As the NXT Honors Global Digital Celebration approaches its highly anticipated streaming date on Friday, February 6th at 8 PM WAT on the official Norté YouTube channel, one question has emerged as a major talking point across social media, entertainment forums, and creative communities throughout Africa:
Who will be the next Breakout Star?
In the last edition of NXT Honors, the coveted Breakout Star title went to Emmanuel Ankrah, the Ghanaian digital creator widely known as Drill, whose rise captured the attention of audiences continent-wide, while the previous title went to South Africa’s Khosi Twala, an icon in her own right as the Winner of Big Brother Titans and the first person to ever cover Top Charts South Africa.
As the lineup for this year’s nominees was revealed, it became clear that the competition has never been more diverse or exciting. 
With eight talented hopefuls representing three countries (South Africa, Ghana, and Nigeria), fans are asking: Who will take the Breakout Star crown next? And could it finally be Nigeria’s year?
South Africa’s Standouts
South Africa remains a formidable contender in the Breakout Star conversation. One of this year’s nominees, Akhonamathemba Mbele-Zwane, has made remarkable strides across television and brand engagement, quickly building a following due to his charismatic presence and multi-faceted approach to content. 
Another South African nominee, Ashley Brylnn Ogle, has carved her own space as a lifestyle and reality personality, turning screen time into a recognizable personal brand. Her rise reflects South Africa’s strength in producing talent that resonates both domestically and internationally. 
Ghana’s Legacy Returns
Ghana has already had its moment at the top of the Breakout Star ladder, and Dennis Oheneba Mitterrand is this year’s nominee. Dennis has a strong digital voice and clear storyteller sensibility. His unique perspective and engagement across platforms have made him a standout in conversations about digital influence and cultural resonance. 
Ghana’s presence in this category underscores how storytellers from across the continent are reshaping how talent is discovered and followed in the digital age.
Nigeria’s Rising Wave
But perhaps the most exciting field this year is Nigeria, which leads the nominee list with multiple contenders who are each building momentum in distinct spaces.
- Precious “Dede” Ashiogwu has emerged as a beloved personality whose warmth and resilience have connected deeply with audiences.
- Imisi Ayanwale brings a creative, fashion-forward influence that speaks to a new generation of digital natives and cultural curators.
- Folarin “Fola” Odunlami is gaining traction as a musical voice with infectious appeal and growing fan engagement.
- Faith Adewale, known beyond digital spaces for his multifaceted presence in entertainment and social conversation, is another name capturing attention and sparking discussion.
- Koyinsola Sanusi (Koyin) represents the stylish, model-infused side of digital influence, blending lifestyle, fashion, and visual storytelling in compelling ways.
This rich Nigerian cohort has already generated significant buzz and the sheer volume of nominees from one country highlights how the digital terrain in Nigeria is fertile ground for breakout talent to emerge. Fans have been active online in support and debate, making Nigeria not just a contender, but perhaps the most competitive field heading into Friday. 
The Continental Question
With stars emerging from South Africa and Ghana already proving themselves on the biggest stages, and Nigeria bringing an especially packed group of nominees this year, the big question remains:
Will Nigeria finally claim the Breakout Star crown? Or will South Africa or Ghana defend their strong legacy in this defining category?
Whatever the outcome, this year’s Breakout Star category highlights a larger cultural shift: influence now travels fast, borderlessly, and organically. These nominees embody a new wave of African talent whose stories, creativity, and voices resonate with audiences across the continent and globally.
When the NXT Honors Global Digital Celebration streams live on Friday, February 6th at 8 PM WAT, fans will be watching to see who steps into the spotlight next, and who captures the imagination of an entire generation.