The 2025 Trendupp Awards, themed “Still Explosive”, celebrated Nigeria’s most impactful digital creators and influencers in a star-studded ceremony held on July 13th, 2025, at the Balmoral Hall, Federal Palace Hotel, Victoria Island, Lagos.
The annual award ceremony recognized outstanding influencers, content creators, and brands dominating social media across various platforms. This year’s edition spotlighted 104 nominees across 17 categories, with winners selected by a distinguished panel of judges including Iyabo Ojo, Sam Onyemelukwe, Kelechi Amadi Obi, and Ameyaw Deborah.
Among the standout winners were:
- Pooja, a first-time nominee, who clinched the ‘Force of X (Twitter)’ award.
- Peller and Jadrolita, who took home the ‘Force of Virality’ prize.
- Opeyemi Famakin, who emerged winner in the ‘Force of Food Content’ category.
- Liquorose, who secured the ‘Force of Lifestyle Content’ award.
- Veekee James, who was crowned ‘Force of Influence (Nigeria)’ for her exceptional impact between March 2024 and March 2025.
The night also featured an electrifying performance by Nigerian music star Reekado Banks, who thrilled the audience with hit tracks like “Easy Jeje” and “Ozumba Mbadiwe.”
🏆 Other 2025 Trendupp Award Winners
- 🤝 Force of Social Good — King Mitchy
- 💻 Force of Tech Content — Valor Reviews
- 🎙️ Force of The Pod (Podcast) — Isbae U (Curiosity Made Me Ask)
- 📺 Force of YouTube — Bimbo Ademoye
- 😂 Force of Comedy Skits — Folagade Banks
- 🔥 Force of Online Sensation — Jay Onair
- 🎶 Force of TikTok — Crispdal
- 🎨 Force of Creative Arts — Hauwa
- 🍽️ Force of Food Content — Opeyemi Famakin
- 🌱 Emerging Force — Samuel Banks
- 🤝 Force of Collaboration (Brands) — Tecno Mobile NG
🌍 Force of Influence (Regional) Winners
- Veekee James (Nigeria)
- Khosi Twala (South Africa)
- Zero Brainer (Tanzania)
- Hypers Kidsfrica (Uganda)
- Mr Ghana Baby (Ghana)
- Boubou Design_ (Senegal)
- The Roaming Chef (Kenya)
The Trendupp Awards continue to spotlight digital excellence, rewarding creativity, engagement, and innovation within Nigeria’s thriving influencer ecosystem.
