Victoria Mbangwa
The 2024 edition of the Social Media Awards (SMA) shone a spotlight not only on outstanding digital content creators but also on the broader societal contributions being made through social media.
The prestigious event, which celebrates the power of digital platforms, was held with an expanded focus on philanthropy and charitable causes.
Chukwuemeka Amuzie, better known as Brain Jotter, claimed the coveted title of Overall Best Social Media Content Creator, marking a significant milestone in his rise to fame.
Brain Jotter, who gained viral fame for his skit inspired by Mike Ejeagha’s 1983 hit song Gwo gwo gwo ngwo, was recognized for his creativity and wide-reaching impact in the online space.
Other notable winners included comedian Mark Angel, who took home the award for Best Facebook Content Creator. Tacha, the former Big Brother Naija star, was named Social Media Influencer of the Year, highlighting her significant influence in the digital world. Additionally, Palmpay, a leading financial technology platform, was awarded Best Use of Social Media in the Fintech category, underscoring the growing role of social media in financial services and innovation.
The event’s convener, Mr. Emmanuel Nwafor, emphasized the awards’ expanding role in society, noting that the SMA is no longer just about celebrating digital achievements but also engaging with real-world issues.
He said, “We’ve gone beyond celebrating achievements in the digital space to actively engaging with society. This year, we introduced charity initiatives, including hospital visits to support patients and donations to charity homes. It’s our way of making a broader societal impact.”
Reflecting the evolving nature of the digital space, the 2024 edition introduced several new categories, making it one of the most inclusive editions yet. These changes were designed to capture the diversity of talent and contributions within the online ecosystem, from influencers to journalists, and even philanthropists who leverage social media to inspire positive change.
Co-convener Mr. Maxwell Nzekwe also noted the introduction of non-votable awards, aimed at honoring individuals who use their social media platforms for philanthropic and societal causes.
“We’ve recognised influencers, philanthropists and even journalists who use their platforms to promote inspiring stories.
“These initiatives align with our goal to use this platform to touch lives and inspire others.” Mr Maxwell said.