Since the advent of social media, it has moved from just a medium for chatting, to become a powerful tool for change. Through social media, people  now easily call out wrong practices, injustices, and have a voice in different situations.

It has also made connectivity instantaneous, birthing a new industry, with the ripple effect of digital professionals like; digital marketers, social media managers, cinematographers, photographers, content creators, brand influencers etc.

These new-age professionals play enormous roles in shaping digital trends and culture, contributing immensely to the growth of several sectors of the economy.  To celebrate these outstanding work by creatives, Trendupp Africa, a reward-based platform where Creatives receive support, publish exclusive contents and build direct relationships with their fans across Africa, recently announced its awards initiative -Trendupp Awards. 

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This maiden edition themed, “The Force Of Influence” is aimed at recognising content creators and influencers across Nigeria, based on different niches for their creative works and campaigns across different social media platforms.

The awards, which is now recognized as Nigeria’s first-ever influencer and content creator awards,  set its maiden edition in a total of 16 categories including the most coveted award of the night, “The Force of Influence”.  

Here are some nominees unveiled by the organization.

Anita Natacha Akide 

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Anita Natacha Akide popularly known as Tacha, is an entrepreneur, video blogger and brand influencer with over 1.7 million followers on Instagram. Since leaving the Big Brother Naija house in 2019, Tacha has amassed a vast number of raving fans known as the Titans, who ensures Tacha stays top of our minds at all times. This is as seen in the numerous times she has trended on Twitter.

Elozonam Ogbolu

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Elozonam Ogbolu is an actor, self-employed television producer, and music artist.  The 35 year-old entertainment sensation, since leaving the Big Brother Naija pepper Dem season, has featured in the popular Ndani television drama series, “Rumour Has It” and “charmed” where he played the lead role. Elozonam is much loved  for his creative short videos and skits which has earned him over sixteen thousand subscribers on YouTube. He is also a voice over artiste and brand ambassador.

Fisayo Fosudo

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Fisayo Fosudo, also known as @FodaAdu is one of Nigeria’s biggest YouTube stars. He is a visual storyteller and tech video producer. With a subscriber base of over 102, 000 and over 5 million total video views, Fisayo Fosudo is a testament to the fact that the future is tech. The 25 year old tech-storyteller was nominated for “The Future Awards Africa Nigeria Prize for New Media” by The Future Awards Africa in December 2018, alongside Chidi Okereke and others.

Ifeoma Efiokwu

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@E4ma whose real name is Ifeoma Efiokwu, is a delightful Nigerian dance-artiste, brand influencer, video vixen and model. She popularized her name as a member of the GGB (Girls Got Bold) dance crew. E4ma came to limelight when she and her sister, Onyinye Efiokwu, led her family to the season 6 of the Maltina Dance All (MDA), where they clinched the 1st Runner Up title. With over 1 Million followers on Instagram, she has featured in some of the most popular Nigerian music videos  including; Psquare‘s Shekini, Ejeajo, Nigerian diva, Dija‘s Aww, Mavin Records‘ Adaobi and a host  of others.

Nonso Bobby Fidelis Egemba

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Nonso Bobby Fidelis Egemba popularly known as Aproko Doctor, is a 30-year-old Nigerian medical doctor, health communication expert, public health advocate and health blogger. A native of Imo State, he is the founder of Aprokodoctor, a health brand known for giving out medical tips and nuggets via twitter. He has gained over a million followers on Twitter and thirty two thousand, six hundred  followers on Instagram, an impressive feat for a content creator in the health space.

Akin Faminu

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Akin Faminu known on Instagram as @akinfaminu is a fast rising Nigerian style blogger and model. He has over 107k followers on Instagram where he showcases his classic, suave and hip style. This  recently earned him a feature on TheCable Lifestyle’s Style Focus.

Sisi Yemmie

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Yemisi Sophie Olusanya, better known on social media as Sisi Yemmie, is a food and lifestyle vlogger. She is also regarded as one of the most popular YouTube stars from Nigeria. With an impressive 129k followers on Instagram and over 200k subscribers on YouTube, Sisi Yemmie’s content cuts in 2018, CNN Africa profiled her alongside Linda Ikeji and Chiamaka Obuekwe as “women who have struck social media gold”.

She has also won numerous awards for her Blog including: Blog of The Year at The Nigerian Blog Awards, Nigerian Blog of The Year at the 2014 ELOY Awards, Most Unique Voice in a Blog, Best Personal Blog, Most Humorous at the Nigerian Blog Awards, and City People Entertainment awards for Blogger Of The year 2015.