Top Nigerian creators demonstrated their significant influence at the 2025 TikTok Awards in Sub-Saharan Africa, securing an impressive six out of ten categories. The annual award ceremony, themed “New Era, New Icons,” was held in Johannesburg, South Africa.
According to TikTok, this year's event was dedicated to celebrating the most impactful and inspiring creators across Sub-Saharan Africa. It also aimed to highlight the extraordinary ways creators have engaged, inspired, and connected communities both on and off the TikTok platform.
“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, who continue to champion the stories shaping culture,” stated Boniswa Sidwaba, TikTok’s Head of Content Operations for Sub-Saharan Africa.
Sidwaba further elaborated that the annual ceremony served as a gathering for the trailblazers who have redefined the role of a creator in Africa. She added, “This year, we are honoured to see West African creators who turned short video clips into cultural movements be recognised.”
Nigerian Winners at the 2025 TikTok Sub-Saharan Awards
The following creators from Nigeria were recognized for their outstanding contributions:
Creator of the Year (Sponsored by NIVEA)
Winner: Raja’atu Muhammed Ibrahim (@diaryofanortherncook) (Nigeria)
Raja’atu, a food content creator based in Sokoto, Nigeria, was honored for her exceptional visual storytelling through food, enhanced by the rich sounds of northern music and Nigerian cuisines.
Storyteller of the Year (Sponsored by inDrive)
Winner: Brian Nwana (@briannwana) (Nigeria)
Brian Nwana, an Abuja-based food content creator, secured the Storyteller of the Year award for his engaging food content. His work seamlessly blends street interviews with compelling personal narratives, capturing the human experience through his culinary adventures.
Education Creator of the Year
Winner: Izzi Boye (@izziboye) (Nigeria)
Izzi Boye is recognized as a leading voice in making technology accessible to a broad audience, offering expert advice on gadget reviews, hacks, and digital tips. His win in the Education Creator category underscores TikTok's potential as a dynamic learning platform for the digital age.
The runner-up in this category was Michelle (@michelle_expert) from South Africa. She provides her audience with expert advice and actionable insights across various domains, including career development, financial literacy, personal growth, and everyday decision-making.
Entertainment Creator of the Year (Sponsored by PEP)
Winner: Belove Olocha (@beloveolocha) (Nigeria)
Belove Olocha, a content creator from Lagos, was awarded for her consistent ability to entertain and engage audiences with relatable movie content. She also stands out for her passion for movies, sharing film moments and recommendations that resonate deeply with her community.
The runner-up was Jabulani Macdonald (@jabu_macdonald) from South Africa. He is a prominent figure in South Africa’s entertainment landscape, known for his quick wit and engaging stage presence.
Social Impact Creator of the Year (Sponsored by Dis-chem)
Winner: Dejoke Ogunbiyi (@noositiwantiwa_) (Nigeria)
Dejoke Ogunbiyi, also known as Noosi Tiwantiwa, received the Social Impact Creator of the Year award for her dedication to using the platform for positive change. Based in Ibadan, she addresses important social issues with grace and impact, effectively mobilizing her community towards positive action.
The runner-up was Sinethemba Masinga (@ufarm_julia) from South Africa. She is a strong advocate for agriculture and sustainability, demonstrating the future potential of farming.
Artist of the Year
Winner: Crown Uzama (@theycallmeshallipopipp) (Nigeria)
The most significant recognition of the night went to artist Shallipopi, widely known as “Pluto Presido.” This artist, hailing from Benin City, has achieved substantial popularity throughout 2025.
His highly successful song, “Laho,” topped music charts and became a viral sensation, widely recognized across TikTok feeds. The track is notable for its fusion of his distinctive Edo street dialect with a captivating Afrobeats rhythm.
The song's widespread popularity demonstrates how innovative creations from Nigerian artists can exert a global influence.