We caught up with Belove Olocha (@beloveolocha) on the red carpet at the 2025 TikTok Awards, where she was crowned Entertainment Creator of the Year for Sub-Saharan Africa. Representing Nigeria, she was radiant, excited, and still taking it all in. Belove opened up about unapologetic confidence, the joy of collaboration, and why 2026 is the year to “do it afraid.”
This year’s awards were a reminder of why TikTok continues to matter; it’s a platform that doesn’t just entertain; it amplifies creativity, celebrates individuality, and gives rising African storytellers a global stage. From comedy to commentary, fashion to lifestyle, TikTok has become a space where creators can build real communities and turn their voices into movements.
Nominated for both Storyteller of the Year and Entertainment Creator of the Year, Belove embodies what TikTok champions: bold expression, fearless creativity, and content that feels as real as it is entertaining. In our red-carpet chat, she opens up about her journey, the power of collaboration, and the message she wants every Glamour woman to carry into 2026.
Glamour: Please introduce yourself to the Glamour audience and share your approach to content creation.
Belove: My name is Belove Olocha and I was nominated for two amazing categories; Storyteller of the Year and Entertainment Creator of the Year. When it comes to content creation, my philosophy is simple: just show up. Be shameless about it. It’s you, it’s your voice, and no one is going to show up for you the way you can. If you believe in yourself, the world will adjust. So that’s my approach. Show up and show out!
Glamour: TikTok recognised you in a major way this year. What does that mean to you?
Belove: Honestly, I feel like fainting but I’m trying to stay in the moment! It means everything to me. It tells me the long nights editing, the ideas, the consistency, the community I’ve built… it all mattered. TikTok saw me and said I was worthy, and that means the world. TikTok celebrates creativity in a way no other platform does; it gives you permission to be yourself and still shine.
Glamour: We’re seeing more creators embracing collaboration. What’s your take?
Belove: Please collaborate! Collaboration is powerful. It’s something I’m doing and something I want to continue. There is space for all of us. I was nominated in the same category as my friend, and you would never think we were competing because we were cheering each other on the whole way. That’s the beauty of the TikTok community; it’s supportive, it’s creative, and it’s not a zero-sum game.
Glamour: TikTok has become a major platform for African creatives. Why do you think it matters so much?
Belove: TikTok is where creativity lives. It gives us freedom to tell our stories, to experiment, to find our people. You don’t need a big budget or a fancy setup; you just need your voice and your point of view. It’s a place where African creators are being seen, celebrated, and taken seriously on a global stage. That’s powerful.
Glamour: What’s your message to the Glamour women as we move into 2026?
Belove: Don’t be afraid. In fact, do it afraid. That’s my motto. Jump, even if your knees are shaking. You won’t fall. You’ll land on your feet. And if you show up boldly, the world will meet you where you are!
Recent stories by:
Thobeka Phanyeko
This is how you can plan a memorable road trip with your girls
Are you due for a digital detox ahead of the new year?
This is how you can start investing in your beauty routine to ensure affordable ageing
What’s In Candace Abrahams’ Bag This Summer? Spoiler: It Glows.
