The 2025 Grammy Awards, set to take place in less than 24 hours at the Crypto.com Arena in Los Angeles, is expected to be a night filled with excitement, as global music stars, including Nigeria’s very own Tems, Burna Boy, Asake, Yemi Alade, Wizkid, Davido, and Rema, vie for prestigious awards. Nigerian artists have firmly made their mark on the global stage, and this year’s nominations continue to showcase the global reach and influence of the Afrobeats genre.
The addition of the Grammy Award for *Best African Music Performance* in 2024 highlighted the increasing global recognition of African music, with South African artist Tyla winning the inaugural award. However, Nigerian artists remain dominant in the global music landscape, particularly in the Best Global Music Album category, which has become a stronghold for Afrobeats artists following Burna Boy’s historic win in 2021.
The Grammy Awards are determined through a rigorous selection process. Entries must be submitted between October 1 and September 15, and after ensuring eligibility, industry professionals nominate entries based on artistic achievement, technical skill, and overall excellence. Commercial success and public buzz, while important, do not directly influence the results. The final winners are determined through a voting process, with votes being carefully counted by Deloitte to ensure accuracy.
As anticipation grows for the 2025 Grammy Awards, the following Nigerian artists have been nominated and are considered strong contenders for the coveted Grammy trophies:
1. Tems – ‘Love Me Jeje’
Tems, one of Nigeria’s brightest stars, has become a global phenomenon in just five years. With a Grammy win already under her belt, Tems’ 2024 debut album Born in the Wild has earned her multiple nominations. Her song “Love Me Jeje” is up for Best African Music Performance, and her album is nominated for *Best Global Music Album. In addition, her soulful ballad “Burning” is nominated for Best R&B Song, a recognition of her extraordinary artistry.
2. Burna Boy – ‘Higher’
Burna Boy is no stranger to the Grammy stage, with a previous win and multiple nominations. His latest single “Higher” continues his reign as a global ambassador for Afrobeats, and it has earned him a nomination for Best African Music Performance. The introspective and emotional song showcases Burna’s depth as an artist, offering a more subdued but equally powerful approach compared to his previous works.
3. Davido – ‘Sensational’
Davido’s collaboration with Chris Brown and Lojay on “Sensational” has landed him a nomination in the Best African Music Performance category. This track blends Afrobeats with R&B influences and highlights Davido’s consistent global appeal. His star power makes him a serious contender, but his chances may depend on how the Academy values collaborations over solo projects.
4. Yemi Alade – ‘Tomorrow’
Yemi Alade, the “Mama Africa” of African music, has received her first-ever Grammy nomination for the song “Tomorrow” from her album Rebel Queen. The track blends Amapiano rhythms and choral vocals, reflecting Alade’s ability to merge various African sounds with contemporary music. While she faces tough competition from other Nigerian artists, her nomination is a testament to her influential career in African pop music.
5. Asake x Wizkid – ‘MMS’
Asake, one of the most dynamic rising stars in Afrobeats, teams up with Grammy-winner Wizkid for “MMS,” nominated for Best African Music Performance. The song blends Yoruba choral vocals with jazz-infused instrumentals, showcasing Asake’s genre-bending style. With his rapid rise and Wizkid’s established influence, “MMS” is a strong contender in a fiercely competitive category.
6. Rema – ‘HEIS’
Rema’s album HEIS has earned him a nomination for Best Global Music Album, a major achievement in his burgeoning career. Known for his genre-fluid approach to Afrobeats, Rema’s album showcases his versatility and critical acclaim. While he faces stiff competition, his growing international profile makes him a promising future Grammy winner.
As Grammy night approaches, Premium Times predicts that Tems has the highest chance of winning in the Best R&B Song category for “Burning.” Meanwhile, Asake’s “MMS” stands out in the Best African Music Performance category, with strong competition from Burna Boy and Davido. In the Best Global Music Album category, Rema’s HEIS is expected to emerge as the winner, marking a significant milestone in his career.
While it’s impossible to predict the outcome with certainty, the 2025 Grammy Awards serve as a powerful reminder of Nigeria’s impact on global music. Regardless of the winners, the country’s music scene has firmly established itself on the world stage, with Afrobeats continuing to influence and shape the global music industry.
The ceremony will be aired live on CBS and Paramount+ and is set to raise funds for wildfire relief efforts, highlighting the power of music and community support.
As Nigerian stars prepare to make their mark, the world will be watching as these musical trailblazers compete for the industry’s highest honor.
