@michelle_expert (South Africa), Runners Up Education Creator of the Year,/PHOTO ; Courtesy
TikTok has announced the winners of the 2025 TikTok Awards Sub-Saharan Africa, held under the theme “New Era, New Icons.”
The ceremony celebrated creators shaping the region’s digital culture, entertainment, and social impact.
The event brought together top talent from Nigeria, Kenya, South Africa, Tanzania, and Ghana, highlighting TikTok’s growing influence in elevating African voices and creativity.
“Tonight’s ceremony was a gathering of trailblazers who have redefined what it means to be a creator in Africa,” said Boniswa Sidwaba, TikTok’s Head of Content Operations for Sub-Saharan Africa.
“From Sokoto to Nairobi, and Accra to Pretoria, we honoured the creators who turned 60-second clips into cultural movements.”
2025 TikTok Awards Winners
Creator of the Year: Raja’atu Muhammed Ibrahim (Nigeria) — recognised for her mastery of visual storytelling through Northern Nigerian cuisine that has drawn global audiences.
Storyteller of the Year: Brian Nwana (Nigeria) — honoured for his compelling narratives that blend food adventures with human stories. “Every single creator is a storyteller,” he said. “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.”
Video of the Year: Fanuel John Masamaki (Tanzania) — awarded for his silent comedy football skits under the handle @zerobrainer0.
Rising Star of the Year: @tunero_animations (Kenya) — for animated characters like Bob Kichwa Ngumu, whose humorous and relatable personality has captured audiences across the continent.
Social Impact Creator of the Year: Dejoke Ogunbiyi (Nigeria) — recognised for using her platform @Noositiwantiwa to address social issues and promote community dialogue.
Food Creator of the Year (Sponsored by Coca-Cola): @malumfoodie (South Africa) — honoured for his engaging cooking content and use of South African township slang. “From Hammanskraal to Soshanguve, and to all of South Africa—now we are in Africa!” he said.
Sports Creator of the Year: John Maingi Mbugua @zozasportscast (Kenya) — awarded for passionate football commentary that connects with fans. “Winning isn’t the finish line; it’s fuel for the next chapter,” he said.
Entertainment Creator of the Year: Belove Olocha @beloveolocha (Nigeria) — recognised for her creative movie commentary and relatable entertainment content.
Education Creator of the Year: Izzi Boye @izziboye (Nigeria) — awarded for simplifying technology and gadget reviews for a wide audience.
Artist of the Year: Crown Uzama, known as Shallipopi (Nigeria) — recognised for dominating 2025 with his viral track “Laho” and the “Plutomania” movement that spread across the platform. “Thank you, TikTok, for supporting all upcoming artists and giving them a spotlight to shine,” he said.
The 2025 edition marks a significant milestone for TikTok’s growing creator community in Africa. The awards highlighted the platform’s expanding role as a space for innovation, education, and cultural exchange.
According to TikTok, engagement across Sub-Saharan Africa continues to rise as creators use the platform to showcase local talent and redefine global perceptions of African storytelling.
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