The Alternative Culture Icon Awards officially launch with a bold statement . A celebration of individuals whose influence stretches beyond trends, charts, and fleeting attention. This first set of honourees represents a deliberate beginning: a recognition of cultural figures who have shaped identity, challenged norms, and helped define the direction of contemporary Nigerian and global culture.
This inaugural edition marks the foundation of what will become an evolving archive of influence. Rather than focusing on popularity alone, the awards centre on impact, cultural, intellectual, political, and artistic. The goal is simple but ambitious: to document and honour the people shaping how culture is created, understood, and remembered.
For this first edition, the awards spotlight a diverse group whose work spans music, film, literature, activism, and media.
This first list is not definitive, nor is it final. It marks the beginning of an ongoing project. Alternative Culture will continue to identify, document, and celebrate cultural icons across generations and disciplines, building a living archive of influence that reflects both where we come from and where we are going.
The 2025 Alternative culture icon awards honorary winners list includes
- Music icon of the year: Asake
Asake redefined contemporary Nigerian music while staying deeply rooted in Yoruba culture. His music blends street-pop, Afrobeat, and traditional Yoruba melodic sensibilities, creating a sound that resonates across generations and borders.
2. Film & Theatre icon of the year: Funke Akindele
Funke Akindele earns this due to her remarkable impact on Nigerian cinema and storytelling. She has consistently produced work that blends entertainment with social commentary, making her one of the most influential figures in Nollywood today.
3. Art, & Visual icon of the year: Sam Ovraiti
Sam Ovraiti is recognized for his groundbreaking contributions to contemporary Nigerian visual arts. His work has consistently merged tradition, modernity, and social commentary, creating pieces that resonate both locally and internationally.
4. Activist of the year: Omoyele Sowore
Omoyele Sowore is awarded Activist of the Year in recognition of his relentless commitment to social justice, human rights, and political accountability in Nigeria. His work embodies courage, resilience, and the power of civic engagement.
5. Media & Pop culture personality: Gehgeh
Gehgeh is recognized for his influential role in shaping conversations, trends, and digital culture in Nigeria. Through his creative content and engaging presence, he has become a defining voice for a generation.
6. Political Icon of the year: Natasha Akpoti
Natasha Akpoti is recognized for her bold, principled, and transformative presence in Nigerian politics. Her advocacy, leadership, and commitment to social justice have positioned her as a defining voice for progressive change.
7. Cultural Vanguard Award: Think yoruba first
Think Yoruba First is honored with the Cultural Vanguard Award for its outstanding role in preserving, promoting, and redefining Yoruba culture in contemporary Nigeria. The initiative stands at the forefront of cultural advocacy, education, and creative expression, ensuring that Yoruba heritage remains vibrant and relevant in modern society.
8. Cultural Thought Leadership Award: Oladimeji Bolarinwa
Oladimeji Bolarinwa is honored with the Cultural Thought Leadership Award for his exceptional role in shaping conversations around culture, identity, and societal progress in Nigeria. His work exemplifies the power of ideas to influence communities, policy, and creative expression.
9. Lifetime Achievement in Culture: K1 De Ultimate
K1 De Ultimate is honored with the Lifetime Achievement in Culture Award in recognition of his unparalleled contribution to Nigerian music and cultural preservation. As a Fuji music legend, his work has not only entertained generations but also safeguarded and popularized Yoruba musical traditions.
10. Global Influence Award: Oluwadamilola Akintewe
Oluwadamilola Akintewe is honored with the Global Influence Award for her remarkable impact in advocating for social justice, women’s empowerment, and community development on an international scale. Her work demonstrates how Nigerian voices can shape global conversations and inspire meaningful change beyond borders.
Reports Beyond the Mainstream 