Threads of Legacy: Africa’s boldest and brightest youths shine at the 19th Future Awards Africa
What happens when the continent’s future leaders, creators, and visionaries gather beneath the glittering Lagos skyline? Picture this: The air at Landmark Event Centre crackled with excitement on November 8, 2025, as young trailblazers and industry icons converged for the 19th edition of The Future Awards Africa—a night designed to unveil the faces shaping Africa’s tomorrow and celebrate the bold spirit of African youth.
If you thought you’ve seen a glamorous event before, this year’s “Threads of Legacy” theme raised the bar. From the vibrant red carpet to the electric atmosphere inside, the night promised something no one wanted to miss. Nollywood’s Mike Afolarin and Kenyan media dynamo Azeezah Hashim broke new ground as the first East African co-host, blending Yoruba wit and Kenyan vibrance to guide the audience through moments of laughter, reflection, and pure celebration—as if the whole of Africa was sitting in one room for a family reunion.
The Red Carpet: Spark, Melody, and Something Brand New
Let’s talk about the red carpet, abeg! It wasn’t just about shiny dresses and trendy agbadas. Sabrina Idukpaye, the ever-dazzling ex-BBNaija housemate, teamed up with Desmond Ekunwe and Adaeze Aduaka to welcome guests with sharp questions and real Naija ‘ginger’. For many, the night began with the soulful voices of Savy Henry and Naomi Mac, whose live performances set hearts dancing even before guests stepped into the main hall.
The buzz got even stronger with the first-ever live podcast recording on the red carpet. Lynda Aguocha, the creative force behind the CreativiTea podcast, brought her mic closer to nominee after nominee, giving both storytellers and listeners a front-row seat to Africa’s unfolding dreams. For many attendees, it felt like finally being seen and heard—no audio filter, just raw ambition and hustle.
Unmistakable Impact: Why “Threads of Legacy” Matters
According to Ayodeji Razaq, Executive Director of The Future Awards Africa, these awards go beyond accolades. “We are proud to honour the exceptional young people adding the threads to our collective legacy,” Razaq shared, emphasizing that legacy is a daily grind, sewn together decision by decision.
True talk—Africa’s future does not unfold in a single night. The 2025 ceremony reminded every guest that each winner carries a piece of the continent’s vast tapestry, from business moguls to revolutionary creatives. The energy in the room was infectious, with the knowledge that every story, every dance, every joke on stage added to what makes Africa stand out globally.
Spotlight on History: Heroes, Hype, and Fresh Categories
One of the most eye-catching surprises? The debut of the Performing Arts award. For the first time in TFAA history, hype culture—a mainstay of African parties and concerts—was recognized. Olugbesan Olatubosun, a.k.a. Big Bimi, snagged the honour, signaling a major win not just for him but for everyone who’s ever hyped a crowd or turned up at an owambe.
Tributes that night tugged at the heartstrings. An emotional nod to cherished radio personality Dan Foster reminded attendees of the legends who paved the way. Music icons like Faze and Ruggedman got the audience on their feet with hits from the early 2000s. Not to be outdone, Zadok, Dwin The Stoic, and Dotti the Deity delivered performances that moved the crowd from laughter to tears to sheer joy.
Who Took Home the Crown? Meet the Awards’ Shining Faces
The 19th Future Awards Africa was not just another ceremony; it was inspiration live and direct. Tomike Adeoye clinched the Entrepreneurship category, while Mariam Apaokagi (popularly known as Taoma) stood out in Content Creation—a testament to how digital innovation and storytelling are blazing fresh paths for Nigerian youth. Fola David was celebrated as Young Person of the Year, reminding everyone that young talent dey burst everywhere you look.
But let’s not just talk about the stars; let’s put a spotlight on what happened behind the scenes. Each winner told a story—of overcoming hardship, of believing where others doubted, of finding small wins in a sea of “God, when?” setbacks. These are victories everyday Nigerians can relate to, whether hustling in Lagos traffic or grinding in remote corners of Africa, proving that no matter your background, there’s a place for you in Africa’s rising legacy.
Full List of Future Awards Africa 2025 Winners: Africa’s Proud Trailblazers
The following names represent not only personal victories, but milestones for their communities, industries, and the entire continent. Each category reveals where African youth are pushing boundaries and rewriting the script. Below are just some of the standout winners for 2025:
- Creativity and Innovation: Taiwo Abisoye Joel (Winner)
- Photography: Amazing Klef (Winner)
- Education: John Onuigbo (Winner)
- Journalism: Madina Dahiru Maishanu (Winner)
- Content Creation: Mariam Apaokagi (Winner)
- Health and Wellness: Lola Aderemi (Winner)
- Community Action: Hammed Kayode Alabi (Winner)
- Arts: Ayobola Kekere-Ekun (Winner)
- Literature: Adedayo Agarau (Winner)
- Activism and Advocacy: Solomon Ayodele (Boys Quarters Africa) (Winner)
- Fashion: Richmond Barnes (Will and Barnes Group) (Winner)
- Law: Ogenetega Adedipe (Winner)
- Film: Oluwadamilola Apampa (Winner)
- Professional Service: Bode Roberts (Winner)
- Entrepreneurship: Tomike Adeoye (Winner)
- Technology: Kelvin Umechukwu (Winner)
- Performing Arts: Big Bimi (Winner)
- Intrapreneurship: Solomon Ayodele (Winner)
- On Air Personality: Azeezah Hashim (Kenya) (Winner)
- Agriculture: Adetiloye Aiyeola (Winner)
- Governance: Daniel Otabor (Winner)
- Music: Okeowo Oladotun Alani (Winner)
- Sports: Rasheedat Ajibade (Winner)
- Acting: Debo Adedayo (Winner)
- Service to Young People (Honorary): Ali Baba
- Young Person of The Year: Fola David (Winner)
Each winner came with a different flavour: doctors breaking new ground in health care, activists fighting for social justice, tech gurus building the next big app, and more. It’s a rich mix—just like a well-made Nigerian jollof rice, every ingredient matters!
Ripples Across Africa: Local Inspiration, Global Hope
Why does The Future Awards Africa matter outside the glitz and fanfare? For young people in towns and cities from Lagos to Accra, from Nairobi to Johannesburg, these winners show that hard work in Africa isn’t in vain. The event continually ignites new conversations about youth, opportunity, and leadership—for example, by inspiring rural youths to pursue education against all odds, or encouraging urban creatives not to give up when traffic and “light matter” nearly break spirits.
According to UNESCO and official UN demographic reports, Africa has the world’s youngest population, with more than 60% under age 25. Platforms like TFAA, recognized globally for their role in driving youth engagement, play a major role in spotlighting the young geniuses who might one day change the world from Abuja, Nairobi, or anywhere in Africa.
The Challenges on the Road to Legacy
Of course, accolades alone do not erase challenges. Nigerian youth say they still face hurdles around funding, access, and recognition. As several honorees explained, the struggle to move from idea to impact is a marathon, not a dash. Some even pointed out the need for more government and private sector involvement to turn every “future” into a tangible, living reality.
But abeg, if these winners could shine in spite of naira fluctuations, load shedding, and Visa wahala, then maybe—just maybe—there’s hope for the rest of us too. Oluwa no go shame us!
Final Thoughts: Will the Legacy Continue?
What will next year’s awards hold? Who is already shaping the stories we’ll tell at the 20th edition? Ultimately, the Future Awards Africa is more than a ceremony—it’s a promise that the continent’s youth are not just waiting for change; they are the ones carrying the change on their backs. As this year’s winners step boldly into new roles, one thing is clear: the threads they are weaving will hold Africa strong for generations to come.
So, na who go carry your own thread of legacy? Share your thoughts below and let’s keep this conversation going—because Africa’s story is just getting started.
Did you attend, watch, or have an inspiring youth story to share? We want to hear your own journey, whether it’s about overcoming odds, surviving “no light,” or building your dreams from scratch. Have a story you want to see featured—or maybe even sell your story? Email us at story@nowahalazone.com to get your experience in front of a wider African audience!
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Your voice, your legacy. What’s your view? Drop a comment, share your thoughts, or spread the word—let’s inspire the next generation together!
