Nine local influencers have been nominated at the Global Social Awards that are set to take place on 29 May 2019 in Prague, Czech Republic.
The aim of the awards is to celebrate talent, creativity and the originality of influencers who use social media to entertain and inspire their supporters. For an influencer to be nominated, they must have more than 100 000 followers on either Facebook, YouTube, Instagram, Twitter, Pinterest, Tumblr or any other social media platform.
The awards have four categories, namely, Fun and entertainment, Social Impact and Change, Inspiration and Influence and The Newcomer. The nine South African influencers who dominated under the Fun and Entertainment category are:
Singer-songwriter Shekinah, who was introduced to South Africa on Season 8 of Idols South Africa in 2012. She had made it into the top eight before she was eliminated off the show. Her debut album Rose Gold became a hit and shot her to stardom.
Priddy Ugly is an independent rapper and has over 324 000 followers on Instagram. He became widely known after he released an EP called Egypt. He, alongside long-time girlfriend Bontle Modiselle, starred in LaSauce’s I Do music video.
Known to his die-hard fans as Mufasa, Cassper Nyovest boasts 2.1 million followers on Twitter. His #FillUp concerts have asserted him as a rapper to be reckoned with, and collaborations with artists such as Talib Kweli have earned him international recognition.
East London-born producer-cum-artist Anatii has been making beats since the age of 15. His collaborations with artists such as Diplo, DJ Khaled and Alicia Keys have solidified him as an influencer.
Rapper Gigi LaMayne has given many of her counterparts a run for their money with thought-provoking and socially conscious lyricism. Her influence has earned her over 277 000 Twitter followers.
Sarah Langa Mackay is a South African stylist and blogger who holds major influence in the fashion industry. The influencer, who has 206 000 Instagram followers, has worked with brands like Prada, Emirates, Witchery and Diane Paris.
Presenter, author and producer Bonang Matheba is easily one of the most influential South Africans, boasting 2.5 million Instagram followers. She has worked with brands like Revlon, Woolworths and Ipenama.
Aisha Baker is a stylist and blogger known for her wardrobe and fascinating aesthetics. The influencer has over 133 000 Instagram followers.
Lastly, Vusi Thembekwayo is mostly known for his motivational social media videos, often addressing how to make money. He has over 330 000 Twitter followers.
Abenathi Gqomo
a.gqomo@politicalanalysis.co.za
