Africa’s vibrant music scene continues to make waves on the global stage, as Nigerian superstars Burna Boy and Asake have emerged as the most-nominated African artists at the upcoming MTV 2025 Video Music Awards. The duo, both known for pushing the boundaries of Afrobeats and global music fusion, earned two nominations each, leading a strong African contingent vying for international recognition at the prestigious event.
The MTV 2025 VMAs will be held on September 7 at the USB Arena in New York, and anticipation is already building, particularly among African music fans. The nominations reflect a growing global embrace of Afrobeats, with artists from across the continent earning recognition alongside some of the biggest names in international pop, hip-hop, and R&B.
Burna Boy, one of Africa’s most globally recognized music exports, scored nominations in two major categories. His socially conscious hit “Higher” earned him a nod in the Video for Good category—an honour reserved for songs with powerful messages aimed at creating social change. His second nomination comes in the Best Afrobeats category for “TaTaTa”, a collaborative effort featuring American rapper Travis Scott.
Not far behind, Asake also secured two nominations, both in the Best Afrobeats category. The energetic performer and breakout star is recognized for his hit “Active” featuring Travis Scott and the melodic “Get It Right”, a soulful duet with global Afrobeats sensation Tems.
Asake’s dual nods in the same category reflect his meteoric rise and the growing cross-cultural appeal of his sound. The inclusion of both Nigerian and international stars on his collaborations underlines the genre’s increasing fusion with global mainstream music.
Other African acts receiving nominations include:
- Rema for “Baby (Is It a Crime)”
- Moliy, alongside Silent Addy, Skillibeng and Shenseea for the “Shake It to the Max (Fly)” remix
- Tems, also featured in “Get It Right” with Asake
- Wizkid, nominated for “Piece of My Heart” with Brent Faiyaz
- Tyla, for “Push 2 Start”, which also earned a nomination in the Best Choreography category
- Ayra Starr, the only African nominee in the MTV PUSH Performance of the Year category, for “Last Heartbreak Song” in September 2024
In total, eight African artists are in contention across various categories, underscoring the continent’s growing influence in the global music scene.
While African artists are gaining visibility, American singer Lady Gaga leads the pack overall with a staggering 12 nominations, including Artist of the Year, Song of the Year, and Video of the Year for her collaborative works with Bruno Mars.
Other major international names up for key awards include Kendrick Lamar, The Weeknd, Billie Eilish, Rosé, Bruno Mars, Taylor Swift, Ariana Grande, and Beyoncé.
The Best Afrobeats category, introduced by MTV to reflect the genre’s surging global popularity, is one of the most competitive this year. The nominees include a blend of established icons and rising stars, featuring collaborations with artists across the U.S., Caribbean, and Africa—proof that Afrobeats is no longer a regional sound but a worldwide phenomenon.
The full list of Best Afrobeats nominees:
- Burna Boy ft. Travis Scott – TaTaTa
- Asake ft. Travis Scott – Active
- Tems ft. Asake – Get It Right
- Wizkid ft. Brent Faiyaz – Piece of My Heart
- Rema – Baby (Is It a Crime)
- Tyla – Push 2 Start
- Moliy, Silent Addy, Skillibeng and Shenseea – Shake It to the Max (Fly) (Remix)
The inclusion of Afrobeats artists across multiple categories outside their genre speaks volumes about their impact. For instance, Burna Boy’s “Higher” being recognized in the Video for Good category puts him in the same league as global acts like Eminem and Billie Eilish when it comes to using music to inspire change.
Meanwhile, Ayra Starr’s nomination in MTV’s PUSH Performance of the Year—a monthly recognition of breakthrough performances—cements her status as one of Africa’s fastest-rising female voices. Her emotional delivery on “Last Heartbreak Song” has clearly resonated with a global audience, earning her a place on a list that also features the likes of Shaboozey, Mark Ambor, and Katseye.
As Africa continues to shape the global soundscape, the 2025 MTV VMAs may mark a historic night. With the growing global appetite for Afrobeats, eyes will be on how the category evolves and how African artists continue to influence the wider industry. Already, collaborations between African stars and Western powerhouses are becoming more commonplace—an indication of the genre’s mainstream penetration.
Music lovers and cultural commentators alike have hailed the strong African representation as a victory for the continent’s creative economy. On social media, fans of Burna Boy, Asake, Tems, and the rest of the nominees have begun celebratory campaigns, encouraging voting and drawing attention to the importance of international recognition for African talent.
The MTV 2025 Video Music Awards will air live on September 7, with performances expected from several of the nominated artists. With such a diverse lineup and significant African presence, this year’s edition is poised to be a landmark moment for global music and cultural crossover.
For African music—and Afrobeats in particular—this is more than just awards season. It is the validation of years of creativity, resilience, and the unstoppable rhythm that continues to bring the world to its feet.
