The Pulse Influencer Awards 2025 unfolded in a show of splendor and glamour, celebrating Africa’s digital royalty under the theme of Royal Renaissance.

From glittering crowns to timeless beauty, this year’s ceremony was a tribute to the creators who have re-defined influence by being innovative, authentic, and culturally proud.

The fifth edition of the awards, which was held in Nairobi, brought together;content creators, digital influencers, and creative powerhouses working in different regions of the continent , all united under one course to celebrate those shaping Africa’s digital narrative.

Pre-Award Drama:Nominees Step Down

This year’s awards were already surrounded in controversy even before the red carpet was rolled out.

Popular TikToker Just Achieng publicly declined her nomination under the Fashion Influencer of the Year category after realising she was nominated against child influencer Africana Rapudo.

“It felt disrespectful to have adults and kids competing in the same category.They should instead introduce
a kids category to be fair,”she stated.

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Further ,content creator Njambi Fever also declined her nomination citing lack of transparency and past grievances.

“Last year I won Instagram Influencer of the Year, yet, they gave the trophy to another person.

I cannot be involved in something that was fixed,” she lamented. “The system needs integrity before recognition.”

Such incidents sparked fresh debate online about fairness and credibility within the awards with fans demanding reformations of the categories and transparency in the voting process.

Full List of Winners

Youtube Influencer of the Year: Judy Nyawira.

Tik Tok Influencer of the Year: Mjaka Mfine.

Positive Impact Influencer of the Year: Njeri Wa Migiwi.

Dance Influencer of the year: Mathare Kids.

Comedy Influencer of the Year: Jaymoh Decin

Instagram Influencer of the year:Murugi Munyi

X (Twitter) Influencer of the Year: Maverick Aoko.

LinkedIn Influencer of the year: Miss Muthoni Njoroge.

Fashion Influencer of the year: Africana Rapudo.

Facebook Influencer of the Year: Dem Wa Facebook.

Campus Influencer of the Year:Mokaya

Most Influential Actress of the Year- Jackie Matubia.

Most Influential Actor of the Year: DJ Shiti.

Corporate&Brand Influencer of the Year: Shorn Arwa.

Podcast Influencer of the Year: 3 Men Army.

Food Influencer of the Year: Akoko Val.

Sports influencer of the year: Austin Odhiambo.

Health & Fitness influencer of the year: Amerix.

Sustainability and climate change influencer of the year: Friends of Karura.

Lifestyle Influencer of the Year: Amber Ray.

Media & Blogger Influencer of the Year: Kalondu Musyimi.

Music Influencer of the Year: Bien-Aime Baraza.

Next Gen Influencer of the Year: Rono Realmbili.

Business Influencer of the Year: Yvonne Kanyi

Tech Influencer of the Year: Roy Kanyi.

Visual Arts Influencer of the year: Kapedo Photography.

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Reactions of Winners: Joy, Gratitude and Shock.

This year’s winners took to social media to express gratitude, pride and even disbelief.

Akoko Val, the winner of Food Influencer of the Year, wrote:

“This award means everything , it cements the fact I am a food influencer. Thank you for believing in my craft.”

Africana Rapudo, who got the title of Fashion Influencer of the Year, celebrated her milestone and wrote:

“To be recognized of doing something that I am fond of doing daily is pure grace. Fashion is not just about clothes , it’s identity.”

Maverick Aoko, the winner of X Influencer of the Year, wrote in her acceptance message:

“Authenticity pays. I speak my truth boldly my truth and this award proves people value that. ”

Amber Ray who won Lifestyle Influencer of the Year told her fans:

“It is not as much about being perfect, but rather being real. It’s an honour to represent all women living life unapologetically.”

Fans’ Reactions

Across social media, the comments were both of congratulations and some were of intense discussions.

On Instagram, consistency and creativity were glorified, especially praises to Judy Nyawira, Mjaka Mfine,Africana Rapudo, and Bien-Aime Baraza winning as they deserved.

“I was rooting for Mjaka Mfine and Africanah Rapudo,” said Teryanne

Musa,”Congratulations to everyone who won.”

There were some other comments like:@Hillary said,”deserved or not,these results don’t sit right.”

Other fans wished Sue Owino would have one the food Influencer of the year.

Despite the drama,2025 edition became more diverse, including the category that emphasizes sustainability, business, and technological impact.