Kenyan creators made a strong showing at the inaugural TikTok Africa Creator Awards, celebrated for recognizing the continent’s most influential online talent.
Keegan Gordon and Zayaan Noorani led red-carpet coverage, while Mihlali Ndamase and athlete Akani Simbine presented several key categories.
Boniswa Sidwaba, TikTok’s Head of Content Operations for Sub-Saharan Africa, praised the honorees as “trailblazers who turned 60-second clips into cultural movements,” noting that African creators are reshaping global perceptions of the continent.
Kenya was recognised in two major categories. @tunero_animations won Rising Star of the Year, highlighting the nation’s fast-growing animation industry, whose characters have become relatable cultural favourites.
In sports, John Maingi Mbugua (@zozasportscast) took Sports Creator of the Year, signalling the rise of fan-led sports analysis popular with young audiences online.
Other creators from Nigeria, South Africa, Ghana, and Tanzania were celebrated across food, entertainment, education, sports, and social impact.
Nigeria dominated headline awards with Raja’atu Muhammed Ibrahim (@diaryofanortherncook) named Creator of the Year and Brian Nwana (@briannwana) taking Storyteller of the Year. Tanzania’s Fanuel John Masamaki (@zerobrainer0) won Video of the Year for his silent football sketches.
Social impact awards highlighted content addressing critical issues, including Nigeria’s Dejoke Ogunbiyi (@noositiwantiwa_) and South African runner-up @ufarm_julia, recognised for promoting sustainable agriculture.
Other winners included South Africa’s @malumfoodie for Food Creator of the Year, Nigeria’s Belove Olocha (@beloveolocha) for Entertainment Creator of the Year, tech educator Izzi Boye (@izziboye) for Education Creator of the Year, and Nigerian artist Shallipopi (@theycallmeshallipopipp) for Artist of the Year.
The awards will be rebroadcast on TikTok LIVE on 11 December at 20:00 SAST via the @tiktok.africa account, offering fans another chance to celebrate Africa’s digital talent.
