The 2025 Grammy Awards brought attention to African music by nominating several artists who have made a global impact. These nominations show how African artists are reaching audiences worldwide and gaining recognition for their unique styles and talent. Each artist nominated in 2025 has a story of hard work, creativity, and musical achievement that reflects their impact on both African and international music scenes. Here is a look at what each of these nominated artists accomplished in 2025:
Burna Boy Burna Boy, known for blending Afro-fusion with reggae and hip-hop, earned a Grammy nomination for his song “Higher” from his album I Told Them. This track was recognized in the Best African Music Performance category, highlighting Burna Boy’s skill in creating music that resonates beyond Africa. He has consistently been a pioneer in pushing African music into the global spotlight, and with “Higher,” he captures emotions and themes that appeal to listeners worldwide. Burna Boy’s nomination reflects his growth as an artist who stays true to his roots while reaching a broad audience with his unique sound.
Asake and Wizkid Asake and Wizkid’s collaboration on the song “MMS” also earned them a nomination in the Best African Music Performance category. Asake, with his street-inspired energy, and Wizkid, a long-time leader in Afrobeats, brought their distinct styles together to create a song that quickly became popular across Africa and beyond. Wizkid’s experience and versatility blend perfectly with Asake’s fresh style, making “MMS” a song that showcases the power of collaboration in African music. This nomination reflects the success of their partnership and shows how Afrobeats artists are reaching new levels of recognition by creating music that appeals across different generations.
Davido and Lojay Davido received a Grammy nod through his feature on Chris Brown’s song “Sensational,” which also included Lojay. This feature in the Best African Music Performance category provided both Davido and Lojay with international exposure, highlighting their ability to adapt to different sounds. Davido has long been known for his collaborations with international artists, and his role in “Sensational” once again showcased his versatility and influence. For Lojay, a rising artist, this Grammy nomination marks an important achievement, signaling his potential as one of the new voices in African music. Their success on this track demonstrates how collaborations with global artists are helping African musicians make their mark internationally.
Tems Tems received multiple Grammy nominations, marking her as one of the standout African artists of 2025. She was nominated in the Best African Music Performance category for “Love Me Jeje,” and her debut album Born in the Wild was also nominated for Best Global Music Album. Additionally, her song “Burning” from the album received a nod for Best R&B Song. Tems has become known for her soulful voice and her ability to connect with audiences through powerful storytelling. Her nominations reflect her success in blending African and international sounds, which has made her music popular worldwide. Tems continues to be a leading figure in both Afrobeats and R&B, and her Grammy recognition highlights her ability to make music that crosses cultural and genre boundaries.
Yemi Alade Yemi Alade earned her first solo Grammy nomination for her song “Tomorrow” in the Best African Music Performance category. Known for her energetic music and celebration of African culture, Yemi Alade’s nomination is a significant recognition of her work. She has built a career around empowering messages and music that speaks to African pride and unity. Her song “Tomorrow” resonates with audiences for its upbeat and hopeful message, and the Grammy nomination shows that Yemi Alade’s impact goes beyond just entertainment—she is an artist who inspires through her art. This Grammy nod highlights her role as one of the key figures in African music who consistently represents her heritage on a global scale.
Each of these artists’ nominations at the 2025 Grammys shows how African music is reaching new heights, with diverse sounds and styles that reflect the talent and dedication of African musicians. By connecting with audiences worldwide, these artists are helping African music find its place on the world stage, and their Grammy nominations celebrate the creativity and influence they bring to music.
