.. Onakoya, Bimbo Ademoye, Kie Kie, Sabinus, Others in the spotlight
By Esther OSOSANYA
Nigeria’s biggest digital influencers are in the spotlight as nominations roll in for the 2025 Trendupp Africa Awards, honouring social media-driven impact.
The annual awards spotlight influencers, brands, and creatives who are using digital platforms to inspire, entertain, educate, and drive social good.
The list of nominees released ahead of the highly anticipated ceremony features a diverse mix of personalities drawn from entertainment, tech, comedy, lifestyle, advocacy, and more.
Among the nominees are award-winning actress Bimbo Ademoye, digital health advocate Aproko Doctor, comedian Sabinus, chess champion and education activist Tunde Onakoya, skit star Taaooma, media entrepreneur Nancy Isime, food content creator Opeyemi Famakin, and style influencer Kie Kie.
Also nominated are Regina Daniels, Enioluwa Adeoluwa, Brain Jotter, Ruth Kadiri, Omoni Oboli, Cubana Chief Priest, Peller, Priscilla Ojo, and other high-profile digital creatives.
This year’s judges include veteran photographer Kelechi Amadi Obi, media executive Sam Onyemelukwe, Ghanaian blogger Ameyaw Deborah, and Nollywood actress Iyabo Ojo.
Award Categories and Key Nominees
Trendupp Awards feature numerous categories that reflect the evolving landscape of digital influence. Notable categories and nominees include,
Force of Instagram: Nancy Isime, Opeyemi Famakin, Stan Nze
Force of Virality: Peller, Brainjotter, Veekee James, Priscilla Ojo
Force of X (Twitter): Daniel Regha, Pooja Media, Asiwaju Lerry
Force of Lifestyle Content: Chioma Ikokwu, Neo Akpofure, Ola of Lagos
Force of Social Good: Tunde Onakoya, Aproko Doctor, Asherkine
Force of YouTube: Bimbo Ademoye, Ruth Kadiri, Omoni Oboli, Nons Miraj
Force of Comedy Skits: Sabinus, Taaooma, IamDikeh, Folagade Banks
Force of Food Content: Opeyemi Famakin, Hilda Baci, Diaryofakitchenlover
Force of TikTok: Peller, Crispdal, Purple Speedy
Emerging Force: Jo Blaq, Wanni x Handi, The Trenchboy
Force of Influence (Nigeria): Kie Kie, Enioluwa Adeoluwa, Tunde Onakoya
Force of Influence (Regional): Khosi Twala (South Africa), The Roaming Chef (Kenya), Mr Ghana Baby (Ghana)
In the Force of The Pod category, popular platforms such as I Said What I Said, The Honest Bunch, and WithChude made the shortlist, highlighting the growing role of podcasting in social discourse.
Celebrating Digital Excellence
Now in its fifth edition, the Trendupp Awards have become a benchmark of recognition for Nigeria and Africa’s creative digital economy. The ceremony is scheduled to take place later this year, with industry stakeholders, celebrities, and fans expected to attend.
Organisers say the event will not only honour online excellence but also foster collaborations across Africa’s content and influence ecosystem.
Esther Ososanya is an investigative journalist with Pinnacle Daily, reporting across health, business, environment, metro, Fct and crime. Known for her bold, empathetic storytelling, she uncovers hidden truths, challenges broken systems, and gives voice to overlooked Nigerians. Her work drives national conversations and demands accountability one powerful story at a time.
