Nigerian cook from Sokoto beats continent to win 2025 TikTok Awards Africa

In a heartfelt victory, Nigerian culinary storyteller Raja’atu Muhammed Ibrahim (@diaryofanortherncook) was named the TikTok Sub-Saharan African Creator of the Year for 2025 at a ceremony in Johannesburg, South Africa. Overwhelmed with emotion, the Sokoto-based creator expressed shared triumph with her followers, stating, “This win is ours, we did it together.”

Known for her cinematic showcases of Northern Nigerian cuisine, Ibrahim’s win celebrates authentic cultural storytelling. In her remarks, she revealed her genuine shock, having told fellow nominees she didn’t expect to win. “I was chilled throughout,” she joked, noting her unplanned, “random” acceptance speech. The experience of being flown from Nigeria to South Africa for the event was, in itself, a dream fulfilled. The creator dedicated her award to her massive online community, fellow food bloggers, and her designer, expressing gratitude in both English and Hausa: “Nagode, Nagode, Nagode” (Thank you). Her victory is a landmark moment for regional Nigerian cuisine on a global digital platform, proving that specialised, culturally rich content can achieve the highest continental recognition. Her win spearheaded a historic night for Nigeria, which dominated the awards by taking six of the ten major categories.

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. Cook Creator of the Year: Raja’atu Muhammed Ibrahim @diaryofanorthern (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.

Raja'atu Muhammed Ibrahim wins TikTok Awards Africa

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.