Held at The Galleria in Sandton and hosted by Mpho 'Popps' Modikoane, the event aimed to bring together some of the country's creators, entertainers, industry leaders and brand partners for a night of performances and recognition, says the awards.

Among the evening's biggest winners were Grace Mondlana, who took home both the Trendsetter Award and the Samsung Galaxy Creator of the Year Award, and Vafa Naraghi, who won the Best Social Series Award and the Thumbstopping Award.

Their wins aimed to highlight the range of talent driving South Africa's creator economy, from social storytelling to the personalities setting the pace for what comes next, says the awards.

The evening aimed to be reminder of what happens when the creator community comes together to celebrate its own. With everyone from established digital stars to emerging voices in attendance, the awards says its platform continues its aim to create space for creators to be recognised, supported and celebrated for the work they bring to audiences every day.

A Night of Entertainment

Mama Ka Lo (Sizakele Ndaba) set the tone by opening the show, while a video skit from Dan Corder and an Awkward Dates skit featuring Lasizwe and Cedric Fourie aimed to bring plenty of humour to the evening, says  the awards.

Music took centre stage with a special medley by six nominees in the 947 Sound of Tomorrow category. Chesrae Megan, Carter Najar, Lordkez, Lukiemusic, Mikhalé Jones and Teagan's Things each brought their own sound and energy to the performance, adds the awards.

The dance nominees also collaborated for a live performance, with Chad Jones, Benny Jnr, Ludopie, Rudi Smit and TDO Thando taking to the stage. Choreographed by nominee Benny Jnr, the performance aimed to showcase the creativity and skill of some of South Africa's dance creators. Benny Jnr also returned for the show's finale, says the awards.

The awards were presented by a line-up of members from entertainment, media and the brand partners involved. This year's presenter line-up included Grace Mondlana, Devi Govender, Lesego Tlhabi, Donovan Goliath, Nadia Jaftha, Reece Meyer, Courtnaé Paul, Ndabe Zondi, Banele Ndaba, Sphokuhle N, Lebo Lion, Twala Ng'ambi, Lorraine Landon, Samsung's Rae Hargreaves and Kayleigh Weelson, BYD's Tebatso Boholo, Cars.co.za's Nicole Capper and Telkom's Inga Fundakubi. 

The 2026 Samsung Galaxy Content Creator Awards Winners

The awards recognised talent across 20 categories, from comedy and music to branded content, social series and automotive content.

This year's winners are:

  • Dance Creator Award: Chad Jones
  • Style Award: Yasmin Furmie
  • 947 Sound of Tomorrow Award: Mikhalé Jones
  • Best Social Series Award: Vafa Naraghi
  • Best Creator x Brand Collaboration Award: Nabilah Kariem for Le Creuset
  • Expert Voices Award: Miss Angler
  • Telkom Best Online Series Award: The Adventures of Noko Mashaba
  • Trendsetter Award: Grace Mondlana
  • Podcast of the Year Award: SMWX Podcast
  • Best Comedy Content Creator Award: Ikho Kweba
  • Thumbstopping Award: Vafa Naraghi
  • Wildcard Award: Lindokuhle Madlingozi
  • Cars.co.za Automotive Content Award: Tebogo Moropa
  • BYD People's Choice Award: Olwethu Ncapayi
  • Samsung Galaxy Creator of the Year Award: Grace Mondlana
  • Emerging Creator Award, Backed by Creator Club: Sine Mbangata
  • YouTube Creator of the Year Award: Lasizwe
  • Impact Creator Award: Joshua Rubin
  • Excellence in Branded Content Award: Oliver Agency for Cleanipedia presents Bakhombise
  • #CapturedWithGalaxy Award: Katlego Lekoba

This year's awards also marked a new chapter for the platform through its partnership with Samsung Galaxy. For creators, the tools used to capture, edit and share content are an important part of the creative process. The partnership aimed to put that relationship in the spotlight, recognising the role technology plays in helping creators bring their ideas to life.

“What a night. Seeing so much talent in one room, and watching the industry come together to celebrate the people behind some of South Africa's most exciting content, was really special. From the performances to the winners, there was so much to celebrate," says Manuela Dias de Deus, Founder of the Content Creator Awards and Founder of One-eyed Jack.

"Our partnership with Samsung Galaxy is an exciting next step for the Content Creator Awards." adds Dias de Deus. "For creators, a smartphone is such an important part of the creative process, and Samsung Galaxy is proving to be the ultimate companion for capturing ideas and bringing them to life." 

"We're looking forward to what we can build together and how this partnership can continue to support South Africa's creator community," says Dias de Deus.

The Awards conclude by thanking Samsung, BYD, Cars.co.za, Telkom, YouTube, 947, eVOD, LIFT, One-eyed Jack, The Creator Club, Ray-Ban, WAV Festival, Bernini, Converse and Humanz for making the event possible.

For more information, visit www.contentcreatorawards.co.za. You can also follow The Content Creator Awards on Facebook, LinkedIn, X, or on Instagram.

*Image courtesy of contributor