'A testament to hard work': Moghelingz shines as co-host at TikTok Awards Sub-Saharan Africa 2024

The TikTok Awards Sub-Saharan Africa 2024 lit up the Galleria in Johannesburg over the weekend, celebrating the region's top content creators and marking a significant milestone for queer South African TikTok star Moghelingz. 

This was their first time hosting an award show, and the described the night as nothing short of monumental.

In a heartfelt Instagram post, Moghelingz, whose real name is Banele Ndaba, shared their excitement: "This past Saturday, I had the incredible honour of co-hosting the TikTok Awards Sub-Saharan Africa 2024—my first time ever hosting an award show, and what a SUCCESS! Still processing what a monumental night this was!."

"This moment was more than just a milestone; it was a testament to hard work, passion, and the power of believing in your craft. I’m beyond grateful for the opportunity to stand on that stage, celebrate incredible talent, and share this experience with an amazing team of people who truly believe in what I do."

Moghelingz, known for their engaging storytelling and diverse content, has over two million followers on TikTok and has become a prominent voice in the digital entertainment space.

They co-hosted the event alongside award-winning media personality Pamela Mtanga, keeping the audience entertained throughout the night as TikTok honoured creators in various categories, including Creator of the Year, Sports Creator of the Year, and Breakthrough Artist of the Year.

Moghelingz shared to IOL reporter last year how TikTok has shaped their journey: "TikTok has honestly opened my mind to the opportunities that could possibly come with sharing your stories with a larger audience and how that can amplify how you think, live, and interact with others."

"Tiktok has honestly opened my mind to the opportunities that could possibly come with sharing your stories with a larger audience and how that can amplify how you think, live, and interact with others," they said.

As a queer creator, Moghelingz is passionate about pushing creative boundaries and fostering representation in digital spaces.

Their content spans dance, comedy, and makeup transformations, showcasing their versatility as an entertainer.

"My style has always been broad when it comes to content creation, and that’s because there are so many ways to convey a message—whether it’s through dance, comedy, or makeup videos. It just amplifies your versatility as an entertainer and also doesn’t box you into one specific niche," they said.

The night celebrated content creators who have used TikTok's platform to entertain, educate, and inspire audiences.

Nigerian creator Anyanwu Chioma (@anchi_vibes) won the prestigious Creator of the Year award, while South Africa’s Siyabunny was named Fashion Creator of the Year. 

Zee Nxumalo delivered a standout performance, adding to the event’s high-energy atmosphere.

Other notable winners included:

 Breakthrough Artist of the Year: @brownjoelofficial, @boypeee, @hycethegreat1 (Nigeria)

 Sports Creator of the Year: @zerobrainer0 (Tanzania)

 Travel Creator of the Year: @campsbaygirl (South Africa)

 Beauty Creator of the Year: @colourme__sim (South Africa) 

 TikTok for Good: @charityekezie (Nigeria)

The event highlighted how TikTok has become a launchpad for African talent, bridging cultural gaps and giving creators global visibility.

IOL