2026 Content Creator Awards Nominees Announced As Samsung Galaxy Joins As Headline Sponsor

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 begins.

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. “When we launched these awards, we were celebrating brave pioneers who were proving that content creation could be a real career. Today we’re recognising world-class creators who are building businesses, influencing culture, driving commerce and setting global standards. Our responsibility has shifted from legitimising the industry to raising the benchmark for excellence. This is no longer about recognising creators for what’s possible. It’s about celebrating those who are setting the standard for the future of marketing, entertainment and entrepreneurship in South Africa.”

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.”

The Awards Night

The winners will be announced at a spectacular gala evening on 17 October 2026 in Sandton.

Tickets for the awards are now available at https://www.quicket.co.za/events/391220-content-creator-awards-sponsored-by-samsung/#/.

Press Launch Highlights

The launch itself, hosted by 2022 Content Creator Awards winner Lesego Tlabi (Coconut Kelz), demonstrated the extraordinary momentum behind the awards, drawing one of the largest industry gatherings in the programme’s history.

2026 CONTENT CREATOR AWARDS NOMINEES

Public Voting Categories

Samsung Galaxy Creator of the Year Award

Donovan Goliath SMS "COTY1" to 33622Grace Mondlana SMS "COTY2" to 33622Nadia Jaftha SMS "COTY3" to 33622Primo9teen SMS "COTY4" to 33622Vafa Naraghi SMS "COTY5" to 33622

YouTube Creator Of The Year Award

Centtwinz SMS "YOUTUBE1" to 33622Lasizwe SMS "YOUTUBE2" to 33622Noko Mashaba SMS "YOUTUBE3" to 33622Shev and Dev SMS "YOUTUBE4" to 33622SMWX SMS "YOUTUBE5" to 33622Zayaan SMS "YOUTUBE6" to 33622

Cars.co.za Automotive Content Award

Chris Rogers SMS "CARS1" TO 33622Mpoomy Ledwaba SMS "CARS2" TO 33622Rory Petzer SMS "CARS3" TO 33622Sam from TheCarScene SMS "CARS4" TO 33622Shane Assad SMS "CARS5" TO 33622Tebogo Moropa SMS "CARS6" TO 33622

Emerging Creator Award, backed by Creator Club

Anica Kiana SMS "EMERGING1" to 33622Isaac Mehlape SMS "EMERGING2" to 33622Sibo Mchunu SMS "EMERGING3" to 33622Sine_rsa_ SMS "EMERGING4" to 33622Socially Jordie SMS "EMERGING5" to 33622

People’s Choice Award

Anika Dambuza SMS "CHOICE1" to 33622Garfieldzar SMS "CHOICE2" to 33622Grace Mondlana SMS "CHOICE3" to 33622Olwethu Ncapayi SMS "CHOICE4" to 33622Tanaka Dube SMS "CHOICE5" to 33622

Non-Public Voting Categories

Telkom Best Online Series Award

Awkward Dates by LasizweHungry & ShamelessKickin it with Kim JaydeSABS NetworkThe Adventures of Noko Mashaba

947 Sound of Tomorrow Award

Chesrae MeganCarter NajarLordkezLukiemusicMikhalé JonesTeagan's Things

Dance Creator Award

Chad JonesBenny JnrLudopieRudi SmitTDO Thando

Style Award

KimosLue & RuePumla DineoWisemanzitherYasmin Furmie

Best Online Social Series Award

Dalin OliverNuri GallowSimo ZiqubuStefan van der MerweVafa NaraghiZayaan

Best Creator x Brand Collaboration Award

Baxbara - Delicious FestivalLukiemusic - #IAmOriginal88Nabilah Kariem - Le CreusetNabilah Kariem - SamsungSni Mhlongo - Vaseline

Expert Voices Award

Bella MonsoonKriya GangiahMiss AnglerStefan van der Merwe for We Do TechThe Conscious Psychologist

Trendsetter Award

Anika Dambuza | The City MakotiGrace MondlanaKim JaydeLinglingPrimo9teen

Podcast of the Year Award

GenC PodcastMindset ProfitsSMWXThe MakhsThe Sias du Plessis ShowWisdom & Wellness

Impact Creator Award

Conrad Koch & Chester MissingJoshwideawakeShandor LarentyNick HammanTheshaya

Best Comedy Content Creator Award

Céline TshikaIkhoSipho2skiitsTanaka DubeTitus Mokou

Wildcard Award

LindosasmrNathan MolefeYombusoo CthandiweiiZinhle Africa

Thumb-stopping Award

Céline TshikaChris RogersKaytee ShotsPlanettobiiVafa Naraghi