South Africa’s creator economy reached another major milestone today as the 2026 Content Creator Awards officially unveiled this year’s nominees while announcing Samsung Galaxy as its new title sponsor, marking the biggest evolution in the awards’ history.
In addition, this year’s nominees were officially announced as the countdown to the 2026 ceremony officially began. The winners will be announced at a spectacular gala evening on 17 October 2026 in Sandton.
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When the awards launched in 2022, the mission was simple: celebrate creators at a time when many still had to justify content creation as a legitimate career. Four years later, that conversation has changed.
Today, the awards recognise the country’s most influential creators, the brands and agencies investing in the space, and the work that continues to push the industry forward.
“As the creator economy has evolved, so have the awards,” said Manuela Dias de Deus, Founder of the Awards and Founder of One-eyed Jack.
New Content Creator Awards category announced
This year’s awards feature 20 categories, all refined to better reflect today’s creator landscape. Entry criteria have become more rigorous, with judging criteria developed in collaboration with the Interactive Advertising Bureau (IAB South Africa) to ensure greater consistency, credibility and industry alignment.
An exciting new category, the #CapturedWithGalaxy Award, was also announced at the launch and remains open for entries, giving creators one final opportunity to be recognised before entries officially close.
Open to creators of all niches, the category celebrates exceptional content captured on any type of Samsung Galaxy device. The winner will receive a Content Creator Award trophy, as well as a Samsung Galaxy Z Fold8 valued at approximately R40,999. Entries close on 20 September.
Samsung Galaxy announced as headline sponsor
Samsung Galaxy was officially unveiled as title sponsor, signalling the growing confidence major brands have in South Africa’s creator economy.
“We’re incredibly proud to partner with the Content Creator Awards,” said Rae Hargreaves, Head of Marketing: Mobile eXperience at Samsung South Africa.
“Creators are shaping culture, influencing purchasing decisions and redefining storytelling every single day. Samsung Galaxy exists to give creators the technology they need to tell those stories, and we’re excited to celebrate the incredible talent driving South Africa’s creator economy.”
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2026 Content Creator Awards nominees
Public voting categories
Samsung Galaxy Creator of the Year Award
- Donovan Goliath SMS “COTY1” to 33622
- Grace Mondlana SMS “COTY2” to 33622
- Nadia Jaftha SMS “COTY3” to 33622
- Primo9teen SMS “COTY4” to 33622
- Vafa Naraghi SMS “COTY5” to 33622
YouTube Creator Of The Year Award
- Centtwinz SMS “YOUTUBE1” to 33622
- Lasizwe SMS “YOUTUBE2” to 33622
- Noko Mashaba SMS “YOUTUBE3” to 33622
- Shev and Dev SMS “YOUTUBE4” to 33622
- SMWX SMS “YOUTUBE5” to 33622
- Zayaan SMS “YOUTUBE6” to 33622
Cars.co.za Automotive Content Award
- Chris Rogers SMS “CARS1” TO 33622
- Mpoomy Ledwaba SMS “CARS2” TO 33622
- Rory Petzer SMS “CARS3” TO 33622
- Sam from TheCarScene SMS “CARS4” TO 33622
- Shane Assad SMS “CARS5” TO 33622
- Tebogo Moropa SMS “CARS6” TO 33622
Emerging Creator Award, backed by Creator Club
- Anica Kiana SMS “EMERGING1” to 33622
- Isaac Mehlape SMS “EMERGING2” to 33622
- Sibo Mchunu SMS “EMERGING3” to 33622
- Sine_rsa_ SMS “EMERGING4” to 33622
- Socially Jordie SMS “EMERGING5” to 33622
People’s Choice Award
- Anika Dambuza SMS “CHOICE1” to 33622
- Garfieldzar SMS “CHOICE2” to 33622
- Grace Mondlana SMS “CHOICE3” to 33622
- Olwethu Ncapayi SMS “CHOICE4” to 33622
- Tanaka Dube SMS “CHOICE5” to 33622
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Non-public voting categories
Telkom Best Online Series Award
- Awkward Dates by Lasizwe
- Hungry & Shameless
- Kickin it with Kim Jayde
- SABS Network
- The Adventures of Noko Mashaba
947 Sound of Tomorrow Award
- Chesrae Megan
- Carter Najar
- Lordkez
- Lukiemusic
- Mikhalé Jones
- Teagan’s Things
Dance Creator Award
- Chad Jones
- Benny Jnr
- Ludopie
- Rudi Smit
- TDO Thando
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Style Award
- Kimos
- Lue & Rue
- Pumla Dineo
- Wisemanzither
- Yasmin Furmie
Best Online Social Series Award
- Dalin Oliver
- Nuri Gallow
- Simo Ziqubu
- Stefan van der Merwe
- Vafa Naraghi
- Zayaan
Best Creator x Brand Collaboration Award
- Baxbara – Delicious Festival
- Lukiemusic – #IAmOriginal88
- Nabilah Kariem – Le Creuset
- Nabilah Kariem – Samsung
- Sni Mhlongo – Vaseline
Expert Voices Award
- Bella Monsoon
- Kriya Gangiah
- Miss Angler
- Stefan van der Merwe for We Do Tech
- The Conscious Psychologist
Trendsetter Award
- Anika Dambuza | The City Makoti
- Grace Mondlana
- Kim Jayde
- Lingling
- Primo9teen
Podcast of the Year Award
- GenC Podcast
- Mindset Profits
- SMWX
- The Makhs
- The Sias du Plessis Show
- Wisdom & Wellness
Impact Creator Award
- Conrad Koch & Chester Missing
- Joshwideawake
- Shandor Larenty
- Nick Hamman
- Theshaya
Best Comedy Content Creator Award
- Céline Tshika
- Ikho
- Sipho2skiits
- Tanaka Dube
- Titus Mokou
Wildcard Award
- Lindosasmr
- Nathan Molefe
- Yombusoo Cthandiweii
- Zinhle Africa
Thumb-stopping Award
- Céline Tshika
- Chris Rogers
- Kaytee Shots
- Planettobii
- Vafa Naraghi
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