The 2025 TikTok Awards Sub-Saharan Africa took place in Johannesburg on 8 December 2025 under the theme “New era, New icons.”
The event recognised creators whose work shaped online culture across the region during the year. Nigerian creators received six of the ten awards, while winners also came from Kenya, Tanzania and South Africa.
The awards were supported by partners including NIVEA, inDrive, Coca-Cola, PEP and Dis-Chem and were based on community voting.
Full list of winners
Creator of the Year
Raja’atu Muhammed Ibrahim (@diaryofanortherncook), Nigeria
With a follower count of over 1.5 million and 15.7 million likes, Rajah is honoured for documenting Northern Nigerian cuisine with a consistent visual style that brought regional food traditions to a wide audience.
Storyteller of the Year
Brian Nwana (@briannwana), Nigeria
With over 268,000 followers and 10.6 million likes, Brian is recognised for narrative-driven food content and structured storytelling.
Entertainment Creator of the Year
Belove Olocha (@beloveolocha), Nigeria
With over 517,000 followers and over 7 million likes, Belove was awarded for film-style comedy and short skits that focused on everyday situations.
Education Creator of the Year
Izzi Boye (@izziboye), Nigeria
With a follower count of 884.5k and 11.2 million likes, Izzi is acknowledged for practical technology content, including device reviews and digital tips.
Social Impact Creator of the Year
Dejoke Ogunbiyi (@noositiwantiwa_), Ibadan, Nigeria
Dejoke was recognised for creating content that addressed social issues and encouraged community action. She has garnered 155.1k followers and 2.2 million likes.
Artist of the Year
Crown Uzama, known as Shallipopi (@theycallmeshallipopipp), Nigeria
Shallipopi was awarded for music that gained wide use on the platform during the year, including the track “Laho.” The award cited the role of TikTok in bringing new artists to public attention. He has a follower count of 2.1 million and has garnered 31.7 million likes.
Video of the Year
Fanuel John Masamaki (@zerobrainer0), Tanzania
With a staggering number of 18.4 million followers and 183 million likes, Fanuel was awarded for silent comedy football videos built around short sketches and visual storytelling. He had earlier received Sports Creator of the Year in 2024.
Rising Star of the Year
Tunero Animations (@tunero_animations), Kenya
Recognised for animated stories, including the character Bob Kichwa Ngumu, which gained attention for its everyday themes and humour. The channel has gained 5.2 million likes and 741.1k followers.
Food Creator of the Year
Tebogo Chami Moroke, known as Malume Foodie (@malumfoodie), South Africa
Awarded for fast-paced food videos produced in Spitori and other South African languages. He is also known for a Guinness World Record linked to visiting the most fast-food restaurants within 24 hours. He has garnered 10.4 million likes and 738.7k followers.
Sports Creator of the Year
John Maingi Mbugua (@zozasportscast), Kenya
John was recognised for football analysis aimed at fans across the region. He has 157.9k followers and 857.2k likes.
TikTok’s Head of Content Operations for Sub-Saharan Africa, Boniswa Sidwaba, said the results reflected community voting and recognised the impact of creators on regional culture.
