Shallipopi named TikTok’s 2025 Artist of the Year in Sub-Saharan Africa

Nigerian rising star Shallipopi has officially cemented his place as one of Africa’s most influential young artists after winning Artist of the Year at the 2025 TikTok Awards for Sub-Saharan Africa.

The award ceremony, held in Johannesburg, celebrated creators and musicians who shaped digital culture across the region throughout the year. Shallipopi born Crown Uzama emerged as the standout talent of the night, thanks to his dominance on TikTok and his rapidly growing fanbase across the continent.

Shallipopi’s genre-blending sound, which fuses Afrobeats, Afropop, Amapiano, and Trap, has become a signature soundtrack for millions of TikTok users. His songs consistently spark viral trends, dance challenges, and creative content, earning him admiration not just from fans but from the platform itself.

According to TikTok, the singer’s viral releases were a major driving force behind some of the most unpredictable and creative cultural moments of 2025. His impact earned him a nomination alongside talented creators from Uganda, Ghana, South Africa, and Nigeria, proving once again how TikTok continues to spotlight emerging African talent.

Shallipopi’s win is more than an award it’s a reflection of how social media is reshaping the African music landscape, turning short-form videos into career-defining moments. As platforms like TikTok continue to elevate young artists, Shallipopi’s rise stands as a testament to the power of digital influence and the global reach of African sound.