TikTok honoured the region’s most outstanding content creators at the 2023 Top Creator Awards.
The colourful event powered by Vodacom NXT LVL. Was held at Vodacom World, Johannesburg, celebrating TikTok’s vibrant community’s creativity, innovation and dedication across Sub-Saharan Africa.
The awards ceremony not only spotlighted exceptional content across various categories but also emphasised TikTok’s commitment to empowering creators by offering resources and monetisation opportunities. The platform is pivotal in enabling creators to pursue their passions sustainably.
TikTok’s Head of Content Operations in Sub-Saharan Africa, Bianca Sibiya said the awards are designed to inspire, guide, and empower the next generation of talent.
“The Top Creator 2023 Awards give us an opportunity to recognise and celebrate our talented content creators from across the continent. We’re incredibly proud and inspired by these creators, who significantly impact their communities through innovative, engaging and captivating content,”
Mathys Venter, Managing Executive for Prepaid and Loyalty at Vodacom South Africa noted, “Congratulations to all the winners and nominees of the 2023 TikTok Top Creator Awards. Through this initiative in collaboration with TikTok, we hope to continue shedding light on the ever-evolving creative industry across Africa. We remain committed to providing creators with technological solutions that empower their entertaining content creation,”
2023 Top Creator Awards Winners:
Sports Creator of the Year in Sub-Saharan Africa – Nezcatt (South Africa)
Gaming Creator of the Year in Sub-Saharan Africa – Khalamanja_ (Nigeria)
Entertainment Creator of the Year in Sub-Saharan Africa – Sachi_himes96 (South Africa)
Lifestyle and Education Creator of the Year in Sub-Saharan Africa – _iremide (Nigeria)
Trailblazer of the Year in Sub-Saharan Africa – @olaoflagos_ (Nigeria)
Africa Rising Creator of the Year in Sub-Saharan Africa – Afrolecia (South Africa)
Publisher of the Year in Sub-Saharan Africa – PulseNigeria247 (Nigeria)
Song of the Year in Sub-Saharan Africa – Tyler ICU
The ceremony showcased talent and diversity, featuring dynamic performances by renowned artists like Tyler ICU and Thozi Music and a special appearance by the TikTok Top Creator Overall Winner for 2022, Dennis Ombachi.
Known as the Roaming Chef, Ombachi is well known for his famous phrase ‘Chop tomato and onion, done,’ and a retired rugby player. During his athletic era, Ombachi played for Kenya 7s, representing the country at the 2016 Summer Olympics. He was also part of the squad that represented Kenya at the 2013 Rugby World Cup Sevens in Russia.
The collaboration between TikTok and Vodacom exemplifies a shared vision of nurturing talent and empowering creators economically, contributing significantly to Africa’s burgeoning digital economy.
TikTok continues to be a leading platform for creative expression, offering a space where creators can connect, inspire and thrive. The Top Creator 2023 Awards highlight the endless possibilities within the TikTok community and set the stage for future innovations in content creation.
[Vivian MaChuene Chuene, TikTok Entertainment, Sub- Saharan Africa ; Tyler ICU (Song of the year 2023 Winner); Tumelo.za and Thami Majola, Executive Head Brand Marketing & Communication at Vodacom. Photo/TikTok/February, 12, 24].
Kenya was represented by the TikTok Top Creator Overall Winner for 2022, Dennis Ombachi, also known as the Roaming Chef. Ombachi is well known for his famous phrase ‘Done!’ thanks to his all engaging and detailed but short TikTok content.
“It’s a pleasure being back here in South Africa for the Top Creator 2023 Awards; it’s nostalgic and good to catch up with my fellow creators,” he said.
While congratulating all the winners and the creators present, Ombachi shared his wisdom and encouragement for all Kenyan content creators, who in spite of being nominated did not win, “Keep creating, keep sharing and keep inspiring”.
Game changer
Ever since he won the TikTok Top Creator Award 2022, Dennis’s life changed for the better: “The TikTok Top Creator Award 2022 opened a lot of doors, a lot of opportunities. But I think what’s most important to me is that it inspired me to create more and to share more,” he disclosed.
Ombachi continued, “After winning the award, it made me realise that our efforts are actually recognized outside there. People are watching, people are getting inspired by what we do, that really inspired me to create more. And I think it made me a better, a better creator”, said Mr Ombachi.
He also shared his thoughts at the new winners, who majorly broke out into the top after a year of amazing work on TikTok: “It’s refreshing to see new faces here and there and it’s a testament that you know anyone can make it on this platform. Just believe in yourself, create. And if people relate, get inspired or educated by your content, you’ll be able to make something of yourself,” he divulged.
