Boity, Lasizwe and Mihlali nominated at People’s Choice Awards

For the third year in a row, the People’s Choice Awards has once again dedicated a category to Africa in the African Social Star of 2021 – with some South African faces nominated.

During a virtual press conference, it was announced by TV presenter Roxy Burger that local stars, rapper Boitumelo “Boity” Thulo, YouTube powerhouses Lasizwe Dambuza, Mihlali Ndamase and TikTok sensation Witney Ramabulana were nominated along with five other African stars.

Last year Kenya superstar content creator Elisa Majimbo won the award and her career has skyrocketed since.

Nominees for African Social Star at the People’s Choice Awards 2021 are:

• Nigerian rapper and actor Falz
• Kenyan TikTok star Azziad Nasenya
• Zimbabwean comedian Tyra Chikocho known as Madam Boss
• Self-empowerment advocate Sofiyat Ibrahim known as The Odditty from Nigeria
• Make up artist and beauty influencer Mihlali Ndamase
• YouTube content creator and TV star Lasizwe Dambuza
• Musician and entrepreneur Boity Thulo

Boity said the nomination was “beyond incredible and is a reward for the people who have supported me and have had my back.” The star was making her first camera appearance since the violent altercation with fellow media personality Bujy Bikwa.

Boity says the biggest social media engagement she has received recently is her picture with her “best friend” actor Anton Jaftha.

“Because I don’t post anything from my personal life and people want to know, but he’s just a best friend,” she says.

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While Lawsize said his nod is for the fans who he calls “sweeries”, he had a political message that people should go vote come on 1 November.

He has over 720,000 subscribers on YouTube.

“We currently load shedding, so if you don’t vote you basically saying this is cool and you don’t mind.”

His social impact was also brought up as he helped raise R2 million for university students who needed the funding.

Beauty influencer Mihlali says nominations for content creators is a big deal because it indicates how seriously the industry is starting to take them.

“Hopefully we’ll take this one home, it isn’t for me alone but for other creatives that need to fight for recognition and respect in the entertainment space.”

Fans can vote for their African Social Star from  27 October to 17 November. Fans can vote up to 25 times per day, per category, per method (voting website and Twitter).

The People’s Choice Awards will take place on 8 December.