The 5th edition of the esteemed Trendupp Awards 2025 delivered an iconic celebration of Nigeria’s digital creators and changemakers. Held in grand style, the ceremony honoured some of the most audacious voices on the internet, content creators, influencers, and brands shaping the future of storytelling, culture, and influence.
Hosted at a dazzling venue in Lagos, this year’s edition kicked off at exactly 5PM with a vibrant red carpet session hosted by media personality Grandprince Ita. The carpet quickly became a visual feast of fashion, lights, and interviews, as guests, celebrities, nominees, and digital leaders struck poses, shared laughs, and created networking moments that reflected the strength of Nigeria’s creator economy.
The main show followed, hosted with flair and precision by the ever-hilarious Kiekie, who kept the audience engaged with her wit and energy. Musical performances from Reekado Banks and rising star Faith Mac elevated the show, mixing inspiration with entertainment. But what made the night truly unforgettable was the heart behind the recognition, a reminder that creativity is not just about trends, but impact, storytelling, and culture-shifting influence.
Below is a full breakdown of the award categories, nominees, and winners of the night:
FORCE OF INFLUENCE [NIGERIA]
Meet the Force of influence (Nigeria Nominees)
— JSWT (@jospeedwurldtv) July 15, 2025
Winner: Veekee_james pic.twitter.com/QOh9RBUpT1
FORCE OF X
Meet the Force Of X Nominees
— JSWT (@jospeedwurldtv) July 14, 2025
Winner: @PoojaMedia pic.twitter.com/obOzfOmxiz
FORCE OF YOUTUBE
Meet Force Of YouTube Nominees
— JSWT (@jospeedwurldtv) July 14, 2025
Winner: Nons Miraj pic.twitter.com/LyldHU5aHR
FORCE OF COMEDY SKITS
Meet the Force Of Comedy Skits Nominees
— JSWT (@jospeedwurldtv) July 14, 2025
Winner: Folagade Banks pic.twitter.com/fUR1gwjuLk
FORCE OF ONLINE SENSATION
Meet the Force of Online Sensation Nominees ????
— JSWT (@jospeedwurldtv) July 14, 2025
Winner: Jay_onair pic.twitter.com/10z2prIOgr
FORCE OF COLLABORATION
Meet the Force Of Collaboration Nominees
— JSWT (@jospeedwurldtv) July 14, 2025
Winner: Bet Naija pic.twitter.com/xqJmzXZb9d
FORCE OF FOOD CONTENT
Meet the Force of Food Content ????
— JSWT (@jospeedwurldtv) July 14, 2025
Winner: Opeyemi Famakin pic.twitter.com/sJjaVHHdnC
EMERGING FORCE
Meet the Emerging Force Nominees
— JSWT (@jospeedwurldtv) July 15, 2025
Winner: Samuelbanks pic.twitter.com/ylB6KX8eVN
FORCE OF LIFESTYLE CONTENT
Meet the Force Of Lifestyle Content Nominees
— JSWT (@jospeedwurldtv) July 14, 2025
Winner: @LiquoroseAfije_ pic.twitter.com/XXgkJGSQV2
FORCE OF TIKTOK
Meet the force of TikTok Nominees ????
— JSWT (@jospeedwurldtv) July 14, 2025
Winner: Crispdal pic.twitter.com/9xiBnyT0sJ
FORCE OF VIRALITY
Meet the Force Of Virality Nominees
— JSWT (@jospeedwurldtv) July 14, 2025
Winner: Peller and Jadrolita pic.twitter.com/TEGrHisuKq
FORCE OF POD
Meet the Force of the POD Nominees
— JSWT (@jospeedwurldtv) July 15, 2025
Winner: Isbae_u pic.twitter.com/q4ZRzkaobW
FORCE OF CREATIVE ART
Meet the Force Of Creative Art Nominees
— JSWT (@jospeedwurldtv) July 14, 2025
Winner: Hauwa pic.twitter.com/JxfBnpXwgx
FORCE OF SOCIAL GOOD
Meet the Force of Social Good Nominees
— JSWT (@jospeedwurldtv) July 14, 2025
Winner: King Mitchy pic.twitter.com/1m1M1oCvou
FORCE OF INSTAGRAM
Meet the Force Of Instagram Nominees
— JSWT (@jospeedwurldtv) July 14, 2025
Winners: Tomike pic.twitter.com/H5plDG4ene
FORCE OF TECH CONTENT
Meet the Force Of Tech Content Nominees
— JSWT (@jospeedwurldtv) July 14, 2025
Winner: @valorreviews pic.twitter.com/JU7w3sJKn2
A Night of Purpose, Glamour, and Digital Brilliance
The Trendupp Awards 2025 wasn’t just a show, it was a cultural statement. A bold affirmation that Nigeria’s digital creators are not only shaping conversations, but reshaping industries. It was a night where likes turned into legacies, and viral moments became valuable milestones.
From the very start, the air was electric. The red carpet glowed with audacity, style, and storytelling. Guests wore their personalities on their sleeves, and the flash of cameras captured more than beauty, it captured identity. There was a spirit of celebration, but also of reflection. This night was for the dreamers, the doers, and the ones who dared to be different.
Inside the auditorium, Kiekie owned the stage, bringing laughter, glamour, and balance to the tempo of the night. The performances from Faith Mac and Reekado Banks brought the audience to life, every melody reminding guests of the power of rhythm and voice.
But the soul of the evening came through the stories of the winners. Whether it was Samuel Banks reflecting on the grind behind his emergence or Veekee James showing what it means to be a woman of faith, influence, and fashion, these weren’t just speeches, they were testimonials of audacious journeys and hard-earned growth.
One of the most iconic moments of the evening was the joint win by Peller & Jadrolita, whose content has redefined humor and authenticity online. Their win wasn’t just deserved, it was symbolic of a generation breaking boundaries and embracing originality with pride.
This year’s theme was clear: purpose over popularity, impact over impressions. The Trendupp Awards 2025 dared to ask, “What do you stand for?”, and the winners answered with their work, their voice, and their vision.
As the curtains fell and the night wrapped up, one truth echoed loud and clear, this wasn’t just an event, it was a movement. A gathering of Nigeria’s most iconic, fearless, and audacious creators, boldly carving their place in Africa’s digital future.
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