The Recording Academy has officially announced its nominees for the 2025 Grammy Awards, highlighting an impressive roster of Nigerian talent, including music heavyweights Davido, Burna Boy, Wizkid, Tems, Asake, Yemi Alade, Rema, and Lojay.
The 67th annual ceremony, set for February 2, 2025, at Los Angeles’ Crypto.com Arena, will celebrate these artists in categories that emphasize the growing global appreciation for Afrobeats and African music as a whole.
Among the notable nominees, Davido and Lojay are in the spotlight in the Best African Music Performance category for their hit single Sensational.
This track stands alongside works from international stars such as Chris Brown, marking a milestone for both artists and a reflection of Nigerian music’s far-reaching impact.
Similarly, Asake and Wizkid clinched a nomination in the same category with their popular song MMS, a collaboration celebrated for its rhythm and inventive style.
Reflecting on the recognition of African talent, Recording Academy project manager Shawn Thwaites stated, “Giving African music its own category would highlight and celebrate the diversity and richness of Africa. This is a great step forward!”
He emphasized the profound influence of African music, not only in this category but across the global music industry. Indeed, the addition of the Best African Music Performance category has been a groundbreaking decision for the 2025 Grammys, underscoring the Academy’s acknowledgment of the commercial and cultural strength of African music, especially the contributions of Nigerian artists.
In this category, other Nigerian nominees include Burna Boy with his track Higher, which has resonated with audiences for its message of resilience, and Yemi Alade with her stirring piece Tomorrow.
Tems, known for her unique voice and lyrical depth, also joins the list with her track Love Me Jeje, continuing her streak of critical acclaim and international success.
Beyond performance categories, Nigerian artists have made their mark in the Best Global Music Album category. Tems’ album Born in the Wild and Rema’s Heis are both in the running, showcasing the diversity within Afrobeats and the artists’ ability to infuse African sounds with modern, globally appealing elements.
Both albums highlight these artists’ growing influence, blending traditional African beats with contemporary production to create a unique global sound.
The Grammy Awards ceremony this year holds additional significance as it acknowledges a wider range of African musical genres and styles under its new category.
“Artists of any African musical style can gain a nomination, whether they make Ethio-jazz, Ghanaian drill, highlife, or kwassa,” explained Thwaites.
He added that Nigerian artists have particularly shone this year, furthering Afrobeats’ global footprint with songs that often incorporate elements of the South African-born Amapiano genre, currently a favorite in clubs from Lagos to London.
Top nominees like Davido, Asake, Burna Boy, and Wizkid are not only contenders but pioneers in bringing African sounds to an international audience. For instance, Davido’s GRAMMY-nominated single UNAVAILABLE, featuring Musa Keys, draws on Amapiano beats with a lively hook that has captured global audiences.
Asake, known for his charismatic stage presence, has risen quickly to fame and now joins the ranks of Nigerian icons like Burna Boy, Wizkid, and Davido, who have all achieved international stardom and sold out venues like London’s O2 Arena.
Burna Boy, in particular, has cemented his status as one of Africa’s leading artists with City Boys, which also received a nod. The track reflects Burna’s fusion of Afrobeats and hip-hop, as he seamlessly incorporates samples like Jeremih’s “Birthday Sex” to create a sound that resonates with listeners globally.
His Grammy nomination, coupled with a UK No.1 album, highlights the artist’s “imperial era” as a dominant force in both Afrobeats and international music.
Tems’ journey also stands out, with her album Born in the Wild nominated in the Best Global Music Album category. Known for her emotive delivery and genre-blending artistry, Tems continues to captivate audiences around the world.
Meanwhile, Rema’s album Heis showcases his versatility and growth as an artist, mixing Afrobeats with electronic and hip-hop influences that make him one of the most innovative voices in contemporary African music.
The upcoming Grammy Awards signal an exciting new era for African music, celebrating its diversity and appeal to a global audience.
As Nigerian artists receive increasing recognition, the future of African music in the global entertainment industry seems brighter than ever.
