The TikTok Awards Sub-Saharan Africa 2025 brought star power, innovation and African storytelling to the forefront during a dazzling ceremony held in Johannesburg on 6 December. Celebrated under the theme “New Era, New Icons,” the prestigious event recognised creators shaping digital culture, entertainment and social influence on the continent.
The awards night was powered by electrifying performances from African talents including Ciza, Lord Kez, Thuli P, DJ Fif_Laa and Thabsie. Renowned entertainer Bontle Modiselle-Moloi hosted the event, while Keegan Gordon and Zayaan Noorani led the red carpet experience. A surprise stage appearance by South African digital star Mihlali Ndamase added to the glamour as she presented Video of the Year. Olympic sprinter Akani Simbine took on the role of Sport Creator of the Year presenter.
Supported by brands such as NIVEA, inDrive, Coca-Cola, PEP and Dis-Chem, the awards showcased a diverse regional creator community, with winners from Nigeria, Kenya, Tanzania, Ghana and South Africa.
TikTok’s Head of Content Operations for Sub-Saharan Africa, Boniswa Sidwaba, praised the honourees for redefining African creativity in the digital age. She noted that creators are transforming short-form videos into cultural movements that elevate African stories globally.
Audiences across the continent will be able to relive the excitement when the ceremony is streamed exclusively on TikTok LIVE on 11 December at 20:00 SAST on the @tiktok.africa account.
2025 TikTok Awards Sub-Saharan Africa: Full Winners List
Creator of the Year (Sponsored by NIVEA)
Winner: Raja’atu Muhammed Ibrahim @diaryofanortherncook — Nigeria
Celebrated for visually captivating Northern Nigerian cuisine content paired with cultural soundscapes.
Storyteller of the Year (Sponsored by inDrive)
Winner: Brian Nwana @briannwana — Nigeria
Recognised for transforming food adventures into meaningful human stories, including his Guinness World Record achievement for most fast-food restaurants visited in 24 hours.
Video of the Year
Winner: Fanuel John Masamaki @zerobrainer0 — Tanzania
His silent-comedy football content and signature beige blazer continue to charm fans continent-wide.
Rising Star of the Year
Winner: @tunero_animations — Kenya
Awarded for creating relatable animated characters like Bob Kichwa Ngumu.
Runner-up: Esther Francis @estherfrancisbackup — Nigeria
Social Impact Creator of the Year (Sponsored by Dis-Chem)
Winner: Dejoke Ogunbiyi @noositiwantiwa_ — Nigeria
Runner-up: Sinethemba Masinga @ufarm_julia — South Africa
Food Creator of the Year (Sponsored by Coca-Cola)
Winner: @malumfoodie — South Africa
Runner-up: Abena Amoakoaa Sintim-Aboagye @chefabbys — Ghana
Sports Creator of the Year
Winner: John Maingi Mbugua @zozasportscast — Kenya
Runner-up: Victor Ademola @ademolavictortv — Nigeria
Entertainment Creator of the Year (Sponsored by PEP)
Winner: Belove Olocha @beloveolocha — Nigeria
Runner-up: Jabulani Macdonald @jabu_macdonald — South Africa
Education Creator of the Year
Winner: Izzi Boye @izziboye — Nigeria
Runner-up: @michelle_expert — South Africa
Artist of the Year
Winner: Crown Uzama @theycallmeshallipopipp (Shallipopi) — Nigeria
His viral sound “Plutomania” defined music culture across TikTok in 2025.
