Bemi Orojuogun, affectionately known across social media as London Bus Aunty, delivered one of the most heartfelt moments at the TikTok UK Awards last night when she stepped on stage to accept the award for Video of the Year. In a room filled with creators, celebrities and digital storytellers, Bemi’s message stood out for its honesty, vulnerability and fearless encouragement.
“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,” she said, holding her award as the crowd cheered. Her words were a reminder that creativity doesn’t come with an age limit, and joy doesn’t require anyone else’s permission. For Bemi, this was more than an acceptance speech, it was a declaration about confidence, identity and pursuing what feels true, even when the people closest to you don’t understand it.
Bemi’s rise to recognition has been anything but conventional. Before she became a TikTok favorite, she was simply a woman who loved London, loved its buses and loved capturing little moments of happiness in the city she calls home. Her videos; calm, joyful and often filmed in front of the iconic red double-deckers, began as a personal expression. She posted what made her happy. And slowly, others began to feel happy watching them too.
Her journey took an unexpected turn just three months ago when she appeared in Burberry’s Back to the City campaign. For someone who had spent years celebrating the charm of everyday London life, being featured by one of the world’s biggest luxury fashion brands was a surreal milestone. The campaign captured the essence of the city, its energy, its movement, its stories, the same elements that made Bemi fall in love with filming buses in the first place. Suddenly, the woman who became popular for her gentle, wholesome content found herself front and center in a global fashion narrative rooted in the city she adores.
Behind her cheerful videos is a deeply personal story. Bemi met her late husband on a London bus, a place that became symbolic of their love story. Before he passed away last year, she made a promise to him: she would keep living fully. Continuing to record buses, exploring the city and sharing those lighthearted moments with the world became part of that promise. What started as a small tribute to a piece of her past evolved into a vibrant expression of her present and ultimately, a source of comfort, creativity and community.
Along the way, Bemi’s content caught the attention of major brands. She’s taken part in playful and unexpected campaigns, from a Wowcher-themed double-decker bus activation to an adventurous collaboration with Alton Towers, where she documented a day filled with theme-park fun and surprises. Each opportunity reflected something true about her: her love of simple adventures, her infectious joy and her ability to turn everyday moments into something bright.
Winning a TikTok Award marks another milestone in her journey, not just as a content creator, but as someone who has embraced life despite grief, despite doubt and despite naysayers. Her win reinforces the idea that people connect to authenticity more than anything else. Bemi didn’t try to reinvent herself for the internet; she simply showed up as she is, and millions resonated with that sincerity.
As she held her award, she reminded the audience and everyone who watches her, that passion doesn’t need approval. “A moment like this shows there is nothing wrong with following what you enjoy,” she reflected, “even when people try to talk you out of it.”
For London Bus Aunty, this award is more than recognition. It’s a celebration of resilience, creativity and the courage to keep doing what you love, no matter who raises an eyebrow.
Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *