The 2025 Grammy Awards have turned the spotlight on Nigerian artists like never before. With an impressive array of nominations, Nigeria’s music industry continues its meteoric rise on the global stage. This year’s ceremony is set to be historic, as several Nigerian artists are poised to make waves across key categories, reinforcing the nation’s growing influence in the global music landscape.
Tems: A Record-Breaking Trailblazer
Tems, who made history as the first Nigerian female artist to win a Grammy in 2023, continues to blaze new trails. Her debut studio album, Born in the Wild, has earned her an astounding eighth Grammy nomination. The album, a rich blend of Afrobeat, R&B, and soul, debuted at No. 3 on Nigeria’s Official Top 100 Albums Chart, maintaining its position for a remarkable 21 weeks. Tracks like “Love Me Jeje” and “Wild Hearts” have garnered international acclaim, with millions of streams and critical praise for their lyrical depth and production quality.
This year, Tems is again in the running for the prestigious Best Global Music Album award. Her nomination not only cements her place as one of the leading voices in global music but also highlights her ability to craft narratives that resonate universally.
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Rema: Rising to New Heights
Joining Tems in the Best Global Music Album category is Rema, whose sophomore project HEIS has earned him his first Grammy nomination. Released in July 2024, HEIS debuted at No. 1 on Nigeria’s Official Top 100 Albums Chart and held its ground for an impressive 17 weeks. The album features chart-topping singles like “Hehehe,” “BENIN BOYS,” and “Yayo,” all of which climbed into the top 10.
HEIS has been hailed as a groundbreaking project. It blends Afrobeats with elements of trap and pop, showcasing Rema’s versatility and growth as an artist. This nomination makes HEIS the first African sophomore album to compete in the Best Global Music Album category, a testament to Rema’s impact on both the African and global music scenes.
Best Global Music Album: A Fierce Competition
In the Best Global Music Album category, Tems and Rema face stiff competition from seasoned global artists:
- Matt B featuring the Royal Philharmonic Orchestra with Alkebulan II
- Ciro Hurtado with Paisajes
- Antonio Rey with Historias De Un Flamenco
Each album brings a unique sound and perspective, setting the stage for a highly competitive race.
Angelique Kidjo: Continuing Her Legacy
Angelique Kidjo, a five-time Grammy winner and a formidable force in world music, has also made the 2025 nominee list. Her latest collaboration, “Sunlight to My Soul,” featuring the Soweto Gospel Choir, has earned her a nomination in the Best Global Music Performance category. Known for her ability to blend African traditional music with global genres seamlessly, Kidjo remains a beacon for African artists on the global stage.
Best African Music Performance: A Nigerian Takeover
The newly introduced Best African Music Performance category is brimming with Nigerian talent, ensuring the country will take home at least one Grammy this year. The nominees include:
- Yemi Alade for “Tomorrow”
- Asake & Wizkid for “MMS”
- Chris Brown, Davido & Lojay for “Sensational”
- Burna Boy for “Higher”
- Tems for “Love Me Jeje”
Lojay, a newcomer to the Grammy scene, received his first-ever nomination for “Sensational,” a collaboration with Davido and Chris Brown. The track spent an incredible 23 weeks on Turntable Charts Nigeria Official Singles Chart, peaking at No. 12. Davido, on the other hand, marks his fourth Grammy nomination, a testament to his consistency and relevance in the music industry.
Burna Boy, Wizkid, and Yemi Alade: Veterans and Newcomers
Burna Boy, a previous Grammy winner, adds an 11th nomination to his impressive résumé with “Higher.” Known for his powerful lyrics and genre-defying sound, Burna Boy continues to set the standard for Afrobeats on the global stage.
Wizkid, one of Nigeria’s most celebrated artists, is no stranger to the Grammys. With five nominations now under his belt, his latest collaboration with Asake, “MMS,” showcases his knack for creating infectious hits that transcend borders.
For Yemi Alade, this year marks a significant milestone. Her nomination for “Tomorrow” in the Best African Music Performance category is her first solo Grammy nod, a momentous achievement in her illustrious career.
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A New Era for African Music
The 2025 Grammy nominations mark a new era for African music. With multiple Nigerian artists recognized across major categories, the world is witnessing the unparalleled growth and influence of Afrobeat and its subgenres. These nominations not only celebrate individual artists but also shine a light on the thriving African music industry.
Countdown to the 67th Grammy Awards
The 67th Grammy Awards will take place on February 2, 2025, at the Crypto.com Arena in Los Angeles, California. With Nigerian artists dominating several key categories, anticipation is at an all-time high. Whether it’s the Best Global Music Album or Best African Music Performance, Nigerian artists are poised to make history once again.
As the global music industry turns its eyes to Los Angeles, one thing is clear: Nigeria’s music stars are not just participating—they are leading the charge, reshaping the global soundscape one track at a time.