The fifth annual Trendupp Awards, held at Lagos’s Balmoral Hall with the theme “Still Explosive,” celebrated Africa’s top influencers, creators, and brand allies for their achievements between March 2024 and March 2025.

The night showcased:

104 finalists across 17 categories, selected by judges including Iyabo Ojo, Kelechi Amadi-Obi, and Ameyaw Debrah.

– Charismatic hosting by social media star KieKie, who energized the evening with humor and style.

– A standout performance from artist Faith, whose song briefly halted cameras as the audience listened in silence.

Top Award Highlights

• Force of Influence (Nigeria): Veekee James— Recognized as the country’s top influencer—acknowledging her culture-shifting impact

• Force of Virality: Peller & Jadrolita— Celebrated for content that sparked widespread engagement.

• Emerging Force: Samuel Banks— Acknowledged as 2025’s fastest-rising digital creative talent.

• Force of Lifestyle Content: Liquorose— Honored for her compelling voice in fashion, beauty, and travel.

Other notable winners included Folagade Banks for comedy skits, Opeyemi Famakin for food, ValourReviews for tech, and Isbae U for podcasting.

Why It Matters

– Pan‑African reach: With influencers from nations beyond Nigeria, the awards highlight the continental growth of the creator economy.

– Celebrating creativity: Winners span diverse fields—tech insights, food storytelling, social advocacy—showing that digital influence extends far beyond entertainment.

– Industry recognition: A jury of experts rigorously evaluates nominees, signaling a shift toward professional standards in digital content.