The 2023 Pulse Influencer Awards came to a glorious conclusion on Saturday 7th October 2023, at the Nairobi Street Kitchen with the announcement of winners in all the categories in a colorful ceremony. This year’s edition – 2023 – marked the event’s 3rd edition since its rollout and as expected it was bigger and better receiving over 2.7 million votes from audiences in Kenya, Uganda, Nigeria, Ghana, Senegal, and Cote d’Ivoire. The ceremony was attended by a majority of the nominees in all 22 categories. The awards also witnessed the introduction of a new category – Pan-African Category.
Industry Categories.
Most Influential Actor/Actress
The Actor/Actress Influencer of the Year category introduced some fresh talents, and they certainly made a mark. Marya Okoth, known for her role in ‘A Nurse Toto,’ series emerged as the winner for Most Influential Actress of the Year, while Bryan Kabugi claimed the title of Most Influential Actor of the Year.
Media & Blogger
The Good Company emerged victorious over Silva Kiddo who was the 1st runners up and Claudia Naisabwa was the second runners up.
Sports
After a good year in the 100 m races this year, Ferdinand Omanyala scooped 2023 Sports Influencer of the Year beating now the late Sean Cardovillis and the sensational sports journalist and activist Carol Radull.
Food
Holy Dave managed to beat Tedd Waweru and Mama’s Plate who were 1st and 2nd runners up, to be crowned Food Influencer of the Year.
Music
Renowned Kenyan producer Motif Di Don was crowned Music Influencer of the Year after garnering more votes that Ethan Muziki and Boutross who came in 2rd and 3rd respectively.
Business
This was amongst the most contested category to an extent of having one contestant disqualified for alleged irregularities during the voting process. However, after the entire process was done, Maureen Bandari emerged the winner beating Philip Karanja (Phil TV) and Phiona Beauty who both came in 2nd and 3rd respectively.
Fashion
Kate actress was named the best dressed for her fancy, golden, Gatsby-inspired gown and also scooped the Fashion Influencer of the Year award followed by Josh Wonder who came in second and Ikojn was third.
Arts & Photography
In a seemed to be male dominated field, Wixx Mangutha overcame that stereotype and as she was named Arts and Photograph Influencer of the Year beating Muma Pix and Benstake Omwaka.
Next Gen Influencer of the Year
Kate Thuku was named Next Gen Influencer of the Year beating Joy Ohon and steve Muchemi who came in 2nd and 3rd respectively.
Comedy
This category received an overwhelming response, garnering a remarkable 70,636 votes, highlighting the nominees’ ability to attract a vast online audience. For the third year in a row, Crazy Kennar emerged victorious, clinching the Comedy Influencer of the Year Award.
Dance
Alfa House were winners in this category beating Kendi Q and ajib Gathoni who were first and second runners up respectively.
Tech
Daddie Marto beat Duncazz Tech and Roy kanyi to scoop the Tech influencer of the Year award 2023.
Channel Categories
TikTok
The TikTok Influencer of the Year Award was one of the most anticipated categories in this year’s event, and it garnered the fourth-highest number of votes. Ultimately, Tom Daktari emerged as the well-deserved winner, solidifying his status as a prominent figure in the TikTok influencer community.
Joan the career coach emerged the winner in this category beating just Ivy who came in second and renowned Kenyan journalist Larry Madowo who came in third.
YouTube
Abel Mtua known to many as Mkurugenzi beat Kim kardicey and Maggie Mwende to win the YouTube Influencer of the Year award.
Concluding the top five most popular categories this year was Facebook Influencer of the Year, having received a total of 59,893 valid votes. Terrence Creative emerged the winner beating Jacky Vike and Crazy Kennar.