Sola Benson

A wave of celebration swept through London’s creator community this weekend as Nigerian-born TikTok star Bemi Orojogun, affectionately known as London Bus Aunty, secured the Video of the Year honour at the 2025 TikTok UK Awards. The achievement drew praise from the city’s mayor, Sadiq Khan, who publicly commended the viral personality for her contribution to London’s digital culture.

In a message posted on his official X account on Sunday, Khan hailed Orojogun as “London’s very own Bus Aunty,” applauding her upbeat storytelling and the infectious enthusiasm she brings to the capital’s public transport system. He noted that her affectionate spotlight on London’s iconic red buses has “captured hearts across the country.” Khan also added a playful detail for fans, revealing that she is an avid supporter of the city’s Bakerloop, London’s newest express bus route.

Orojogun edged out fellow creators Friends of Elmtree, Sam Morris, Gardiner Brothers, Joseph Machines, and Brad Ben, each recognised for excellence on the platform. Her award-winning video, which has already drawn nearly 50 million views, has helped cement her status as one of TikTok UK’s most captivating digital figures.

Accepting the award on Friday, Orojogun delivered a message of empowerment to aspiring creators: “Don’t allow your age to stop you. Don’t allow your family to say, ‘Don’t do that, it’s embarrassing.’ If you love it, do it.”

Her rapid rise began in 2024, when a cleverly shot forced-perspective video spread across the platform, transforming her from an amusing discovery into a major influencer with wide cultural reach. Since then, Orojogun has partnered with a roster of global brands including Burberry, H&M, IKEA, Jacquemus, Maybelline, JBL, and most recently MAC Cosmetics.

She has also collaborated on public campaigns, including projects with Mayor Khan aimed at promoting London’s growing fleet of 2,000 zero-emission buses, a cause that aligns closely with her transport-themed content.

Loved for her warm humour and energetic roadside recordings, “London Bus Aunty” has won fans beyond the UK. Many Nigerians humorously challenge her online to recreate her upbeat bus-stop antics in bustling Lagos hubs like Oshodi or CMS — locations whose signature chaos, they tease, would test even her signature confidence and cheer.

Orojogun’s trajectory from everyday commuter to award-winning digital star underscores the power of creativity, consistency, and authenticity in today’s creator economy.