TikTok has announced the lineup of music stars and creators set to ignite the 2025 TikTok Awards Sub-Saharan Africa, scheduled for Saturday. The platform promises an evening of high-energy performances, cultural celebration, and creator brilliance, as some of the most influential voices on TikTok this year take the stage.
Attendees, drawn from across the continent’s top creators, brand partners, and media, will be treated to live performances from breakout artists whose sounds have dominated TikTok trends in 2025.
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The event will also spotlight creators who have shaped conversations, driven viral moments, and built vibrant digital communities across Sub-Saharan Africa.
They can anticipate electrifying live performances from breakout artistes whose music has dominated TikTok feeds this year, alongside celebrating creators who have profoundly shaped culture, sparked major trends, and built vibrant communities across Sub-Saharan Africa.
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Viral hits that defined the year
Afro-fusion star Ciza will take the stage following a standout year powered by his viral anthem Isaka (6 am). The Amapiano summer hit earned him Billboard’s African Rookie of the Month in September.
It triggered a continent-wide dance challenge, generating 1.2 million videos in South Africa and over 2 million globally.
The track reached No. 3 on TikTok’s South Africa Songs of the Summer 2025, topped the country’s charts for nine consecutive weeks, and even broke into Nigeria’s Afrobeats-driven market.
Its momentum surged again with the Isaka II remix featuring Tems and Omah Lay, which went on to top Spotify’s Viral Chart in Nigeria. His performance at the awards underscores how a single hit, amplified by TikTok’s creator ecosystem, can achieve pan-African dominance and global visibility.
He will be joined by award-winning South African singer, songwriter, and poet Lord Kez, whose genre-blending sound, spanning R&B, neo-soul, hip-hop, and trap, has made her one of the platform’s most compelling voices.
Her breakout track Aweh dominated the TikTok For You Feed and held the No. 1 spot on South Africa’s R&B chart for four weeks, driven by creators who connected deeply with her raw, soulful storytelling.
South African R&B star Thabsie, celebrated for her smooth fusion of R&B and pop since her breakthrough on Kwesta’s Ngiyaz’fela Ngawe, will also take the stage, bringing her signature vocals to elevate the night.
The DJs are not left out. Acclaimed performer Thuli P will serve as the night’s resident DJ, while rising nightlife favourite DJ Fif_laaa will open and close the show.
Other highlights
The main stage will be graced by South African multidisciplinary artist Bontle Modiselle-Moloi, who will host the night.
On the pink carpet, Keegan Gordon and Zayaan Noorani will capture the evening’s fashion and excitement, with Keegan’s community-driven storytelling and Zayaan’s bold, expressive style ensuring a blend of impact, fun, and humour.
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South African favourite Mihlali Ndamase will also make a surprise appearance at the event.
To relive all the excitement from the awards, tune into the TikTok LIVE re-broadcast on the @tiktok.africa account at around 20:00h SAST on 11 December 2025. Follow TikTok’s official channels for additional highlights and updates.
