Nigerian music sensation, Crown Uzama, popularly known as Shallipopi, has clinched the Artist of the Year title at the 2025 TikTok Awards for Sub-Saharan Africa, held Friday, December 5, in Johannesburg, South Africa.
The annual awards recognise creators whose work has shaped conversations and driven trends across the platform. TikTok described 2025 as the year of “Plutomania”, noting that Shallipopi’s viral hits and energetic fan base, known as ‘Plutomanians’, dominated soundwaves and inspired some of the most recognisable challenges on the app.
Shallipopi’s tracks, including his viral hit ‘Laho’, were among the most-used sounds on TikTok this year, boosting his rise as one of the continent’s leading digital-first artists.
According to TikTok, his music not only entertained but also influenced online culture and sparked widespread engagement among young users.
This year’s awards brought together creators from across Sub-Saharan Africa, celebrating excellence in music, comedy, lifestyle, beauty, sports and community impact. Organisers said the 2025 edition spotlighted originality and the growing power of creators to shape culture both online and offline.
Shallipopi’s win underscored the expanding global influence of Nigerian musicians and highlights TikTok’s role in driving music discovery for GenZ and young millennials across the continent.
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