Nigerian rapper Shallipopi has been officially named TikTok 2025 Artiste of the Year, following an impressive year of viral hits and creative content that captured the attention of fans worldwide. The announcement was made during the 2025 TikTok Awards ceremony, which celebrated the platform’s most influential creators, trending songs, and viral challenges.

Shallipopi’s rise on TikTok has been remarkable, with multiple songs generating viral challenges that dominated the social media platform. Fans and fellow artists praised his creativity, energy, and ability to consistently engage audiences across videos, duets, and original content.

The 2025 awards were notable for Nigeria’s strong showing, as several Nigerian artists took home multiple honors across music, dance, and content creation categories. The event highlighted the growing global influence of Nigerian music, particularly Afrobeats and hip hop, on social media platforms.

Shallipopi took to social media after the award announcement to thank his fans, colleagues, and the platform for the recognition. He wrote: “This is for everyone who danced, sang, and supported me all year. TikTok 2025 Artiste of the Year is ours together. Thank you!”

Industry analysts say this recognition cements Shallipopi’s status as one of Nigeria’s fastest rising music stars and underscores the power of TikTok as a promotional tool for artists. Viral trends on the platform have helped Nigerian musicians reach international audiences, contributing to chart-topping hits and growing fan bases outside the country.

Several other Nigerian artists also received awards during the ceremony, further showcasing the country’s creative dominance on the global platform. Fans took to social media to celebrate the wins, sharing clips, messages, and reactions that highlighted the excitement surrounding Nigerian music.

The TikTok Awards 2025 also recognized categories such as Best Viral Song, Most Creative Creator, and Top Dance Challenge, where Nigerian creators were prominently featured. This has been seen as a sign of how influential the Nigerian entertainment industry has become in the digital space, particularly among younger audiences.

For Shallipopi, this award is not just a personal achievement but also a milestone for the Nigerian music scene. It reinforces the importance of social media platforms in shaping careers and promoting artists globally.

Fans are eagerly anticipating what Shallipopi has in store for 2026, with many expecting new music releases, viral trends, and collaborations with other top artists. The award has already sparked conversations about his next moves and how he will maintain momentum in the coming year.

With Nigerians sweeping several categories at the TikTok Awards 2025, the country’s influence in music and social media continues to grow, reflecting the creative energy and talent emerging from the entertainment industry.