Nigerian breakout star Shallipopi has added another milestone to his fast-rising career, clinching the Artist of the Year award at the 2025 TikTok Awards for Sub-Saharan Africa.
The win further cements his reputation as one of the continent’s most dynamic and influential young artists.
The award ceremony, held in Johannesburg, brought together the creators and musicians who have shaped digital culture across the region this year.
Shallipopi, born Crown Uzama, emerged as the standout name, thanks to a record-breaking run on TikTok that saw his sound dominate countless trends and viral challenges.
With his signature blend of Afrobeats, Afropop, Amapiano, and Trap, the Edo-born hitmaker became a staple on the app, soundtracking millions of videos and fueling unpredictable cultural moments that defined TikTok in 2025.
The platform hailed his viral hits as an engine behind the year’s most creative user-generated content.
🏆 Shallipopi wins Artist of the Year at the TikTok Awards Sub-Saharan Africa 2025. 🪐👏🏾 pic.twitter.com/d4rDUXoqV4
— THE DEBUT HUB (@thedebuthub) December 6, 2025
His nomination placed him alongside other rising talents from Nigeria, Uganda, Ghana, and South Africa, a lineup that showcased the growing global spotlight on African creators.
But Shallipopi’s momentum throughout the year made him the undeniable choice for the top prize.
The victory underscores how TikTok continues to transform the careers of young African artists, turning organic social media buzz into international visibility and industry-shifting opportunities.
For Shallipopi, it marks yet another step in a journey powered by both talent and the unstoppable force of digital culture.
Shallipopi wins ‘Artist of the Year’ at the TikTok Awards Sub-Saharan Africa 2025 🏆💜 pic.twitter.com/Nwc9xmrz98
— Purp Kulture (@purpkulture) December 7, 2025