How we curated the Zikoko Culture List 2025

It would have been easier to turn the Zikoko Culture List 2025 into a popularity contest. But that would not have reflected the responsibility that comes with documenting culture at this scale. Instead, we approached the process with care, intention, and respect for cultural recognition.

Criteria for Inclusion

All longlisted nominees were assessed using the same core criteria, with a specific focus on their work and impact in 2025. To be considered, nominees had to be under 45 years old as of 2025 and identify as Nigerian. Beyond eligibility, we considered cultural impact, innovation and originality, consistency and quality of output, as well as reach and influence. Taken together, these factors reflected how meaningfully a nominee’s work shaped conversations, introduced new ideas, sustained excellence, and resonated across communities, demographics, and borders.

How the Zikoko Culture List 2025 Came Together

• Research-led longlisting: For each category, the Zikoko newsroom conducted extensive research to develop a longlist of individuals who met the criteria for inclusion.
• Expert committees: We assembled three-member committees for each category, made up of respected figures actively working within those fields.
• Category-based voting: Each committee independently voted to select the final 10 honourees in their category.
• Final tally: Votes from all committee members were collated and tallied to determine the final list.

The Zikoko Culture List will return in 2026. Building on the lessons from this inaugural edition, future lists will continue to be guided by fairness, credibility, and a deep commitment to cultural relevance.