The prestigious MOBO (Music of Black Origin) Awards has revealed its nominees for the 2025 edition, with Nigerian artists taking center stage. Asake, Rema, Ayra Starr, Tems, Bnxn, Ruger, Shallipopi, and Odumodublvck are among the top contenders, showcasing the global influence of Nigerian music.
Asake, Ayra Starr, and Tems earned nominations for the Best International Act, competing alongside global icons like Beyoncé, Kendrick Lamar, Nicki Minaj, and Megan Thee Stallion. This recognition highlights their rising popularity on the world stage.
In the Best African Music Act category, Asake, Ayra Starr, Rema, Tems, Bnxn, Ruger, Shallipopi, and Odumodublvck join South African artists Tyla and Uncle Waffles. This category celebrates the best in African music and its growing global appeal.
The 2025 MOBO Awards will be held at the Utilita Arena in Newcastle on February 18, marking the first time the event takes place in this city. The venue is set to host a vibrant celebration of talent across 20 categories.
Several other categories have caught the spotlight:
Central Cee, Ghetts, and D-Block Europe are leading contenders.
- Best Female Act: Jorja Smith and Little Simz are among the top nominees.
- Album of the Year: Cleo Sol’s Gold and Jorja Smith’s Falling Or Flying stand out.
- Song of the Year: Tracks like Band4Band by Central Cee featuring Lil Baby are in the running.
The awards will also honor the best in R&B, jazz, electronic music, gospel, and more, with a range of talented artists competing across diverse genres.
With nominations across multiple categories, Nigerian musicians are leading the charge for African music at this year’s awards. Artists like Rema, Asake, and Tems continue to push boundaries, blending Afrobeat with global sounds to capture international audiences.
The 2025 MOBO Awards promise to be a night of celebration, recognition, and inspiration, spotlighting the best of Black-origin music across the globe.
