FULL LIST: Nigeria Shines at 2025 TikTok Awards as Creators Sweep Six Categories

Nigeria cemented its status as Africa’s creative powerhouse on Saturday night as local creators clinched six of the ten honours at the 2025 TikTok Awards for Sub-Saharan Africa in Johannesburg.

Themed “New Era, New Icons,” the ceremony celebrated a new generation of storytellers shaping global conversations on African culture.

From Sokoto to Lagos, Nigerian creators dominated the spotlight, reflecting the country’s rising influence on the platform.

“Thank you, TikTok for giving us this platform to showcase our culture, to express our talent,” said Creator of the Year, Raja’atu Muhammed Ibrahim (@diaryofanortherncook), whose cinematic depictions of Northern Nigerian cuisine earned her the event’s most coveted prize.

Storyteller of the Year, Abuja-based Brian Nwana, echoed similar sentiments. “Every single creator is a storyteller. 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,” he said as he accepted his award.

Music also played a defining role in TikTok culture this year, with Artist of the Year, Shallipopi, acknowledging the platform’s impact on his ascent. “Thank you, TikTok, for supporting all upcoming artists and giving them a spotlight to shine,” said the Laho hit-maker, who dominated soundwaves across the continent with his signature Edo-infused Afrobeats.

The ceremony, marked by dazzling performances and red-carpet glamour, further underscored Africa’s creativity and cultural influence.

Full List of 2025 Winners

Creator of the Year (Sponsored by NIVEA)

Winner: Raja’atu Muhammed Ibrahim @diaryofanortherncook (Nigeria)
Recognised for her stunning visual storytelling, she has drawn global attention to Northern Nigerian cuisine with her distinctive style.

Storyteller of the Year (Sponsored by inDrive)

Winner: Brian Nwana @briannwana (Nigeria)
Known for weaving human stories into his food content, he continues to captivate audiences with his bold and inventive approach.

Education Creator of the Year

Winner: Izzi Boye @izziboye (Nigeria)
Celebrated for simplifying tech through gadget reviews and digital hacks.
Runner-up: @michelle_expert (South Africa) – A guide for audiences in career development, finance and personal growth.

Entertainment Creator of the Year (Sponsored by PEP)

Winner: Belove Olocha @beloveolocha (Nigeria)
Lauded for her engaging movie-related content, Olocha thanked her community and TikTok for supporting her leap into full-time content creation.
Runner-up: Jabulani Macdonald @jabu_macdonald (South Africa).

Social Impact Creator of the Year (Sponsored by Dis-chem)

Winner: Dejoke Ogunbiyi @noositiwantiwa_ (Nigeria)
Honoured for tackling social issues and mobilising her community for positive change.
Runner-up: Sinethemba Masinga @ufarm_julia (South Africa) – An advocate for sustainable agriculture.

Artist of the Year

Winner: Crown Uzama @theycallmeshallipopipp (Nigeria)
Shallipopi’s Plutomania era defined 2025, with Laho becoming a continental sensation and sparking viral challenges.

The Benin-born star received a rousing reception as he took the stage. His performance capped a night that celebrated creativity from across Sub-Saharan Africa, supported by partners including NIVEA, inDrive, Coca-Cola, PEP and Dis-chem.

“With Nigerian creators securing six of the ten awards, we are honoured to celebrate their impact, especially as these victories were voted for by the TikTok community,” said Boniswa Sidwaba, TikTok’s Head of Content Operations for Sub-Saharan Africa. “Tonight’s ceremony brought together trailblazers who redefined what it means to be a creator in Africa.”

Audiences will be able to relive the awards when the show streams exclusively on TikTok LIVE on 11 December at 19:00 WAT via the @tiktok.africa account.

Additional Winners

Video of the Year

Winner: Fanuel John Masamaki @zerobrainer0 (Tanzania)
His signature silent comedy in football-themed skits continues to resonate across the continent.

Rising Star of the Year

Winner: @tunero_animations (Kenya)
Known for animated characters like Bob Kichwa Ngumu.
Runner-up: Esther Francis @estherfrancisbackup (Nigeria) – Recognised for her creative approach to health education.

Food Creator of the Year (Sponsored by Coca-Cola)

Winner: @malumfoodie (South Africa)
Popular for his flavour-packed recipes delivered in Spitori and native South African languages.
Runner-up: Abena Amoakoaa Sintim-Aboagye @chefabbys (Ghana) – Recently named among Time Magazine’s 1000 Most Influential Creators.

Sports Creator of the Year

Winner: @zozasportscast (Kenya)
Praised for dynamic, fan-driven football analysis.
Runner-up: Victor Ademola @ademolavictortv (Nigeria) – Known for his energetic commentary on Nigerian football.