Bemi Orojogun, the Nigerian content creator fondly known as London Bus Aunty, has captured the attention of millions after winning Video of the Year at the TikTok UK Awards 2025. What started as a simple habit of filming London’s famous red buses has now evolved into a cultural moment that resonates across continents, earning her one of the platform’s most coveted honours. Her achievement drew warm commendations from the Mayor of London, Sadiq Khan, who celebrated her for bringing joy to people through her unique lens on city life and for showcasing the spirit of London’s transport culture in the most charming way.
Bemi’s videos revolve around an idea so simple yet so magnetic that it has taken on a life of its own. She positions herself at a London roadside or bus stop, often dressed in bright scarves and warm colours, and lets a red double-decker bus glide past behind her. She rarely speaks in the clips and relies on no special effects. The beauty lies in her natural presence, her warm smile and the calm, everyday magic of the city moving around her. Her gentle delight in these scenes turns an ordinary moment into something unexpectedly soothing and joyful for viewers who find comfort in the slow, simple pulse of London street life.
Her winning video, which helped her clinch the TikTok UK honours, featured a smooth procession of buses passing behind her with near-perfect timing. The clip exploded across the platform, gathering millions of views and comments from users who felt the calm energy of her work. Many have come to describe her content as a quiet celebration of the mundane, a reminder that city routines can be beautiful when seen through the right eyes.
The judging criteria for the award leaned heavily on originality, emotional impact, audience engagement and cultural relevance, all of which Bemi’s videos embody. Her clips have sparked a wave of imitations across the world, with viewers recreating “bus aunty” moments in their own cities. Her work consistently drives high engagement, bringing together Londoners, Nigerians, diaspora communities and global audiences who appreciate the positive energy she radiates. She has turned what many overlook-the passing of a bus, into a gentle storytelling moment that resonates well beyond the United Kingdom.
During her acceptance moment, Bemi expressed heartfelt gratitude. She thanked the bus drivers who unknowingly became part of her videos, appreciated her growing community of viewers, acknowledged her Nigerian heritage with pride and encouraged creators everywhere to start small, stay consistent and find joy in the little things. Her message reflected the same sincerity that defines her content, making the victory feel both personal and communal.
Several of her videos have played a significant role in her rise. Her Greenwich clip, where multiple buses passed behind her in perfect rhythm, soared past forty million views. Her rainy-day bus video, with droplets on the lens and her bright scarf glowing against the grey London weather, became an instant fan favourite. Her early-morning shot of the first Route 53 bus captured the quiet beauty of dawn, while her Christmas bus clip charmed thousands with its festive decorations and her soft, amused expression.
Bemi’s success holds deeper meaning for Nigerian creators and African voices in the digital space. She proves that creativity does not require complicated setups or expensive equipment. Her content stands as a reminder that sincerity travels far, and that diaspora storytellers continue to shape global trends with fresh, culturally rich perspectives. By simply being herself, she has broadened the visibility of Nigerian creators and challenged expectations about who can thrive on platforms like TikTok.
In many ways, her award represents more than a viral moment. It reflects the power of everyday joy, the unexpected beauty of routine, and the connection people find in simplicity. Her work has turned London’s red buses into symbols of shared delight, embraced by viewers across borders and celebrated at the highest levels of London’s civic leadership. Bemi Orojogun’s London Bus Aunty story reminds us that small ideas, when nurtured with heart, can move millions and even earn a nod from the Mayor.
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