South Africa’s leading digital creators gathered in Sandton for the 2026 Samsung Galaxy Content Creator Awards, an evening celebrating the talent, creativity and influence of personalities shaping the country’s digital culture.
Held at The Galleria in Sandton and hosted by comedian and entertainer Mpho ‘Popps’ Modikoane, the star-studded event brought together content creators, entertainers, industry leaders and brand partners for a night of awards, live performances and comedy.
Among the biggest winners was Grace Mondlana, who walked away with two awards, including the coveted Samsung Galaxy Creator of the Year title and the Trendsetter Award.
Vafa Naraghi also enjoyed a successful evening, winning both the Best Social Series Award and the Thumbstopping Award.
Their achievements highlighted the diversity of South Africa’s creator economy, recognising personalities making an impact through social storytelling, digital entertainment and online trends.
Celebrating South Africa’s creator economy
The awards provided a platform for established digital personalities and emerging talent to be recognised for their contributions to the country’s growing content creation industry.
As social media continues to influence entertainment, popular culture and how audiences consume content, the awards spotlight creators who are building communities and connecting with audiences through their work.
The event also brought together creators, media personalities and representatives from participating brands, highlighting the growing relationship between digital talent and the commercial industries supporting the sector.
Music, comedy and dance take centre stage
Entertainment was a major feature of the evening, with Sizakele Ndaba, known as Mama Ka Lo, opening the show.
Comedian Dan Corder delivered a video skit, while Lasizwe and Cedric Fourie brought humour to the stage with an Awkward Dates skit.
Music took centre stage with a special medley performed by six nominees in the 947 Sound of Tomorrow category. Chesrae Megan, Carter Najar, Lordkez, Lukiemusic, Mikhalé Jones and Teagan’s Things each showcased their musical styles during the performance.
Dance creators also joined forces for a live showcase featuring Chad Jones, Benny Jnr, Ludopie, Rudi Smit and TDO Thando.
Choreographed by nominee Benny Jnr, the performance celebrated the creativity and technical skill of South Africa’s dance talent. Benny Jnr later returned to the stage to help bring the evening to a close with the show’s finale.
Entertainment and industry personalities present awards
The awards were presented by personalities from entertainment, media and the brands involved in the event.
The line-up included Grace Mondlana, Devi Govender, Lesego Tlhabi, Donovan Goliath, Nadia Jaftha, Reece Meyer, Courtnaé Paul, Ndabe Zondi, Banele Ndaba, Sphokuhle N, Lebo Lion, Twala Ng’ambi and Lorraine Landon.
Samsung was represented by Rae Hargreaves and Kayleigh Weelson, while BYD’s Tebatso Boholo, Cars.co.za’s Nicole Capper and Telkom’s Inga Fundakubi also took part in presenting the awards.
With its mix of recognition, live entertainment and industry participation, the 2026 Samsung Galaxy Content Creator Awards celebrated the personalities shaping South Africa’s online culture and the growing influence of the creator economy.
THE 2026 SAMSUNG GALAXY CONTENT CREATOR AWARDS WINNERS
The awards recognised talent across 20 categories, from comedy and music to branded content, social series and automotive content.
This year’s winners are:
- Dance Creator Award – Chad Jones
- Style Award – Yasmin Furmie
- 947 Sound of Tomorrow Award – Mikhalé Jones
- Best Social Series Award – Vafa Naraghi
- Best Creator x Brand Collaboration Award – Nabilah Kariem for Le Creuset
- Expert Voices Award – Miss Angler
- Telkom Best Online Series Award – The Adventures of Noko Mashaba
- Trendsetter Award – Grace Mondlana
- Podcast of the Year Award – SMWX Podcast
- Best Comedy Content Creator Award – Ikho Kweba
- Thumbstopping Award – Vafa Naraghi
- Wildcard Award – Lindokuhle Madlingozi (@Lindosasmr)
- Cars.co.za Automotive Content Award – Tebogo Moropa
- BYD People’s Choice Award – Olwethu Ncapayi
- Samsung Galaxy Creator of the Year Award – Grace Mondlana
- Emerging Creator Award, backed by Creator Club – Sine Mbangata (@Sine_rsa_)
- YouTube Creator of the Year Award – Lasizwe
- Impact Creator Award – Joshua Rubin (@Joshwideawake)
- Excellence in Branded Content Award – Oliver Agency for Cleanipedia presents Bakhombise
- #CapturedWithGalaxy Award – Katlego Lekoba
This year’s awards also marked an exciting new chapter for the platform through its partnership with Samsung Galaxy. For creators, the tools used to capture, edit and share content are an important part of the creative process. The partnership puts that relationship in the spotlight, recognising the role technology plays in helping creators bring their ideas to life.
“What a night! Seeing so much talent in one room, and watching the industry come together to celebrate the people behind some of South Africa’s most exciting content, was really special. From the performances to the winners, there was so much to celebrate,” says Manuela Dias de Deus, Founder of the Content Creator Awards and Founder of One-eyed Jack. “Our partnership with Samsung Galaxy is an exciting next step for the Content Creator Awards. For creators, a smartphone is such an important part of the creative process, and Samsung Galaxy is proving to be the ultimate companion for capturing ideas and bringing them to life. We’re looking forward to what we can build together and how this partnership can continue to support South Africa’s creator community.”
Big nights need big backing. Thank you to Samsung, BYD, Cars.co.za, Telkom, YouTube, 947, eVOD, LIFT, One-eyed Jack, The Creator Club, Ray-Ban, WAV Festival, Bernini, Converse and Humanz for making it possible.
