagye (@chefabbys) – Ghana
Sports Creator of the Year
Winner: @zozasportscast – Kenya
Runner-up: Victor Ademola (@ademolavictortv) – Nigeria
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