South Africa’s creator economy reached another major milestone today as the2026 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 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
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
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
Awards Ceremony
17 October 2026
Sandton, Johannesburg
Official Partners
Samsung Galaxy – Title Sponsor
YouTube – YouTube Creator of the Year Award (TBC Category)
Telkom – Best Online Series Award
947 – Sound of Tomorrow Award
eVOD – Official Broadcast Partner
Cars.co.za – Automotive Award
The Creator Club – Emerging Creator Award Partner
One-eyed Jack – Founders and Official Marketing and Production Agency
