Grace Mondlana Wins Creator of the Year at Samsung Galaxy Awards

Grace Mondlana won Samsung Galaxy Creator of the Year and the Trendsetter Award at the 2026 Samsung Galaxy Content Creator Awards, while Vafa Naraghi claimed two awards for Best Social Series and Thumbstopping.

Held at The Galleria in Sandton, the ceremony recognised South African digital talent across 20 categories. Comedian Mpho ‘Popps’ Modikoane hosted the event, which brought together creators, entertainers, industry professionals and brand partners.

Grace Mondlana and Vafa Naraghi Claim Two Awards Each

Mondlana’s two wins placed her among the evening’s leading recipients, with the Samsung Galaxy Creator of the Year title recognising her alongside the Trendsetter honour.

Naraghi received the Best Social Series and Thumbstopping awards.

Other winners included Lasizwe, named YouTube Creator of the Year, and Chad Jones, who won Dance Creator. Mikhalé Jones received the 947 Sound of Tomorrow Award, Sine Mbangata won Emerging Creator and Joshua Rubin took home the Impact Creator Award.

Winners Named in the Supplied Results

Additional honours went to SMWX Podcast, Ikho Kweba, Yasmin Furmie, Nabilah Kariem for Le Creuset, and The Adventures of Noko Mashaba.

The 20 categories covered areas including comedy, music, dance, branded content, social storytelling and automotive content.

Lasizwe Celebrates His First Award

Lasizwe marked his YouTube Creator of the Year win with an Instagram post reflecting on the milestone.

“A little red carpet moment, and 10 years later, I finally won my first award! Still taking it all in. What a special night.”

He also featured in the evening’s entertainment programme through an Awkward Dates segment with Cedric Fourie.

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by Lasizwe (@lasizwe)

Music, Dance and Comedy Feature on Stage

Mama Ka Lo, whose real name is Sizakele Ndaba, opened the show. The programme also included a comedy video skit by Dan Corder.

Music nominees Chesrae Megan, Carter Najar, Lordkez, Lukiemusic, Mikhalé Jones and Teagan’s Things performed a medley for the 947 Sound of Tomorrow category.

Dance creators Chad Jones, Benny Jnr, Ludopie, Rudi Smit and TDO Thando appeared in a performance choreographed by Benny Jnr, who returned for the finale.

Personalities from entertainment, media and partner brands presented the awards.

Samsung Galaxy Partnership Marks New Chapter

The 2026 event introduced a partnership with Samsung Galaxy, highlighting technology’s role in helping creators capture, develop and share their work.

“What a night! Seeing so much talent in one room and watching the industry come together to celebrate the people behind South Africa’s most exciting content was really special,” said Manuela Dias de Deus, founder of the Content Creator Awards and One-eyed Jack.

Dias de Deus said the partnership would help strengthen support for South Africa’s growing creator community.

The evening recognised both established names and emerging creators, with awards spanning entertainment, storytelling and content created in partnership with brands.

Read Inbound SA online