TikTok is preparing to bring together some of the continent’s brightest musical talents and most influential digital creators as the 2025 TikTok Awards Sub Saharan Africa take place on 6 December. The ceremony promises an evening defined by glamour, performance and the unmistakable energy that has made the platform one of the most powerful cultural engines on the continent.
The awards will draw leading creators, brands, publishers and journalists to a celebration that has grown into a major fixture on the regional entertainment calendar. At its heart will be a series of live performances from artists whose songs have shaped TikTok trends throughout the year and whose presence reflects the evolving relationship between music and digital storytelling in Africa.
Afro fusion star Ciza headlines the musical line up after a year marked by extraordinary momentum. His viral hit Isaka, also known as 6am, sparked dance challenges across the continent and generated more than one million creator videos in South Africa alone. The track surged to the top of the local charts, held the number one position for nine weeks, and travelled beyond borders to gain traction in Nigeria’s competitive music space. Its remix, Isaka II, featuring Tems and Omah Lay, topped Spotify’s Viral Chart in Nigeria, underscoring the influence that creator driven engagement can carry across markets. Ciza’s performance is expected to capture the journey of a song that grew from a dance trend into a continental anthem.
He will share the stage with Lord Kez, the South African singer, writer and poet whose blend of rhythm and blues, neo soul, hip hop and trap has made her one of the most distinctive voices on the platform. Her track Aweh dominated the For You Feed and held the number one position on the national rhythm and blues chart for four weeks, driven by creators who embraced her introspective and emotionally rich sound. South African rhythm and blues vocalist Thabsie will also perform, adding her smooth delivery and pop influenced style that has resonated widely since her breakout on Kwesta’s Ngiyazfela Ngawe.
The line up will be anchored by DJ Thuli P as the resident DJ for the evening, with rising nightlife favourite DJ Fif laaa set to open and close the show. The emphasis on DJs signals TikTok’s recognition of the role they play in breaking sounds, fuelling challenges and shaping the cultural direction of dance and nightlife communities.
Boniswa Sidwaba, Head of Content Operations for TikTok Sub Saharan Africa, said the artists reflect a broader shift in how culture is being shaped across digital spaces. She noted that African creativity is influencing global trends and added that TikTok remains a major driver of music discovery. Her comments underline the platform’s growing reputation as a launchpad for artists whose careers are built in real time through community interaction.
South African performer Bontle Modiselle Moloi will host the awards. Known for her blend of polished choreography and viral appeal, she represents the kind of creator who moves easily between digital culture and mainstream entertainment. The pink carpet broadcast will be anchored by Keegan Gordon and Zayaan Noorani, whose distinct styles have built strong followings. Gordon is known for community centred storytelling, while Noorani’s expressive presence has made him a favourite for red carpet coverage. Influencer Mihlali Ndamase will present the Video of the Year Award.
Viewers will be able to revisit the event through a TikTok LIVE rebroadcast on 11 December via the official TikTok Africa account. The awards are supported by a slate of major partners, with NIVEA and inDrive serving as title sponsors and Coca Cola, Dis Chem and PEP as category sponsors. Their involvement reflects how the platform’s creator ecosystem has grown into one of the most commercially dynamic spaces in African entertainment.
The TikTok Awards celebrate creators who have shaped conversations, sparked trends and built lasting communities. As the 2025 edition approaches, the event stands as another reminder of how digital culture continues to expand African creativity and connect audiences across borders.
