Ever wondered what it feels like when Nigeria’s glitziest stars and Africa’s boldest young innovators rub shoulders in a sea of tradition, ambition, and vibrant culture? The 19th edition of The Future Awards Africa (TFAA), held on November 8, 2025, at Landmark Event Centre, Lagos, wasn’t just any awards night. It was the beating heart of a new African legacy – one woven on this very soil. With every camera flash, every cheers from the aisle, and every “how far, na your face I dey see so?” whispered along the crowded corridors, the next generation’s path was being written.
Themed “Threads of Legacy,” the 2025 TFAA wasn’t your run-of-the-mill gala. From that very first step on the plush red carpet, you could sense something extraordinary in the air. Legendary Nollywood actor Mike Afolarin – quick-witted and always charming – shared the stage with East Africa’s own Azeezah Hashim. Talk about continental flair! Their soothing on-stage banter blended “waka pass” jokes with genuine praise for the dreamers and doers in attendance, guiding guests through a rollercoaster of joy, nostalgia, and proud reflection. Safe to say, this wasn’t a night for half-hearted handshakes or stiff smiles!
The spectacle on the red carpet was as unforgettable as the awards—Sabrina Idukpaye, ex-Big Brother Naija Housemate, set the mood with her signature pep, joined by Desmond Ekunwe and Adaeze Aduaka. Together, they chopped up engaging banter, dishing deep questions and complimenting the freshest Ankara styles and dazzling gels. Afro-fusion melodies from Savy Henry and Naomi Mac floated through the air, their voices weaving traditional notes with silky contemporary harmonies. Abeg, who no go like that kind warm welcome?
For the first time ever, the TFAA red carpet became an incubator for stories. Lynda Aguocha, creative force and host of “CreativiTea,” orchestrated a live podcast session—guests, both nominees and fans alike, spilled the tea on their hustles and hopes. As guests shared gems about scaling hardship, growing movements, and dreaming outside the box, the spirit of Lagos hustle echoed for all of Africa to hear. Such energy was one small jollof rice away from a street festival!
Reflecting on the evening, Ayodeji Razaq, Executive Director of The Future Awards Africa, remarked, “We are proud to honour the exceptional young people adding the threads to our collective legacy. Tonight’s winners have proven with their powerful work and impact that legacy is not built in a single moment but through every decision we make.” Wise words, truly—because in today’s Nigeria, consistency and grit speak even louder than talent.
Now, get this: 2025 marked a first for the awards. The performing arts category debuted, and hype man Olugbesan Olatubosun (Big Bimi) walked away with the trophy. For the first time ever, the energetic world of hype culture was spotlighted at such a prestigious event—a massive win for every party starter who’s ever kept owambe vibes alive deep into the night.
Of course, a Lagos night isn’t only about glitz—it’s about memory. The gathering paid respect to legendary broadcaster Dan Foster—whose voice once glued generations to their radios. The stage rocked as Faze and Ruggedman revived early 2000’s jams—remember when we all wore oversized jerseys, dancing azonto at house parties? Zadok’s showmanship, Dwin The Stoic’s poetic bars, and Dotti the Deity’s high-octane close left the audience buzzing, with even the most “ajebo” guests caught up in the sing-alongs.
Speaking of stand-out winners, Tomike Adeoye shone as the entrepreneur du jour; Fola David, crowned Young Person of the Year, reminded us what unstoppable Nigerian resilience looks like; and Mariam Apaokagi (Taoma) clinched the medal for Content Creation—proving that humour, heart, and hustle still pull weight in our digital era.
Put simply, from laughter to goosebumps, TFAA 2025 was a powerful showcase of the magic, ingenuity, and “Naija no dey carry last” spirit setting African youth apart on the world stage.
TFAA 2025: Celebrating Africa’s Boldest Young Innovators
Spotlighting Game-Changers: Full List of TFAA 2025 Winners
Wondering who got to enjoy that sweet feeling of clinching a coveted TFAA prize? The event revealed a constellation of emerging leaders, each making waves in their field. Here’s the inside story on some of the key categories and winners.
Creativity and Innovation
- Chiamaka Iwenofu
- Umearigolu Casmir Chukwuebuka
- Taiwo Abisoye Joel (Winner)
- Daniel Obasi
- Julie C. Godwin
Abisoye Taiwo Joel (TFAA Prize for Creativity and Innovation)
Photography Magic
- Ayo Makinwa
- Amazing Klef (Winner)
- Emeka Amafor
- Thompson Ekong
- Chika Onuu
Amzing Klef (TFAA Prize for Photography)
Education, Journalism, and More: Building Legacy Through Knowledge
- Education: John Onuigbo (Winner)
John Onuigbo (TFAA Prize for Education)
- Journalism: Madina Dahiru Maishanu (Winner)
Madina Maishanu (TFAA Prize for journalism)
- Content Creation: Mariam Apaokagi (Taoma) (Winner)
- Health & Wellness: Lola Aderemi (Winner)
Funmilola Aderemi
Grassroots Power: Community Action, Advocacy, and Local Impact
- Community Action: Hammed Kayode Alabi (Winner)
- Activism & Advocacy: Solomon Ayodele (Winner)
Solomon Ayodele (TFAA Prize for Intrapreneurship (Wema Bank) and TFAA Prize for Activism & Advocacy (Boys Quarter foundation)
Lifestyle, Law, Film & Technology: Modern African Innovation
- Fashion: Richmond Barnes (Winner)
- Law: Ogenetega Adedipe (Winner)
Oghenetega Adedipe ( TFAA Prize for Law)
- Film: Oluwadamilola Apampa (Dammy Twitch) (Winner)
Oluwadamilola Apampa (Dammy Twitch (TFAA Prize For Film)
- Technology: Kelvin Umechukwu (Winner)
Performing Arts Takes Centre Stage
- Performing Arts: Big Bimi (Winner)
Olugbesan Olatunbosun (Big Bimi) TFAA Prize for Performing Art
Recognizing Excellence Across All Sectors
- Entrepreneurship: Tomike Adeoye (Winner)
Oluwadamilola Apampa (Dammy Twitch (TFAA Prize For Film)
- Music: Okeowo Oladotun Alani (DOTTi) (Winner)
Okeowo Oladotun (DOTTi) TFAA Prize for Music
- Sports: Rasheedat Ajibade (Winner)
- Acting: Debo Adedayo (Winner)
- On-Air Personality: Azeezah Hashim (Kenya) (Winner)
Aziza Hashim (TFAA Prize for On-Air Personality)
- Agriculture: Adetiloye Aiyeola (Winner)
Adetiloye Aiyeola (TFAA Prize for Agriculture)
- Governance: Daniel Otabor (Winner)
Daniel Otabor (TFAA Prize for Governance)
- Literature: Adedayo Agarau (Winner)
- Professional Service: Bode Roberts (Winner)
Adebode Roberts ( TFAA Prize for Professional Service)
The Coveted Honour: Young Person of The Year
- Young Person of The Year: Fola David (Winner)
Fola David (TFAA Prize for The Young Person of the Year)
Why TFAA Matters: Local Impact, Continental Dreams
TFAA isn’t just an awards show. It’s a movement, a “gbam!” on every young African’s dreams, pushing them to own their chapters of our collective story. Why does it resonate so much? For many, seeing faces and names they recognize—people like Tomike Adeoye and Big Bimi—up there inspires them to dream bigger, hustle harder, and represent their communities on local and global stages.
But experts point out that award nights like this also come with challenges. There’s growing conversation about representation and ensuring talent from more rural or remote areas get equal shot at the spotlight, an issue frequently raised by observers like Lagos-based youth organiser Ifeanyi Udeh. Still, TFAA’s evolving categories and broader nomination process signal that the event is listening and adapting.
Could 2026’s edition be even more inclusive, reflecting the full spectrum of African talent—from the bustling hub of Lagos to the faraway markets of Gambia or the beaches of Mombasa? Only time will tell.
Global Relevance: Africa’s Future on the World Stage
As the world tunes in, the ripple effect of the TFAA continues. With Nigeria and wider Africa increasingly influencing tech, entertainment, and the arts, tonight’s winners are writing stories for tomorrow’s headlines—both at home and worldwide. According to UNESCO, creative and cultural industries generate millions of jobs for African youth, and nights like the TFAA highlight just how much potential is waiting to be realised.
Closing Thoughts: The Legacy Continues
So, next time you see a young Nigerian or African breaking boundaries, remember—the journey started from stages like TFAA’s, where hard work is recognised, voices are amplified, and the spirit of “no dey ever fall hand” is rewarded.
Which category inspired you most? Is there a young changemaker in your area who deserves to hit the big stage next year? Drop your thoughts below and join us next time as Africa’s legacy continues to unfold—one powerhouse story at a time.
