NXT Honors, Africa’s premier celebration of influence, creativity, and achievement, has officially unveiled the 30-member Voting Committee for its highly anticipated 2025 Awards.

The committee brings together an extraordinary cross-section of thought leaders, creatives, and executives from across the continent, further reinforcing the Awards’ position as one of Africa’s most credible and representative honors platforms.

Presented by Top Charts Africa, the announcement marks another step for NXT Honors, which continues to set a gold standard for transparency, excellence, and cultural relevance in recognizing the continent’s most inspiring voices.

Serving as the Chairman of this year’s committee is Obi Asika, the Director-General of Nigeria’s National Council for Arts and Culture (NCAC), whose influence across media, governance, and cultural policy spans decades. Asika’s leadership not only symbolizes institutional credibility but also aligns with NXT Honors’ vision of celebrating true contributors to Africa’s creative and cultural progress.

“The Voting Committee represents the spirit of NXT Honors, a blend of influence, innovation, and integrity,” said Saliu Momoh, the President of NXT Honors. “These are people who aren’t just participants in Africa’s creative evolution; they are the ones shaping it.”

Representing over ten African nations, the 2025 committee spans film, television, music, fashion, business, and social impact, ensuring that the nominees and selection reflects both excellence and authenticity.

From West to East, North to South, the lineup celebrates Africa’s creative diversity. Among the standout names is Lionel Talon (Benin), founder of the EYA Centre in Cotonou, a cultural hub that has become synonymous with Benin’s creative renaissance. Talon’s work at the intersection of youth development, arts, and tourism continues to shape how Francophone West Africa connects with the global creative economy.

Other inspiring members include Kwamina Quansah (Ghana), CEO of Q Bespoke Africa and a creative force behind campaigns for brands like YouTube and Martell; Director Chriss (Tanzania), one of East Africa’s most sought-after filmmakers; and Stanley Khoza (South Africa), founder of Showthemflames Productions and a long-standing pillar in the Southern African music scene.

The committee also includes remarkable voices from Nigeria, where the creative ecosystem continues to thrive as a continental powerhouse. Notable members such as Dami Elebe, celebrated showrunner and screenwriter; Amazing Klef, creative director and photographer; and Akinyemi Ayinoluwa, entertainment and IP lawyer, bring sharp, diverse perspectives to the process, ensuring that Africa’s largest entertainment market remains a cornerstone of cultural representation within NXT Honors.

Together, these figures, along with other respected members from Kenya, Uganda, Côte d’Ivoire, and South Africa form a collective that mirrors the vibrant diversity and intellectual rigor of Africa’s creative scene. Their collective expertise ensures that the judging process remains anchored in merit, credibility, and impact rather than popularity or social sentiment.

The NXT Honors Voting Committee’s role is pivotal: to assess nominees across multiple disciplines including film, music, entrepreneurship, innovation, and humanitarian service. Through their deliberations, the Awards continue to spotlight individuals and institutions whose contributions are reshaping Africa’s narrative and redefining global perceptions of excellence.

Now entering its 2025 cycle, with nominations beginning on October 10, NXT Honors continues to affirm its place as a movement honoring those who define the now and inspire the next.