TikTok content creators might have received a cold shoulder from the South African Film and Television Awards (Saftas), but they are getting big thumbs up from the leading short-form video platform.
In a first for TikTok South Africa, the inaugural Rising Voices class of 2021 has been announced featuring 100 black creators.
The names spread across voices that have showcased content in TikTok’s various categories that include comedy, fashion, beauty, meme, body art, singing, dancing and healthcare.
The hundred will participate in a six-week incubator programme, empowering them with digital skills that will further amplify their content creation.
Social media influencer Nadia Jaftha, filmmaker Mmabatho Montsho and DNA Brand Architects founder Sylvester Chauke are some of the industry players that will offer their expertise to the selected crop.
“We were thrilled to have received over 2,000 entries during the application period, with so many of the video submissions showcasing the incredible talent of black content creators in South Africa,” Boniswa Sidwaba, content operations manager for TikTok Africa, said.
“As we start the programme, we wish all candidates the best and look forward to seeing how each creator brings the skills they learn to life.”
Some of the content creators chosen for the programme are local fashion creator, with her own fashion line, Kayla-Kim.
Memer and super mom Semone Skosan also made the list. Dancer Mooya Musunga, makeup artist know to fans as Slim Girl Supreme as well as TikTok sweetheart Witney Ramabulana also made the cut.
This year, the Saftas introduced an online category giving recognition to YouTube, Instagram and Facebook content producers; but snubbed TikTok content creators.
The new category, best online content award, was opened to directors and producers of online series or stand-alone content. It received a total of 40 valid online submissions.
The first-ever nominees for the category are AFI Fashion Week 2020, Duiwelspoort and Noko Mashaba – Lockdown Shandis.
The winner will be announced on May 22.
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