Latest news with #DigitalStars
Mail & Guardian
4 days ago
- Entertainment
- Mail & Guardian
South African social media awards reveal 2025 nominees at tempo restaurant
Sandton was buzzing on Friday as the South African Social Media Awards (SASMA) unveiled the nominees for its 5th annual ceremony. The announcement luncheon at Tempo brought together influencers, content creators, brands, agencies, and media for a first look at the digital stars set to be celebrated this year. Public voting is now open at The 2025 nominee list reads like a roll call of South Africa's most influential voices. Trevor Noah, Tyla, Cassper Nyovest, Black Coffee, Boity Thulo, Lasizwe Dambuza, and Kay Yarms are all up for major categories, alongside rising talents like Ash-ley Brylnn Ogle, Sweet Guluva and Akhonamathemba Mbele-Zwane. Headliners will compete across more than 20 categories, from Social Media Personality of the Year to Fashion Influencer , Best Podcast , and Popular SA Song on Social Media . 'This year, we're raising the bar to make the experience even more valuable for creators and our partners,' said SASMA Ambassador Weza Matomane . 'The SASMAs were created to celebrate and empower the talent driving South Africa's creator economy.' Among the new highlights is a Pre-Awards Networking Brunch for industry leaders and creatives, while the main ceremony later in the year promises star power, red carpet glamour, and digital innovation. Celebrating South Africa's Creator Economy Over the past five years, the SASMAs have grown into one of the country's most important platforms for recognising excellence in digital content creation. From lifestyle influencers and photographers to gamers and podcasters, the awards reflect the diversity of voices shaping online culture. This year's nominees show just how wide the spectrum has become. Beauty influencers like Kay Yarms and Lisa Mhlongo share space with food personalities like Feed My Tribe and Life with Lerato , while gamers such as Beamerboy TV and Furious Kitty represent South Africa's growing e-sports scene. In the Popular Song on Social Media category, chart-toppers like Cassper Nyovest's Kusho Bani and Tyla's collaborations compete with viral hits that gained traction on TikTok and Instagram. The 2025 awards are presented in partnership with Mkiva Accountants and Auditors, Urbansense, Mmakola Foundation, BlueCloud Ai, Mbono Group & Celebrity Drive South Africa. Their support underlines the growing recognition of social media's role in shaping culture and driving business. Weza Matomane emphasised that the SASMAs aren't just about awards but about building a sustainable ecosystem: 'We're celebrating the influencers and creatives who are not only entertaining audiences but also creating jobs, building brands, and shaping conversations online.' Voting Now Open Fans across South Africa can now cast their votes and make their voices heard. Voting details, nominee profiles, and updates are available at The 2025 SASMAs are set to be the biggest yet.
Time of India
28-04-2025
- Business
- Time of India
Ankur Warikoo
Ankur Warikoo started his career as a consultant before co-founding Accentium Web and ventures like In 2011, he became CEO of Groupon India and later founded Transitioning into content creation in 2016, Ankur began sharing his entrepreneurial insights on LinkedIn, which gained significant attention. His content, focusing on personal growth and mindful habits, and his 'Warikoo Wednesdays' series resonated with millions. Ankur has earned numerous accolades, including being featured in Fortune India's 40 Under 40, Forbes India's Digital Stars list, LinkedIn India Top Voice, and Social Media Entrepreneur of the Year. He's also a bestselling author and founder of WebVeda, an education startup.
Time of India
28-04-2025
- Business
- Time of India
Aakanksha Monga
Aakanksha Monga 's journey began with "workcations" to Sri Lanka and Thailand, igniting a love for travel that led her to leave her corporate job and embrace full-time content creation. A graduate in in Bachelor of Commerce from Hindu College, Delhi University, and a Master's in Information Systems, she initially worked in finance. However, her love for travel led her to establish TravelAMore, a platform offering travel hacks and sustainable travel insights . She has explored over 30 countries, and collaborated with over 25 brands, including Visa, Air India, and YouTube. Recognized in Forbes India's Digital Stars list 2023 , Aakanksha blends travel narratives with personal growth insights.
Time of India
28-04-2025
- Entertainment
- Time of India
Tanya Khanijow
Tanya Khanijow, a 31-year-old filmmaker and creator from Delhi, is known for her engaging storytelling and cinematic travel vlogs. After doing in Electrical Engineering from Delhi Technological University, she worked as a business analyst before turning to full-time travel vlogging. Her content — featuring solo adventures, travel tips, and itineraries — has built a strong following. Tanya has collaborated with major brands like YouTube and Air India, and was featured in Forbes India's Digital Stars list. She won the "Travel-Goals Creator of the Year" award at Creators United in January 2023. In December 2024, she was honoured as the "Champion of Content Creation" at India's Best Awards by Travel + Leisure India.
