The 2026 Content Creator Awards has announced this year’s nominees and confirmed Samsung Galaxy as its new title sponsor. The awards launched in 2022 to recognise creators at a time when content creation was not widely regarded as a career. This year’s edition recognises South Africa’s creators alongside the brands and agencies investing in the space.
“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. She said the awards were originally built around creators who were proving content creation could be a career, and now recognise creators building businesses, influencing culture, and driving commerce. She said the awards’ focus has shifted from legitimising the industry to setting a benchmark for it.
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This year’s awards span 20 categories. Judging criteria were developed with the Interactive Advertising Bureau (IAB South Africa) to align standards across the industry. A new category, the #CapturedWithGalaxy Award, is open to creators of any niche for content captured on a Samsung Galaxy device. The winner receives a Content Creator Award trophy and a Samsung Galaxy Z Fold8, valued at approximately R40,999. Entries close 20 September.
Samsung Galaxy was confirmed as title sponsor. Rae Hargreaves, head of marketing for mobile experience at Samsung South Africa, said creators shape culture and influence purchasing decisions, and that Samsung Galaxy aims to give them the technology to tell their stories.
Awards night
Winners will be announced at a gala event in Sandton on 17 October 2026. Tickets are available at quicket.co.za.
The launch event was hosted by Lesego Tlabi (Coconut Kelz), winner of the inaugural 2022 awards.
2026 Nominees & Public Voting Categories
Public voting is now live across five flagship categories via SMS to 33622 (Standard rates apply).
| Category | Nominees & Voting Codes |
| Samsung Galaxy Creator of the Year | Donovan Goliath (COTY1)Grace Mondlana ( COTY2)Nadia Jaftha ( COTY3)Primo9teen ( COTY4)Vafa Naraghi ( COTY5) |
| YouTube Creator Of The Year | Centtwinz (YOUTUBE1)Lasizwe ( YOUTUBE2)Noko Mashaba ( YOUTUBE3)Shev and Dev ( YOUTUBE4)SMWX ( YOUTUBE5)Zayaan ( YOUTUBE6) |
| Cars.co.za Automotive Content Award | Chris Rogers (CARS1)Mpoomy Ledwaba ( CARS2)Rory Petzer ( CARS3)Sam from TheCarScene ( CARS4)Shane Assad ( CARS5)Tebogo Moropa ( CARS6) |
| Emerging Creator Award (Backed by Creator Club) | Anica Kiana (EMERGING1)Isaac Mehlape ( EMERGING2)Sibo Mchunu ( EMERGING3)Sine_rsa_ ( EMERGING4)Socially Jordie ( EMERGING5) |
| People’s Choice Award | Anika Dambuza (CHOICE1)Garfieldzar ( CHOICE2)Grace Mondlana ( CHOICE3)Olwethu Ncapayi ( CHOICE4)Tanaka Dube ( CHOICE5) |
Summary of Non-Public / Expert-Judged Nominees
- Telkom Best Online Series: Awkward Dates by Lasizwe, Hungry & Shameless, Kickin it with Kim Jayde, SABS Network, The Adventures of Noko Mashaba.
- Podcast of the Year: GenC Podcast, Mindset Profits, SMWX, The Makhs, The Sias du Plessis Show, Wisdom & Wellness.
- Best Creator x Brand Collaboration: Baxbara (Delicious Festival), Lukiemusic (#IAmOriginal88), Nabilah Kariem (Le Creuset), Nabilah Kariem (Samsung), Sni Mhlongo (Vaseline).
- Best Comedy Content Creator: Céline Tshika, Ikho, Sipho2skiits, Tanaka Dube, Titus Mokou.
- Thumb-stopping Award: Céline Tshika, Chris Rogers, Kaytee Shots, Planettobii, Vafa Naraghi.
Official partners Samsung Galaxy – title sponsor YouTube – YouTube Creator of the Year Award (category TBC) 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
