In a powerful display of cultural influence, Nigerian creators dominated the 2025 TikTok Awards Sub-Saharan Africa, securing a historic six of the 10 major awards and solidifying the nation’s role as the continent’s leading digital storyteller.
The ceremony, themed “New Era, New Icons,” was held in Johannesburg on December 6 and celebrated the creators shaping African digital culture. Nigeria’s triumph was comprehensive, winning across diverse categories from entertainment and education to social impact.
The winners reflect the breadth and depth of Nigeria’s creative talent, uniting voices from across the nation to share authentic stories with the world. Their victories were community-driven, voted for by the TikTok users who champion their content daily.
The wins underscore a significant cultural moment. As Storyteller of the Year winner Brian Nwana stated, creators tell stories that “drive our local communities… and change the perception that the world has about us”. This sentiment was echoed by TikTok’s Head of Content Operations for Sub-Saharan Africa, Boniswa Sidwaba, who honoured the creators for turning “60-second clips into cultural movements” and taking African stories to the world.
The full awards ceremony will be rebroadcast on TikTok LIVE via the @tiktok.africa account on December 11.
List of the winners
Artist of the Year: Crown Uzama @theycallmeshallipopi (NIGERIA)
The Nigerian Afrobeats star has become a TikTok sensation, with tracks that dominate feeds and playlists alike. His win highlights how African music, driven by creators and social media, is influencing global trends.
Creator of the Year: Raja’atu Muhammed Ibrahim @diaryofanorthern Cook (NIGERIA)
Hailing from Sokoto, Nigeria, she blends culinary creativity with authentic storytelling, making food content relatable, vibrant, and shareable. Her recipes have become a bridge between culture and creativity.
Video of the Year: Fanuel John Masamaki @Zerobrainer0 (TANZANIA)
This Tanzanian creator’s short-form videos captivated audiences worldwide, proving that innovative visual storytelling remains one of the most potent ways to engage on TikTok.
Storyteller of the Year: Brian Nwana @briannwana (NIGERIA)
Known for his honest and engaging content, Brian has shown that compelling stories, whether humorous, heartfelt, or thought-provoking, can resonate across languages and countries.
Rising Star of the Year: Tunero Animations @tunero_animations (KENYA)
This Kenyan animation account brings imagination to life, reminding audiences that creativity knows no medium. Animated content, when done right, can capture hearts and spark meaningful engagement.
Entertainment Creator of the Year: Belove Olocha @beloveolocha (NIGERIA)
From dance to skits, Belove’s content entertains while celebrating African narratives, proving that relatability, humour, and performance are timeless tools in digital storytelling.
Food Creator of the Year: Malum Foodie @malumfoodie (NIGERIA)
From meal prep tutorials to elaborate dishes, Malum Foodie turns kitchens into stages, demonstrating how food content continues to connect and inspire audiences across the continent.
Education Creator of the Year: Izzi Boye @izziboye (NIGERIA)
Her informative and engaging videos make learning accessible and fun, showing that educational content can thrive in a space often dominated by entertainment.
Social Impact Creator of the Year: Noosi Tiwantiwa @noositiwantiwa
Using TikTok as a platform for change, Noosi highlights community issues, social causes, and inspiring initiatives, proving that creators can entertain while making a meaningful impact.
Sports Creator of the Year: John Maingi Mbugua @zozasportscast
From match analyses to sports culture storytelling, Zoza brings athletic passion to TikTok in a way that informs, excites, and builds community among fans.
