Nigeria Steals the Spotlight at 2025 TikTok Awards Sub-Saharan Africa
Vanessa Obioha
The 2025 TikTok Awards Sub-Saharan Africa held in Johannesburg, South Africa, saw Nigerian creators assert their dominance, securing six out of the 10 category wins in a night that celebrated the theme ‘New Era, New Icons.’ From the streets of Sokoto to the studios of Lagos, TikTok honoured the Nigerian trailblazers who are steering the global conversation on African culture. “Tonight’s ceremony was a gathering of the trailblazers who have redefined what it means to be a creator in Africa. This year, we are honoured to see West African creators who turned short video clips into cultural movements be recognised,” said TikTok’s Head of Content Operations for Sub-Saharan Africa, Boniswa Sidwaba.
As the winners accepted their awards, their eyes glowed with pride and gratitude.
“Thank you, TikTok for giving us this platform to showcase our culture, to express our talent,” said 2025 Creator of the Year (@diaryofanortherncook) Raja’atu Ibrahim.
Storyteller of the Year Award, Brian Nwana echoed similar sentiments. “Every single creator is a storyteller. We all tell stories that help drive the local communities, our cities, and our countries, and when we do that we change the perception that the world has about us”.
The platform has also played a significant role in spreading culture through music in 2025. 2025 Artist of the Year and “Laho” hit-maker, Shallipopi said, “Thank you, TikTok, for supporting all upcoming artists and giving them a spotlight to shine.” His brother, Crown Uzama took home the Artist of the Year award.
Other winners include Izzi Boye @izziboye (Education Creator of the Year), Belove Olocha @beloveolocha (Entertainment Creator of the Year) and Dejoke Ogunbiyi @noositiwantiwa_ (Social Impact Creator of the Year) among others.
