ZIMBABWE’S TYRA CHIKOCHO CROWNED ‘AFRICAN SOCIAL STAR OF 2021’ AT THIS YEAR’S PEOPLE’S CHOICE AWARDS

NBCUniversal International Networks Direct-to-Consumer’s global, multi-platform brand dedicated to all things pop culture – today announced that Zimbabwean comedian, content creator and TikTok sensation, Tyra Chikocho (AKA Madam Boss), has been voted by the public as African Social Star of 2021 at this year’s People’s Choice Awards. Kenya’s Azziad Nasenya and South Africa’s Witney Ramabulana were placed second and third respectively.

Between 27 October and 17 November 2021, E! asked fans worldwide to vote in 40 categories across TV, music, movies and pop culture. For the third time in the history of the ceremony, the People's Choice Awards opened a category dedicated to Africa’s incredible social media stars and influencers.

The other nominees in the African Social Star of 2021 category were dazzling South African social media personalities Lasizwe Dambuza and Mihlali Ndamase, plus actress, model and businesswoman Boitumelo “Boity” Thulo, as well as Nigerian talents - rapper Falz and digital content creator Sofiyat Ibrahim AKA The Odditty.

South Africans yet again have reason to celebrate, with TikTok trailblazer Witney Ramabulana being named among this year’s most successful African social media stars. It continues a rich run of form for South Africans at the annual People’s Choice Awards: Bonang Matheba won the inaugural African Influencer of the Year award in 2019, Springbok rugby legend Siya Kolisi was honoured as African Trailblazer of the Year in 2020 and former Miss Universe Zozi Tunzi placed third last year in the African Social Star category, which was won by Kenyan comedian Elsa Majimbo.

Harare-born Tyra Chikocho began her entertainment career as a gospel singer before her comedy skits started going viral on social media. She became the first Zimbabwean comedian to pass 1-million followers on Facebook and is well on her way to the same milestone on Instagram.

Her acting career recently took off when she was cast in Nollywood series The Offspring, as well as the South African telenovela uBettina Wethu on SABC1. Tyra is in hot demand as a brand ambassador for the likes of RwandAir and has scooped a number of digital and entrepreneurial awards in Zimbabwe. This year, Madam Boss’s video of herself dancing to the Brenda Fassie hit song Vulindlela clocked up more than 2-million views on TikTok.

On receiving her award, Tyra said: “I can’t believe it! I don't know how to explain how I’m feeling right now, I’m so emotional, I’m crying and very happy at the same time - I’m just a girl from a rural area and now my name is amongst the best stars in the industry, thank you so much E!”

The 2021 People’s Choice Awards will be broadcast on Tuesday 7 December 2021, starting with 2021 People’s Choice Awards: Live From E! at 02:00am CAT and the ceremony at 04:00am CAT. The ceremony will be repeated the following day on Wednesday 8 December at 8pm CAT. Only on E! (DStv Channel 124).

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