The TikTok Awards Sub-Saharan Africa Returns: Here Are the 2025 Nominees
The TikTok Awards Sub-Saharan Africa 2025 Nominees
Johannesburg, South Africa – 13 November 2025:
The TikTok Awards Sub-Saharan Africa are officially back, celebrating the creators, artists and storytellers who shaped the continent’s digital culture in 2025. Set to take place on 6 December 2025 in Johannesburg, this year’s ceremony will spotlight the boldest voices, biggest trends, and most creative talents from across Sub-Saharan Africa.
From viral dances to educational creators who built communities around learning, the 2025 nominees represent the impact African creators continue to have across global culture.
A Year Where African Creators Defined Pop Culture
2025 has been a defining moment for African content creation. From BhadBoi OML’s “Wasiu Ayinde” going viral to the high-energy “Ngishutheni” dance, African trends dominated the soundscape. Communities rallied behind #CorporateTok, entertainers pushed boundaries, and artists like Shallipopi delivered smash hits that shaped the continent.
This was the year where niche interests broke into the mainstream, creativity became currency, and young people turned 60 seconds of content into powerful storytelling. TikTok is honouring this evolution by recognising creators who transformed passion into sustainable careers and inspired millions along the way.
TikTok’s Commitment to Africa’s Creator Economy
According to Boniswa Sidwaba, Head of Content Operations for Sub-Saharan Africa, the awards reflect TikTok’s growing investment in African creators:
“Our annual awards are a moment for reflection and celebration where we build deeper relationships with the people who power the continent. At its core the TikTok Awards celebrate the vibrant community who continue to inspire creativity, build community and spread joy on the platform while turning their passions into prosperous careers.”
With categories across food, entertainment, sports, education, music and storytelling, the 2025 awards spotlight the creators shaping the future of African digital content.
How to Vote for Your Favourite Creators
Voting is now open until 14 November 2025 at midnight (CAT).
To vote:
- Click the official voting link
- You can vote once per category per day
- Follow TikTok’s official pages
- Share the voting link using the hashtag #TikTokAwardsSSA
The 2025 TikTok Awards Sub-Saharan Africa Nominees
Creator of the Year
- @diaryofanortherncook (Sokoto, Nigeria)
- @chefabbys (Accra, Ghana)
- @fanstribehq (Lagos, Nigeria)
- @shandorlarenty (Broederstroom, South Africa)
- @englishwithclem (Nairobi, Kenya)
Storyteller of the Year
- @beloveolocha (Lagos, Nigeria)
- @briannwana (Abuja, Nigeria)
- @mikemortontalksfootball (Cape Town, South Africa)
- @joygiverkitchen (Lagos, Nigeria)
Video of the Year
- @iamdavidmubiru (Kampala, Uganda)
- @zerobrainer0 (Dar es Salaam, Tanzania)
- @isaac.samz (Lagos, Nigeria)
Rising Star of the Year
- @estherfrancisbackup (Lagos, Nigeria)
- @_bafanamthembu (Johannesburg, South Africa)
- @tunero_animations (Nairobi, Kenya)
Entertainment Creator of the Year
- @beloveolocha (Lagos, Nigeria)
- @ednafrancis_ (Lagos, Nigeria)
- @finding.chance (Johannesburg, South Africa)
- @ikegod.chielo (Abuja, Nigeria)
- @jabu_macdonald (Johannesburg, South Africa)
Food Creator of the Year
- @mpruedie1 (Midrand, South Africa)
- @malumfoodie (Pretoria, South Africa)
- @chefabbys (Accra, Ghana)
- @georges_kitchen (Dar es Salaam, Tanzania)
- @boyz_makekii (Nairobi, Kenya)
Education Creator of the Year
- @michelle_expert (Randburg, South Africa)
- @izziboye (Lagos, Nigeria)
- @roy.kanyi (Nairobi, Kenya)
- @englishwithclem (Nairobi, Kenya)
Social Impact Creator of the Year
- @olawalesmd (Lagos, Nigeria)
- @valerie_keter (Nairobi, Kenya)
- @anitasoina (Nairobi, Kenya)
- @noositiwantiwa_ (Ibadan, Nigeria)
- @ufarm_julia (KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa)
Artist of the Year
- @theycallmeshallipopipp (Nigeria)
- @itsjoshuabaraka (Uganda)
- @moliymusic (Ghana)
- @realjazzwrld (South Africa)
Sports Creator of the Year
- @boxtoboxregista (Nairobi, Kenya)
- @zozasportscast (Nairobi, Kenya)
- @mikemortontalksfootball (Cape Town, South Africa)
- @steph_talks_football (Cape Town, South Africa)
- @ademolavictortv (Lagos, Nigeria)
Africa’s Creativity on the Global Stage
The TikTok Awards Sub-Saharan Africa showcase the creators who are shaping digital culture, driving conversations, and building communities that uplift the continent. These voices fuel social change, push narratives forward, and spread African creativity across the world.
Join the celebration on 6 December 2025 and make sure your favourite creator takes home a win.
Don’t forget to vote — and keep the hashtag alive: #TikTokAwardsSSA
