Credit: Layi Wasbi/Instagram
The 18th edition of The Future Awards Africa (TFAA) lit up the Balmoral Convention in Victoria Island, Lagos, last night, in a celebration that felt like pure magic.
TFAA is all about celebrating young Africans who are making a difference in their fields—from the arts and culture to tech, business and more. This year’s event was brilliantly hosted by the fashion entrepreneur Veekee James and Tunde Onakoya (founder of Chess In Slums), while Amanda Dara and Riyah Abdul kept things lively on the red carpet.
The entertainment lineup was packed. Spoken word artist Ibquake and C Jay the Violinist captivated the audience, while the dance group Charachoros brought high-energy moves to the stage. Musicians Taves, Savy Henry, Loud Urban Choir, and Teekay Classic kept the vibes high and alive, and comedian Kojah Kaze had everyone laughing their bellies out.
Among the big winners of the night was Layi Wasabi, who snagged the Content Creation Award. His acceptance speech struck a chord as he said, “This award is special to me because it doesn’t just recognise what you’ve already done but acknowledges the future possibilities you have.”
Listen to him below:
Genoveva Umeh was another highlight, taking home Best Act of the Year 2024. Reflecting on her path, she shared, “I didn’t know that my journey would bring me this far.” She encouraged those starting out to keep faith in the mix, reminding them, “Put God first in everything you do.” Genoveva also spoke from the heart about the power of kindness, adding, “Kindness will always help.”
Other notable winners included BNXN, and Victor Boniface, who all took home awards in their respective categories.
Here’s a rundown of the incredible winners who made this year’s TFAA one to remember:
Education
Odunayo Aliu –(Winner)
Kudakwashe Foya
Obasanjo Fajemirokun
Jennifer Jonathan
Aramide Kayode
Journalism
Adesuwa Giwa Osagie
Zainab Bala – (Winner)
Blessings Mosugu
Eniola Olatunji
Abubakar Ibrahim Olaye
Content Creation
Isaac Olayiwola (Layi Wasabi) – (Winner)
Winifred Nwania (Zeelicious)
Joseph Onaolapo (Jay On Air)
Nonye Udeogu (This Thing Called Fashion)
Folagade Banks (Mama Deola)
Creativity and Innovation
Shamsuddeen Jibril
Zonna (Zo Culture)
Anita Ashiru – (Winner)
Salvation Uzoma (Ke0la)
Ibukunoluwa Ajagbe (IBQuake)
Health and Fitness
Olabintan Odunola
Yewande Benn
Kiki Diorgu
Olusina Ajidahun – (Winner)
Amanda Ihemebiri
Community Action
Chioma Ukpabi
Damilola Uzoma-Udoma
Doreen Omosele
Stanley Anigbogu – (Winner)
Ridwan AbdulRazaq
Arts and Literature
Mayowa Alabi (ShutaBug)
Samson Bakare
Sylvestre Nsengimana – (Winner)
Ahmed Alsagheer
Damilare Kuku
Photography
Omoboyejo Oyewusi (ItsBoye)
Onuchukwu Timothy (MyDadsBoss)
Chika Onuu
Enoshowo Eworo (Captured by Adesuwa)
Ifeoluwa Babalola (SnappCode) – (Winner)
Activism and Advocacy
Fauzuddeen Mahmud
Amrah Aliyu
Jude McKelvin Oseh
Tolulope Theresa Gbenro
Mukthar Halilu Modibbo – (Winner)
Fashion
Ikechukwu Urum (Founder Jabari Model Management)
Phupho Gumede K
Muftau Femi Ajose (Founder Cute Saint)
Amy Aghomi
Olayinka Ashogbon (Founder AshLuxe) – (Winner)
Law
Rosemond Phil-Othihiwa
Anita Osarieme
Victoria Oloni
Ayooluwa Oderinde – (Winner)
Bernice Asein
Film
Akinkunle Michael Akinrogunde (AMA Psalmist) – (Winner)
Praise Onyeagwalam (Director Pink)
Tola Okodugha
Fadamana Okwong
Feyifunmi Oginni
Professional Service
Hammed Kayode Alabi
Mark-Anthony Ezeoha
Felix Ohaeri
Stanley Nweke-Eze
Aboyowa Ikpobe – (Winner)
Entrepreneuship
Promise Ovai Kenneth-Odum (CEO Rukkies Decor)
Oluwole Fapohunda (CEO Seven30 Real Estate Ltd)
Bayo Lawal (Co-Founder Dukiya Investment) – Winner
Miracle Onuoha (CEO The Fluiide Company Ltd)
Williams Fatayo (CEO MovebytruQ)
Technology
Tobi Ololade (Founder Dojah)
Itunu Olufemi (Founder Brainary Technology Education)
Johnson Jaiyeola (CEO Helgg Scooters LTD)
Femi Aluko (CEO & Co-Founder Chowdeck Logistics) – (Winner)
Kelvin Umechukwu (CEO & Co-Founder Bumpa)
Intrapreneurship
Victor Okpala
Hakeem Akiode
Debbie Larry-Izamoje – (Winner)
Mary Edoro
Salman Dantata
On Air Personality
Seyebomi Ogunsanya (Sheye Banks) – (Winner)
Ope Keshinro (SwitOpe)
Ita Nsikan-Abasi Asuquo (Grandprince Ita)
Emmanuella Isioma Odiatu
Osato Edokpayi (Osato EDK)
Agriculture
Etimbuk Imuk
Esohe Ekunwe – (Winner)
Azeez Salawu
Nyifamu Manzo
Governance
Muhammad Sani Kassim
Abdulhaleem Ringim
Damilola Yusuf Adelodun – (Winner)
Naufal Ahmad
Ayisat Agbaje-Okunade
Music
Chimamanda Chukwuma Pearl (Qing Madi)
Ayobami Alli-Hakeem (AnEndlessOcean)
Daniel Etiese Benson (BNXN) – (Winner)
Michael Adebayo Olayinka (Ruger)
John Saviours Udomboso (Young John)
Sport
Victor Boniface – (Winner)
Ademola Lookman
Sukurat Aiyelagbegan
Amy Okonkwo
Elizabeth Oshoba
Acting
Genoveva Umeh – (Winner)
Uche Montana
Mike Afolarin
Kayode Ojuolape
Jide Oyegbile (J-Blaze)
