2025 MOBO Awards: Nigerian Stars Shine Among Nominees

 

The 2025 Music of Black Origin (MOBO) Awards nominees have been announced, featuring Nigerian artists prominently in several categories. The prestigious event, celebrating excellence in Black music, will take place for the first time in Newcastle at the Utilita Arena on Tuesday, February 18, 2025.

Prominent Nigerian musicians Asake, Rema, Ayra Starr, Tems, Bnxn, Ruger, Shallipopi, and Odumodublvck have secured nominations across multiple categories, solidifying Nigeria’s growing influence on the global music scene.

In the Best International Act category, Asake, Ayra Starr, and Tems will compete alongside global icons like Beyoncé, Kendrick Lamar, Nicki Minaj, Megan Thee Stallion, Latto, Glorilla, and South Africa's Tyla.

For the Best African Music Act category, the lineup includes Asake, Ayra Starr, Tems, Rema, Bnxn, Ruger, Shallipopi, and Odumodublvck, alongside South African stars Tyla and Uncle Waffles and Ghanaian artist King Promise.

The event also unveiled nominees in 20 categories, with highlights including:

• Best Male Act: Central Cee, Ghetts, D-Block Europe, and Bashy.
• Best Female Act: Jorja Smith, Cleo Sol, and Little Simz.
• Album of the Year: Cleo Sol’s Gold and Ghetts’ On Purpose, With Purpose.
• Song of the Year: Central Cee featuring Lil Baby’s Band4Band and Stormzy’s Backbone with Chase & Status.
• Best Newcomer: Jordan Adetunji, Leostaytrill, and Myles Smith.
• Video of the Year: Raye’s Genesis and Unknown T featuring Loyle Carner’s Hocus Pocus.

This year’s MOBO Awards celebrate a wide range of genres, from hip-hop and drill to gospel and jazz. The categories also recognize emerging talents in fields like film and media, with notable nods for performances in TV shows and movies, including Top Boy and Supacell.

The strong presence of Nigerian artists in major categories underscores their pivotal role in shaping contemporary Black music. With several nominations and global recognition, the MOBO Awards promise to be a night of celebration for Nigerian and African music enthusiasts.

The full list of nominees is now available, with fans eagerly awaiting the February 18 ceremony.