Nigerian food content creator and Guinness World Record holder, Brian Nwana, has been named TikTok Africa’s Storyteller of the Year, a recognition that further elevates his growing influence in digital storytelling and Nigeria’s culinary culture. The Abuja-based creator, whose work blends humour, curiosity and a deep appreciation for local cuisine, described the win as “surreal”.
Nwana, who rose to international visibility after breaking the Guinness World Record for the most fast-food restaurant visits in 24 hours, has built a distinct niche by spotlighting the richness of Abuja’s food scene. His videos, often filmed in small eateries and lesser-known spots, have contributed to shaping perceptions about Nigeria’s capital city and its expanding culinary identity.
Receiving the award, he used the moment to reflect on the broader role of creators across the continent. “Every single creator is a storyteller,” he said. “We all tell stories that help drive our communities, our cities and our countries. When we do that, we change the perception the world has about us.” His remarks captured the sentiment shared by many at the ceremony: that African creators are increasingly shaping global narratives through relatable, locally grounded content.
Speaking after the event, Nwana said he did not anticipate the recognition when he first began sharing videos online. His content started as a personal attempt to highlight Abuja’s overlooked food culture. “When I began creating, I just wanted to show people what Abuja had to offer—the amazing food, the creativity, the spots people don’t know about,” he said. “Breaking the Guinness World Record helped shine a big light on that, and now this TikTok award is doing the same. I’m honestly just grateful.”
His world-record challenge, covering 150 restaurant visits in one day, brought considerable attention to small businesses across the city. While the feat was light-hearted, it reflected his consistent interest in drawing visibility to local enterprises and documenting the diversity of everyday Nigerian life.
Nwana said the support of family, close friends and his manager, Rhoda Kusimo Iloba, made the moment particularly meaningful. Sharing the news of his nomination with his inner circle, he said, underscored the importance of the encouragement he has received since the early days of his career.
With this latest recognition, Nwana strengthens his standing as one of Abuja’s most prominent digital voices. His evolution—from filming restaurant visits with a simple camera to receiving continental honours—illustrates how emerging storytellers are redefining influence, creativity and cultural representation in today’s digital landscape. As he continues to spotlight local food and the communities behind it, his work serves as a reminder that passion, consistency and authenticity still travel far in the world of online storytelling.
