The Content Creator Awards have announced their final category nominees ahead of the 2026 ceremony, taking place on Saturday, 17 October in Johannesburg. The latest announcement spotlights brand collaborations and smartphone creativity through the Excellence in Branded Content and #CapturedWithGalaxy awards.
Now in its fourth year, the Samsung Galaxy Content Creator Awards recognise South African digital creators, alongside the brands and agencies contributing to the country’s creator economy.
The final nominations bring attention to two important parts of that industry: the partnerships connecting brands with audiences and the technology helping creators bring their ideas to life.
Content Creator Awards recognise branded storytelling
The Excellence in Branded Content Award celebrates campaigns that bring brands and creators together to produce meaningful, engaging work.
This year’s finalists represent collaborations across financial services, household care, personal care and beauty:
- Ace Labs for Capitec Life Cover x Sihle Dembuza – “Bread Winners”
- Oliver Agency for Cleanipedia presents Bakhombise
- WPP Media South Africa for Head & Shoulders – #DramaFreeMzansi
- WPP Media South Africa for Gillette Venus – The Last Bit of Summer
- You People for swiitchbeauty – Seeing Double
For brands, the category highlights the role creators play in translating campaign messages into content suited to their audiences.
The shortlist also recognises the agencies and teams behind these collaborations. It places the relationship between brand objectives, creative execution and audience connection at the centre of the award.
Meet the #CapturedWithGalaxy finalists
Presented by Samsung Galaxy, the #CapturedWithGalaxy Award recognises creators exploring the possibilities of smartphone content production.
Entrants were challenged to create an extraordinary piece of content using any Samsung Galaxy device. The finalists are:
- Baxbara
- Bella Monsoon
- Kaytee Shots
- Sibo Mchunuu
- Yombusoo Cthandiweii
The category focuses on what creators can achieve when their ideas meet mobile technology. It gives smartphone-produced work a dedicated place within the awards programme.
Rae Hargreaves, Head of Marketing: Mobile eXperience at Samsung South Africa, praised the artistic freedom, mobility and visual quality demonstrated by the shortlisted creators.
She also highlighted Samsung’s commitment to supporting South Africa’s next generation of storytellers through technology that helps them explore new creative possibilities.
Celebrating South Africa’s creator community
Manuela Dias de Deus, Founder of the Content Creator Awards and Founder of One-eyed Jack, said this year’s finalists reflect the talent, creativity and originality within South Africa’s creator community.
“The calibre of the work this year has been exceptional,” she said.
The ceremony will bring creators, entertainers, brands and industry partners together as the winners are announced.
For Pat on Brands readers, the branded content shortlist is particularly relevant. It offers a view of how companies are collaborating with digital talent to communicate beyond traditional advertising formats.
The #CapturedWithGalaxy category adds another dimension by recognising the tools and creative skills behind the content itself.
Content Creator Awards support industry growth
The awards operate as a registered non-profit organisation. According to the organisers, sponsorship and partnership revenue is reinvested into initiatives supporting education, collaboration and growth across the creator industry.
That gives the platform a role beyond its annual ceremony. Its stated purpose includes helping develop the industry in which creators, brands and agencies work.
Partners named for this year’s event include Samsung Galaxy, BYD, Cars.co.za, Telkom, YouTube, 947, eVOD, LIFT, One-eyed Jack, The Creator Club, Ray-Ban and Humanz.
Together, the categories and partnerships reflect the range of businesses participating in South Africa’s creator economy.
When and where is the ceremony?
The 2026 Samsung Galaxy Content Creator Awards ceremony takes place on Saturday, 17 October at The Galleria in Sandton.
The organisers say limited tickets are available through Quicket for fans who want to attend. Public voting has already closed.
With the final nominees announced, attention now turns to the work and individuals that will receive recognition on awards night.
For more stories about brands, campaigns and creative partnerships, explore Pat on Brands. Visit the official Content Creator Awards website for event information, nominees and the ticket link.
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