Johannesburg was the hottest spot on the continent on 6 December as TikTok’s 2025 Sub-Saharan Africa Awards took over the city in a spectacle of style, music, and creator star power.
Under the theme “New Era, New Icons,” the platform celebrated the digital trailblazers redefining what African creativity looks and sounds like.
And if the night proved anything, it’s this: Africa’s creator ecosystem isn’t just growing. It’s exploding.
Guests and viewers were treated to a high-energy mix of live performances from Ciza, Lord Kez, Thuli P, DJ Fif_Laa and Thabsie, setting the tone for a celebration that felt part awards show, part cultural moment.
Beloved entertainer Bontle Modiselle-Moloi kept the pace fast and the vibe electric as host, while Keegan Gordon and Zayaan Noorani added extra sparkle from the red carpet.
In one of the night’s biggest surprises, beauty and lifestyle star Mihlali Ndamase stepped onstage to present Video of the Year. Olympic sprinter Akani Simbine later joined the program to honour the continent’s top sports creator.
With winners representing Nigeria, Kenya, South Africa, Ghana, and Tanzania, the 2025 edition showcased just how vast and varied African creativity on TikTok has become.
At the 2025 TikTok Awards, Kenya's very own John Maingi Mbugua, the brains behind the ZoZaSportsCast channel, was crowned Sports Creator of the year and it’s clear why his rise has been nothing short of meteoric.
Speaking to Mpasho's Kalondu Musyimi, he said “Winning isn’t the finish line, it’s fuel for the next chapter. Every piece of content, every discussion, every moment captured was driven by passion, and receiving this recognition means that passion is resonating far beyond my expectations.”
Another Kenyan creator @tunero_animations took home the Rising star of the year title, solidifying his place as one of East Africa’s most exciting new digital voices.
Reflecting on the night, Boniswa Sidwaba, TikTok’s Head of Content Operations for Sub-Saharan Africa, praised the creators pushing the continent forward.
“This ceremony was a gathering of the trailblazers who have redefined what it means to be a creator in Africa. We honoured the people who turned 60-second clips into cultural movementsand who are taking their stories from Africa to the world.”
Boniswa Sidwaba, TikTok’s Head of Content Operations for Sub-Saharan Africa
READ MORE: How Kenyan Creators Are Thriving On TikTok
If you missed the live action, TikTok is rebroadcasting the entire ceremony on 11 December at 21:00 East African Time on @tiktok.africa.
Meet the 2025 TikTok Award Winners
Sports Creator of the Year — John Maingi Mbugua (@zozasportscast), Kenya
Bringing passion and fan-led analysis to football content, the @zozasportscast team continues to raise the bar.
Runner-up: Victor Ademola (@ademolavictortv), Nigeria
Rising Star of the Year — @tunero_animations, Kenya
With beloved characters like Bob Kichwa Ngumu, Tunero is leading Africa’s animation boom.
Runner-up: Esther Francis (@estherfrancisbackup), Nigeria
Creator of the Year — Raja’atu Muhammed Ibrahim (@diaryofanortherncook), Nigeria
The night’s biggest honour went to the Sokoto-based star who’s elevated Northern Nigerian cuisine into a global visual feast.
Her rich sounds, cinematic style, and cultural storytelling made her the creator to beat.
Storyteller of the Year — Brian Nwana (@briannwana), Nigeria
Known for his food adventures and heartfelt street interviews, Abuja’s Brian Nwana continues to prove that storytelling can be delicious—and record-breaking.
“Every single creator is a storyteller,” he said during his emotional acceptance speech.
Video of the Year — Fanuel John Masamaki (@zerobrainer0), Tanzania
Football comedy, a beige blazer, silent theatrics—Tanzania’s favourite sports creator claimed another major title. “This win was for all of us,” he told fans.
Social Impact Creator of the Year — Dejoke Ogunbiyi (@noositiwantiwa_), Nigeria
From Ibadan, she uses her platform to spark conversations that matter.
Runner-up: Sinethemba Masinga (@ufarm_julia), South Africa
Food Creator of the Year — @malumfoodie, South Africa
Pretoria’s favourite self-taught cook took home the award with his flavour-packed recipes and charismatic Spitori-laced delivery.
Runner-up: Abena Amoakoaa Sintim-Aboagye (@chefabbys), Ghana
Entertainment Creator of the Year — Belove Olocha (@beloveolocha), Nigeria
A powerhouse in movie-inspired content, she keeps her community hooked with relatable reactions and film picks.
Runner-up: Jabulani Macdonald (@jabu_macdonald), South Africa
Education Creator of the Year — Izzi Boye (@izziboye), Nigeria
If it’s tech, Izzi Boye can explain it. His digital hacks and gadget reviews make him a must-follow.
Runner-up: @michelle_expert, South Africa
Artist of the Year — Crown Uzama aka Shallipopi (@theycallmeshallipopipp), Nigeria
2025 belonged to the “Pluto Presido.” With viral hits and a continent-wide fanbase, Shallipopi cemented his place as Africa’s breakout sound of the year.
“Thank you, TikTok, for supporting upcoming artists and giving them a spotlight to shine,” he said.
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