The Awaken Africa Talent Awards (AATA) is an initiative by Nelisa Awakening Africa (NAA), created to unlock, ignite, and showcase youth potential across the continent. AATA connects young talents to real-time opportunities, mentorship, brand endorsements, and global exposure—empowering them to turn creativity into sustainable livelihoods.
Through this platform, NAA also integrates its flagship innovations: N-Handy App – connecting skilled youth to real-time clients, and RideWave App – creating jobs through transport, delivery, and ride-sharing services. Both apps ensure AATA finalists and winners can leverage opportunities far beyond the event.
Celebrates a person with a disability leading inclusion through advocacy, products, or programs with measurable community impact.
Honors tech solutions (apps, platforms, AI, hardware) solving real problems with clear user adoption and sustainability.
Recognizes standout beat-making and production: originality, sound design, arrangement, and successful artist collaborations.
Showcases handmade goods (wood, textiles, decor, beauty, food craft) with quality, originality, and market readiness.
Rewards designs that fuse cultural heritage with contemporary fashion, craftsmanship, and ethical/sustainable practice.
Highlights youth (≤16) creating impactful projects or ventures, judged on creativity, problem-solving, and execution.
A cultural ambassador award/pageant focused on heritage preservation, community service, leadership, and authentic representation.
Honors vocal excellence: tone, range, control, stage presence, and originality (including songwriting where applicable).
Celebrates original humor across stand-up/sketch/digital formats, delivery, timing, audience engagement, and social impact.
For masters of ceremonies with top-tier crowd control, clarity, improvisation, event flow management, and energy.
Recognizes mixing skill, track selection, crowd reading, transitions, and live performance creativity.
Awards creators who drive positive, authentic online narratives with reach, engagement, and demonstrable community value.
Join us in igniting Africa's brightest talents and shaping tomorrow's leaders. Through AATA, we're creating a platform where young African creatives and innovators can showcase their talents, connect with opportunities, and build sustainable careers while celebrating our rich cultural heritage.
All intellectual property of AATA is owned by Nelisa Awakening Africa (NAA). Any unauthorized reproduction or use of the AATA concept is strictly prohibited.
Here is what we have accomplished so far.
Impacted Youth
Supported Projects
Countries
