Nigerian creators shine at TikTok 2025 Awards with six wins

On Saturday, December 6th, 2025, top Nigerian creators asserted their dominance at the 2025 TikTok Awards in Sub-Saharan Africa by securing six awards out of ten categories.

The annual Award night themed “New Era, New Icons” took place in Johannesburg, South Africa.

According to TikTok, this year’s event celebrated the most impactful and inspiring creators across Sub-Saharan Africa. It also highlighted the extraordinary ways creators have engaged, inspired, and connected communities on and off TikTok. 

“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”, Boniswa Sidwaba, TikTok’s Head of Content Operations for Sub-Saharan Africa, said.

She added that the annual 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,” she said.

Read also: Full list: Nigerian creators dominate 2025 TikTok SSA nominations

Here is the full list of Nigerian winners from TikTok’s 2025 Sub-Saharan Awards

Creator of the Year (Sponsored by NIVEA)

Winner: Raja’atu Muhammed Ibrahim @diaryofanortherncook (Nigeria)

Raja’atu is a food content creator based in Sokoto, Nigeria. She was recognised for her mastery of visual storytelling through food with the rich sounds of northern music and Nigerian cuisines.

Storyteller of the Year (Sponsored by inDrive)

Winner: Brian Nwana @briannwana (Nigeria)

On the second of the list is Brian Nwana, an Abuja-based food content creator who claimed the Storyteller of the Year award through his food content. From street interviews to compelling personal narratives woven into his food adventures, Brian has a rare gift for capturing the human experience bite by bite.

Education Creator of the Year

Winner: Izzi Boye @izziboye (Nigeria)

Making tech accessible to the masses, Izzi Boye is the go-to guy for gadget reviews, hacks, and digital tips. He won the education creator award, which proves that TikTok is a powerful classroom for the digital age.

His runner-up was Michelle (@michelle_expert) from South Africa. She empowers her audience with expert advice and actionable insights from career development and financial literacy to personal growth and everyday decision-making.

Entertainment Creator of the Year (Sponsored by PEP)

Winner: Belove Olocha @beloveolocha (Nigeria)

Fourth on the list is Belove Olocha, a Lagos-based content creator who was awarded for her consistent ability to entertain and engage audiences with relatable movie content. She also stands out for incorporating her love for movies, sharing film moments and recommendations that resonate with her community.

Her runner-up was Jabulani Macdonald @jabu_macdonald from South Africa. He is a staple of South Africa’s entertainment scene, known for his quick wit and engaging presence.

Social Impact Creator of the Year (Sponsored by Dis-chem)

Winner: Dejoke Ogunbiyi @noositiwantiwa_ (Nigeria)

The Social Impact Creator of the Year was awarded to Dejoke Ogunbiyi, also known as Noosi Tiwantiwa. Using the platform for good, she is driving conversations that matter. From Ibadan, she tackles social issues with grace and impact, mobilising her community for positive change.

Her runner-up was Sinethemba Masinga (@ufarm_julia) from South Africa – A champion for agriculture and sustainability, proving that farming is the future.

Artist of the Year

Winner: Crown Uzama @theycallmeshallipopipp (Nigeria)

The biggest moment came when the artist Shallipopi, nicknamed “Pluto Presido,” won the Artist of the Year Award. This superstar, who is from Benin City, has been extremely popular throughout 2025.

His huge hit song, “Laho,” was a massive success. It went to the top of the music charts and became a viral trend that everyone saw on their TikTok feeds. The song mixes his unique street language from the Edo area with a catchy Afrobeats rhythm.

The track became hugely popular everywhere, showing that when Nigerian artists make something new, it influences the world.

Read also: Why TikTok banned late-night live streams for Nigerian creators