South Africa’s creator economy reached another major milestone today as the 2026 Content Creator Awards officially unveiled this year’s nominees while announcing Samsung Galaxy as its new title sponsor, marking the biggest evolution in the awards’ history. In addition, this year’s nominees were officially announced as the countdown to the 2026 ceremony officially begins.
When the awards launched in 2022, the mission was simple: celebrate creators at a time when many still had to justify content creation as a legitimate career. Four years later, that conversation has changed.
Today, the awards recognise the country’s most influential creators, the brands and agencies investing in the space, and the work that continues to push the industry forward.
“As the creator economy has evolved, so have the awards,” said Manuela Dias de Deus, Founder of the Awards and Founder of One-eyed Jack. “When we launched these awards, we were celebrating brave pioneers who were proving that content creation could be a real career. Today we’re recognising world-class creators who are building businesses, influencing culture, driving commerce and setting global standards. Our responsibility has shifted from legitimising the industry to raising the benchmark for excellence. This is no longer about recognising creators for what’s possible. It’s about celebrating those who are setting the standard for the future of marketing, entertainment and entrepreneurship in South Africa.”
This year’s awards feature 20 categories, all refined to better reflect today’s creator landscape. Entry criteria have become more rigorous, with judging criteria developed in collaboration with the Interactive Advertising Bureau (IAB South Africa) to ensure greater consistency, credibility and industry alignment.
An exciting new category, the #CapturedWithGalaxy Award, was also announced at the launch and remains open for entries, giving creators one final opportunity to be recognised before entries officially close.
Open to creators of all niches, the category celebrates exceptional content captured on any type of Samsung Galaxy device. The winner will receive a Content Creator Award trophy, as well as a Samsung Galaxy Z Fold8 valued at approximately R40,999.
Entries close on 20 September.
Samsung Galaxy Announced As Headline Sponsor
Samsung Galaxy was officially unveiled as title sponsor, signalling the growing confidence major brands have in South Africa’s creator economy.
“We’re incredibly proud to partner with the Content Creator Awards,” said Rae Hargreaves, Head of Marketing: Mobile eXperience at Samsung South Africa. “Creators are shaping culture, influencing purchasing decisions and redefining storytelling every single day. Samsung Galaxy exists to give creators the technology they need to tell those stories, and we’re excited to celebrate the incredible talent driving South Africa’s creator economy.”
The Awards Night
The winners will be announced at a spectacular gala evening on 17 October 2026 in Sandton.
Tickets for the awards are now available at https://www.quicket.co.za/