Stars like Boity and Mihlali were featured as nominees.

Local influencers and celebrities have dominated the nominees list for the African Social Star prize at this year’s People’s Choice Awards.

At the end of last week, the nominees were announced. The likes of Boity Thulo, Lasizwe Dambuza, Mihlali Ndamase and Witney Ramabulana got the nod in the African Social Star of 2021 category.

The four local stars have been nominated for the prize alongside Kenyan TikTok star Azziad Nasenya, Zimbabwean comedian Tyra Chikocho, rapper and actor Falz from Nigeria, and blogger Sofiyat Ibrahim who also comes from Nigeria.

Last year, Elsa Majimbo who hails from Kenya won the coveted award while Bonang was selected as the Influencer of the Year in 2019.

The awards are hosted by E! and the public has full control over who wins in each category. One can simply vote for whoever one wants to win in each category. The awards cover a multitude of categories, like TV, music, sport and pop culture.

Speaking during a virtual press conference, reality TV star and rapper Thulo said receiving this nomination was a dream come true.

“I feel so honoured that the work that I do is being celebrated on such a huge platform. From the bottom of my heart, thank you.”

Model and social media influencer Ramabulana said: “I am so honoured to be part of something this big. Just being recognised is the highlight of my life. I am so grateful and I will continue inspiring young girls out there to be a better version of themselves and be confident in their own skin. Anything is possible.”

The awards ceremony will be taking place on 7 December 2021.