South Africa’s vibrant digital creator community is having a moment in the spotlight, as local talents dominate the nominations for the 2025 TikTok Awards Sub-Saharan Africa. With the full list of nominees released on November 14, 2025, the stage is set for an exciting awards ceremony scheduled to take place in Johannesburg on December 6. This year’s event, according to TikTok and as reported by GoodThingsGuy, is a celebration of the diverse voices and creative forces shaping online culture across the continent.
What began as a platform for quick laughs and viral dances has evolved into a powerful space for storytelling, education, and community-building. Now, with South African creators securing nominations in nine out of ten categories, it’s clear the country’s digital stars are not just keeping pace—they’re leading the charge. These nominations span a spectrum of fields, from music and food to sports and social impact, reflecting the depth and breadth of talent rising from South Africa’s digital scene.
Among the most prominent categories, Shandor Larenty stands tall as a nominee for Creator of the Year. Known for his immersive wildlife, travel, and adventure content, Larenty invites viewers along on journeys into the heart of the wild. His videos, often filmed on location, make nature feel both thrilling and accessible, a rare feat in the crowded world of social media content. As highlighted by GoodThingsGuy, Larenty’s work is a testament to the power of digital storytelling to bring distant worlds closer to home.
Food lovers have plenty to celebrate as well, with South Africa serving up two strong contenders in the Food Creator of the Year category. Nompumelelo Nkosi and Malume Foodie have both been recognized for their ability to bring flavor to life, whether through homestyle cooking or adventurous culinary explorations. Their presence on the nominee list underscores the growing influence of food creators in shaping online trends and inspiring home cooks across the region.
Storytelling remains at the heart of TikTok’s appeal, and in this category, former professional footballer Mike Morton has made a significant impact. Morton, now a digital storyteller, uses his background in football to craft compelling narratives about the beautiful game. Notably, he’s also nominated in the Sports Creator of the Year category, a rare double nod that speaks to his versatility and influence. Joining him in the sports category is Stephanie Mawdsley, whose work shines a spotlight on women’s football both locally and globally. Mawdsley’s content is helping to elevate the conversation around women’s sports, a topic that has long needed greater attention.
For those who keep their finger on the pulse of pop culture, the Entertainment Creator of the Year category features two standout South African nominees: Finding Chance and Jabu Macdonald. Finding Chance is celebrated for sharp insights and smart reviews on TV and film, while Jabu Macdonald’s energetic commentary covers everything from television hits to trending pop culture moments. Their work reflects the dynamism of the entertainment landscape and the role of digital creators in shaping public conversation.
The Rising Star category introduces Bafana Mthembu, whose witty commentary on TV shows, films, and podcasts has quickly won him a devoted following. As GoodThingsGuy puts it, Mthembu is "the voice you did not know you needed in your entertainment feed." His nomination is a nod to the fresh perspectives and new voices emerging on the platform.
Education is another area where South African creators are making waves. Michelle Expert, nominated for Education Creator of the Year, has built a reputation for practical, empowering content that helps viewers master business, boost productivity, and pursue personal growth. Her clear, actionable advice has made her a go-to source for aspiring entrepreneurs and business-minded creators.
Community and social impact are at the core of Sinethemba Masinga’s work, recognized with a nomination for Social Impact Creator of the Year. Through her platform, ufarm julia, Masinga highlights the importance of farming, food sustainability, and community upliftment. Her content not only educates but also inspires action, demonstrating the real-world impact that digital creators can have.
Music, too, is well represented, with Jazzworx earning a nomination for Artist of the Year. Known for infectious rhythms and a knack for collaboration—his Spotify page features tracks like Vuka with Thukuthela and work with Oscar Mbo—Jazzworx has become a fixture in the region’s music scene. As the awards recognize artists who have gained prominence on TikTok in 2025, Jazzworx’s inclusion signals the platform’s growing role in launching and sustaining musical careers.
The full list of nominees, as reported by Music In Africa, includes creators from across Sub-Saharan Africa, but South Africa’s presence is unmistakable. Among other notable nominees are @mpruedie1 for Food Creator of the Year, @_bafanamthembu as Rising Star, and @ufarm_julia for Social Impact Creator of the Year. The diversity of fields represented—from sports to education to entertainment—reflects the multifaceted nature of the creator economy in 2025.
Voting for the awards was open until November 14 at midnight (CAT), with users allowed one vote per category each day via the official voting page. TikTok encouraged users to participate further by following its regional accounts and engaging with content using the hashtag #TikTokAwardsSSA, turning the awards into a truly interactive experience for fans and followers alike.
The significance of these nominations goes beyond individual recognition. As TikTok emphasized, the annual ceremony aims to acknowledge the influence of African creators and the role they play in shaping online culture. In 2024, Nigerian artist Brown Joel took home the Artist of the Year trophy, but this year, the spotlight is firmly on South Africa. The country’s dominance in the nominations is a clear indication that creativity is not just a pastime—it’s a form of work, a source of influence, and a driver of cultural change.
The digital creator economy has become a powerful force, with platforms like TikTok providing a stage for talents that might otherwise go unnoticed. The recognition of storytelling, humor, community-building, and cultural impact at the 2025 awards is a reminder of the many ways in which digital creators are shaping the world around us. Whether it’s through a viral dance, a heartfelt story, or a practical business tip, these creators are making their mark—and South Africa is leading the way.
As the countdown to the December 6 awards ceremony continues, all eyes are on Johannesburg and the creators who have made the cut. Their stories, talents, and impact offer a refreshing counterpoint to the often overwhelming tide of negative news, reminding audiences that there are, indeed, many good things happening in the world of digital media.
