The 2025 TikTok Awards Sub-Saharan Africa are set to take place on December 6, 2025, in Johannesburg, bringing together top creators, artists, and trendsetters from across the region.
The annual event will celebrate the creativity, passion, and influence of digital creators who have defined trends and shaped online culture throughout the year.
This year’s edition highlights how African creators have continued to innovate and inspire through content that reflects the continent’s energy and diversity.
From BhadBoi OML’s viral track “Wasiu Ayinde” to the “Ngishutheni” dance craze and Shallipopi’s chart-topping hits, 2025 has seen creators transform 60 seconds of video into global movements.
TikTok notes that this year marked a shift where “niche became mainstream, community became currency, and creators thrived as tastemakers.”
According to Boniswa Sidwaba, TikTok’s Head of Content Operations for Sub-Saharan Africa, the awards are a moment of reflection and recognition.
“Our annual awards are a moment for reflection and celebration where we build deeper relationships with the people who power the continent,” she said.
“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.”
The 2025 TikTok Awards will honour creators across multiple categories, including food, entertainment, sports, education, storytelling, and music. Nominated creators include @diaryofanortherncook (Nigeria), @englishwithclem (Kenya), @chefabbys (Ghana), @shandorlarenty (South Africa), and @fanstribehq (Nigeria) for Creator of the Year.
Voting is currently open until November 14, 2025, at midnight (CAT).
Fans can vote once per category each day by visiting TikTok’s official pages, sharing the voting page, and using the hashtag #TikTokAwardsSSA.
Other notable nominees include @beloveolocha for Storyteller of the Year, @iamdavidmubiru for Video of the Year, @_bafanamthembu for Rising Star of the Year, and @theycallmeshallipopipp for Artist of the Year.
As TikTok celebrates a new era of digital creativity, the platform remains committed to supporting and empowering Africa’s creator community.
The TikTok Awards serve as a testament to this mission, honouring individuals who use their creativity to entertain, educate, and drive social change.
Each year, the event highlights how creators continue to connect communities, inspire audiences, and showcase Africa’s cultural excellence to the world.