Nigerian Creators Dominate 2025 TikTok Awards

Nigerian creators dominated the 2025 TikTok Awards Sub-Saharan Africa in Johannesburg, emerging as the biggest winners at the ceremony that celebrated Africa’s most influential digital talents.

The award ceremony, held on December 6 under the theme “New Era, New Icons,” honoured creators reshaping style, conversation and creativity across the continent, with Nigerian talents taking top honours in several major categories.

TikTok also announced that the full ceremony would be rebroadcast on TikTok LIVE on December 11 at 20:00 SAST via the @tiktok.africa account.

Top Nigerian Winners and Runners-up — 2025:

Social Impact Creator of the Year: Winner — Dejoke Ogunbiyi (@noositiwantiwa_), Nigeria

Creator of the Year: Winner — Raja’atu Muhammed Ibrahim (@diaryofanortherncook), Nigeria

Storyteller of the Year: Winner — Brian Nwana (@briannwana), Nigeria

Rising Star of the Year: Runner-up — Esther Francis (@estherfrancisbackup), Nigeria

Sports Creator of the Year: Runner-up — Victor Ademola (@ademolavictortv), Nigeria

Entertainment Creator of the Year: Winner — Belove Olocha (@beloveolocha), Nigeria

Education Creator of the Year: Winner — Izzi Boye (@izziboye), Nigeria

Artist of the Year: Winner — Crown Uzama (Shallipopi) (@theycallmeshallipopipp), Nigeria

Other African creators from Kenya, South Africa, Ghana and Tanzania were also honoured across various categories, highlighting the diversity and creativity of content creators across the continent.

A statement shared with reporters on Monday disclosed that guests at the ceremony were treated to high-energy performances by Ciza, Lord Kez, Thuli P, DJ Fif_Laa and Thabsie.

Popular entertainer Bontle Modiselle-Moloi hosted the star-studded event, while Keegan Gordon and Zayaan Noorani anchored the red carpet. South Africa’s Mihlali Ndamase made a surprise appearance to present the ‘Video of the Year’ award, while Olympian Akani Simbine presented the ‘Sports Creator of the Year’ category.

The TikTok Awards celebrate the most impactful and inspiring creators across Sub-Saharan Africa, recognising creativity, community building and digital influence. The 2025 edition highlighted creators whose work has inspired, connected and transformed audiences both on and off the platform.

Reflecting on the event, TikTok’s Head of Content Operations for Sub-Saharan Africa, Boniswa Sidwaba, said the ceremony honoured trailblazers who have redefined what it means to be a creator in Africa.

“From Sokoto to Nairobi, and Accra to Pretoria, we honoured the creators who turned 60-second clips into cultural movements. We are proud to celebrate them as they amplify their voices and take their stories from Africa to the world,” she said.