History
The Trendupp Awards, themed annually as 'The Force of Influence,' were established in 2021 to recognize outstanding achievements in the Nigerian social media space. [7] These awards primarily recognize content creators, influencers, and brands for their consistent impact on the social media community through content, projects, and engaging campaigns on platforms such as Instagram, TikTok, YouTube, Twitter, and Facebook. [8] In its inaugural edition in 2021, the awards received approximately 91,000 nominations across sixteen categories, with 96 nominees and sixteen winners. The event garnered a virtual audience of over a hundred thousand attendees from across Nigeria. [9] The first edition was hosted by Timini Egbuson. [10]
The second edition took place on Sunday, June 12th, 2022, at the Monarch event center in Lekki, Lagos. Content creator, influencer, and TV host Kie Kie hosted the event. [11] The host generated headlines when she appeared to fall off the stage during the awards, later revealed to be a prank. [12] Winners of the second edition received $1000 cash prizes, while the winner of the "emerging force" category, the only voting category, received a cash prize of $1,500. [13] [14]
The third edition was held on Sunday, July 9th, 2023, at Balmoral Hall, Federal Palace Hotel, Victoria Island, Lagos. The edition received over 200,000 nominations across sixteen categories. [15] Mikano Motors presented a brand new car to the "Force of Influence" Winner, Mr. Macaroni. [16] Other partners included Pepsi Nigeria, McVitie’s Nigeria, Tramango, and Cliqki Technologies, with media partners such as MTV Base and more. [17] Prominent past winners include Broda Shaggi, Anita Natacha Akide, Ikorodu Bois, Lasisi Elenu, Taaooma, Benjamin Hundeyin, Mark Angel, Fisayo Fosudo, Amazing Klef, Denola Grey, Aproko Doctor, Phyna, and Sheggz, all of whom have made significant contributions to the Nigerian social media landscape. [18] [19]
The fourth and fifth edition held on Sunday, July 7th, 2024 [20] and July 13th, 2025 [21] at Balmoral Hall, Federal Palace Hotel, Victoria Island, Lagos. With TV Host Kie Kie returning as host both times. As part of the activities leading up to the fifth edition and in celebration of the milestone edition, a free masterclass tagged TrenduppX [22] was organised in collaboration with the Lagos State Government (Tourism, Arts and Culture) where over 200 aspiring creators were empowered and equipped with insights, tools, cash prizes to support their journey as a creator. [23] At the 2025 main event, creators like Veekee James, Tomike Adeoye, Peller & Jadrolita, Folagade Banks, Liquorose etc all emerged as part of the FORCES OF 2025. [24] [25]
Rules
The Trendupp Awards employ a no-voting system, with winners selected each year by a jury of industry leaders, headed by Iyinoluwa Aboyeji. [26] Winners in each category are determined by the jury based on three criteria: creativity, consistency, and engagement. Nominations are open to the general public for the first three editions. [27]
