Dennis Ombachi set to grace TikTok Awards in South Africa.

TikTok, the groundbreaking short-form video platform, and Vodacom, South Africa’s leading mobile communication company, have joined forces to present the most captivating awards in the digital entertainment realm: the 2023 TikTok Top Creator Awards.

These esteemed accolades not only honour the achievements of creators but also provide a glimpse into the future of media and entertainment in Africa.

Through their collaboration, these esteemed organisations aim to shed light on the creative expression that builds the creative industry across Africa.

Kenyan rugby player turned TikTok star Dennis Ombachi aka the Roaming Chef, was named the overall winner of TikTok’s inaugural Top Creator 2022 award ceremony.

The awards last year were held at a colourful ceremony at the Mövenpick Hotel and Residences in Nairobi, and were hosted by former TV presenter and PR guru Anyiko Owoko.

Dennis is expected to be in Johannesburg, South Africa to hand over an award at the second edition of the awards.

The eagerly awaited award ceremony, celebrating TikTok creators for their talent and creativity, is set for February 9 at Vodaworld in Midrand, Johannesburg.

This event is more than just an awards ceremony. It’s a tribute to the individuals shaping the cultural and digital landscape of Sub-Saharan Africa, setting new cultural trends and influencing social narratives.  

During December 2023, TikTok fans were asked to vote for their favourite creators on TikTok, and winners were chosen by public vote and a TikTok judging panel, with one winner emerging from each category.

Bianca Sibiya, Head of Content Operations for TikTok in Sub-Saharan Africa, emphasises the significance of acknowledging talent: “TikTok champions creativity and connects people globally. Our platform empowers anyone to become a creator and share their stories, while building careers.

These awards are designed to inspire, guide, and empower the next generation of talent to take Africa to the world”

Through this first-of-its-kind collaboration with TikTok, Vodacom South Africa enhances the creative process with its best-in-test network on SA’s most reliable network.

Without access to a reliable data network, content creators will not be able to upload their videos on TikTok.

Mathys Venter, Managing Executive for Prepaid and Loyalty at Vodacom South Africa explains, “Our network enables content creators to realise their creative visions, from capturing and editing footage to producing engaging content.

This partnership is also another example of how like-minded brands collaborate to provide customers with technological solutions that enhance their everyday lifestyle and entertainment.”

Here are your nominees:

Sports creator of the year in Sub-Saharan Africa

1. Nezcatt (South Africa)
2. stoneavenuee (Nigeria)

Gaming creator of the year in Sub-Saharan Africa

1. khalamanja_ (Nigeria)
2. _someothergirl (Kenya)
3. tacticalceza (Nigeria)

Entertainment creator of the year in Sub-Saharan Africa

1. Sachi_himes96 (South Africa)
2. Lifestory328 (Kenya)

Lifestyle and Education creator of the year in Sub-Saharan Africa

1. Foodstakenya (Kenya)
2. _iremide (Nigeria)
3. SiyaBunny (South Africa)

Trailblazer of the Year in Sub-Saharan Africa

1. OfficialKinuthia (Kenya)
2. @olaoflagos_ (Nigeria)

Africa Rising creator of the year in Sub-Saharan Africa

1. Afrolecia (Haircare South Africa)
2. Nairobidisclosure (Food Kenya)

Publisher of the Year in Sub-Saharan Africa

1. PulseNigeria247 (Nigeria)
2. Startimeskenya (Kenya)
3. Foodiesofsa (South Africa)
4. WWTaste (South Africa)
5. PulseSports (Nigeria)
6. jointribe_gg (Nigeria)
7. Netflixnigeria (Nigeria)

Song of the Year in Sub-Saharan Africa

1. Tyler ICU & Tumelo_za – Mnike (feat. DJ Maphorisa, Nandipha808, Ceeka RSA & Tyron Dee)
2. Inkabi Zezwe, Sjava & Big Zulu – Umbayimbayi
3. Uncle Waffles, Tony Duardo & Justin 99 – Yahyuppiyah(feat.Pcee, EeQue & Chley)
4. Guchi & Loud Behaviour – Notice Me
5. Pcee, S’gija Disciples & Zan’Ten – Kilimanjaro ( Feat. Justin 99, Mema_Percent & Mr JazziQ)
6. Khaid & Boy Spyce – Carry Me Go (Sped Up)
7. Khaid – Anabella (Sped Up)
8. Asake – Lonely At the Top
9. Spyro – Who is your guy?
10. Adekunle Gold & Zinoleesky – Party No Dey Stop
11. Jux & Diamond Platnumz – Enjoy
12. Jay Melody – Sawa
13. Platform TZ – Wivu
14. Alikiba – Mahaba
15. Bruce Africa – You

Beyond entertainment, these awards underscore the economic empowerment fostered by TikTok and Vodacom. They highlight the platform’s role in nurturing diverse talents from various backgrounds and countries, contributing significantly to the burgeoning digital economy in Africa.

To celebrate this partnership, Vodacom NXT LVL has launched a ‘Buy and Get’ campaign where three NXT LVL customers will stand a chance to win double tickets to the TikTok Top Creator Awards powered by Vodacom.

For more news updates, tune in to NRG Radio or download the NRG Play App on your phone