Guests, including the continent's top content creators, brands, influential publishers and leading journalists, were invited to an evening of glamour. They experienced live performances from breakout artists, alongside celebrating creators who have shaped culture, sparked major trends and built vibrant communities across Sub-Saharan Africa, says the platform.
Viral Hits That Defined the Year
Afro-fusion star Ciza took the stage following a breakthrough year fueled by his viral song, Isaka (6am). The Amapiano "summer anthem" earned him Billboard's African Rookie of the Month in September, says the platform.
The track also sparked a continent-wide dance challenge, driving 1.2-million on-platform videos in South Africa, over 2-million globally, and reached Number Three on TikTok's South Africa Songs of the Summer 2025, adds the platform.
The song topped the charts for nine weeks at Number One in South Africa and even broke into Nigeria's Afrobeats driven market before surging again with the Isaka II remix featuring Tems and Omah Lay, which topped Spotify's Viral Chart in Nigeria. His performance aimed to capture how one beat, amplified by TikTok's creativity can achieve Pan-African dominance and global momentum, says the platform.
He was joined by award-winning South African singer, songwriter and poet Lord Kez who is known for blending together R&B, neo-soul, hip-hop and trap. Her "standout" track Aweh took over the TikTok For You Feed and held the Number One spot on South Africa's R&B chart for four weeks, adds the platform.
South African R&B star Thabsie, known for her fusion of R&B and pop since her breakout on Kwesta's Ngiyaz'fela Ngawe, also took the stage, aiming to bring her sgnature style to her performance, says the platform.
DJ and Performer, Thuli P served as the night's resident DJ, witH DJ Fif_laaa opening and closing the show, adds the platform.
Head of Content Operations at TikTok Sub-Saharan Africa, Boniswa Sidwaba, recognised artists like Ciza and Lord Kez, aiming to confirm that African creativity is setting the global pace, says the platform.
"TikTok is the leading platform for music discovery, constantly shaping the industry and driving real-world success for artists. We are proud to showcase such a rich pool of talent at this year's awards, which truly reflects on the power of the platform," says Sidwaba.
TikTok says that it aimed to tap into "fan favourite", Bontle Modiselle-Moloi, to host the platform's award ceremony.
Also on the main stage was South African multi-disciplinary artist Bontle Modiselle-Moloi as the host of the night. Bontle is a creator who aims to embody the new wave of icons shaping culture on TikTok with her blend of performance and "viral authenticity", says the platform.
TikTok LIVE Broadcast: Pink Carpet Glam Hosts
On the pink carpet, Keegan Gordon and Zayaan Noorani captured the evening's fashion and excitement, with Gordon's community-driven storytelling and Noorani's "expressive" style aim to ensure a blend of impact, fun and humour. South African internet personality Mihlali Ndamase was also at the event to present the Video of The Year Award, says the platform.
To rewatch the awards, viewers can tune into the TikTok LIVE Re-Broadcast on the @tiktok.africa account at around 20:00 SAST on Thursday, 11 December. Additional highlights and updates can be found on TikTok's official channels, adds the platform.
This year's TikTok Awards are sponsored by TikTok's group of partners, with NIVEA (Beiersdorf) and inDrive serving as Title Sponsors. Coca-Cola, Dis-Chem, and PEP join as Category Sponsors, concludes the platform.
For more information, visit TikTok on Instagram.
*Image courtesy of Instagram