Australian comedy creators and podcasters Daniel ‘Olan’ Olaniran and Ibrahim ‘Ibby’ Akbar have been announced as the hosts of the 2025 AiMCO Awards, set to take place in Sydney later this month.
The Australian Influencer Marketing Council confirmed the duo will front the gala awards event on Thursday, February 26, following the organisation’s first-ever AiMCO Summit debut.
The awards recognise the brands, creators, agencies and businesses shaping Australia’s influencer marketing industry, with more than 100 finalists shortlisted across both established and newly introduced categories.
Podcast chemistry takes centre stage
Akbar and Olaniran, best known as the voices behind the hit podcast What’s The Go, will take on their first hosting duties for the AiMCO Awards.
Akbar, a comedian and content creator, is widely recognised for his online character Moey DW, which has helped him build a following of more than 400,000 across Instagram and TikTok.
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His content draws on personal stories, cultural commentary and observational humour, with Akbar also launching a food truck business and completing his second national stand-up comedy tour last year.
Commenting on the announcement, Ibrahim ‘Ibby’ Akbar, comedian and content creator, said:
“I am super excited to be heading back to the stage for my first ever time with AiMCO. It’s a very cool and important opportunity to recognise the national influencer industry that has given me so much.”
“I went from a guy making funny videos online to touring the country doing what I love; stand-up comedy, securing global brand deals and working with Olan on our very own podcast.
None of this would have been possible without the support of the Australian creator economy, and I am looking forward to celebrating the industry with my peers.”
From ‘failed footballer’ to roaming reporter
Olaniran, known online as OlanTekkers, has amassed more than 550,000 followers across Instagram and TikTok, building a reputation for his vox pop-style content and humour-driven commentary across sport, gaming and entertainment.
His work has attracted partnerships with global brands including Nike, Foot Locker and Sportsbet, alongside content collaborations with the UFC and McDonald’s, earning him the nickname of the internet’s “roaming reporter”.
Daniel ‘Olan’ Olaniran, content creator, said:
“I’m honoured to be sharing the stage with Ibby for the 2025 AiMCO Awards. I’m extremely grateful for organisations like AiMCO that provide a space to celebrate and advocate for Australian content creators.”
“Like Ibby, I’ve turned my content creation into a full-time job, partnering with big brands and speaking on a live panel for TikTok in the past 12 months alone. I’m looking forward to celebrating the industry on February 26.”
A night celebrating creator-led growth
Patrick Whitnall, Managing Director of AiMCO, said the duo reflected the energy and evolution of the creator economy.
“Every year, we’re lucky to secure top Australian content creators to host our awards, and this year is no different,” Whitnall said.
“Ibby and Olan have built careers from their content, establishing substantial online followings and brand partnerships. If you’ve listened to What’s The Go, you’ll know Ibby and Olan work incredibly well together. We’re definitely in for a night full of good humour and laughs.”
Venue and Partners
The 2025 AiMCO Awards will be held at the NIDA Parade Theatre in Sydney and will feature new categories including Best Long-Term Ambassador & Partnership, Best Creator-Led Brand & Business, Unsung Hero, Best Standalone Influencer Campaign, and Marketing Team of the Year.
This year’s premier event partners are WPP Media and Are Media, with major sponsors Fabulate, HELLO and YouTube. Supporting partners include Commercial Radio and Audio (CRA), RISER/Theory Crew, Vamp, oOh! and JCDecaux.
Top Image: Olan and Ibby