Afrobeats continues to make seismic waves across the global music scene as the 2025 MTV Video Music Awards (VMAs) unveil a powerhouse lineup of nominees in the Best Afrobeats category. This year’s nominations underscore the genre’s meteoric rise, cultural impact, and undeniable influence on mainstream music.
MTV and CBS announced the full list of nominees ahead of the highly anticipated event, which will air live from UBS Arena in New York on Monday, September 8, 2025, at 00:00 WAT on MTV (DStv Channel 130), with a coast-to-coast broadcast across the United States.
Asake Leads with Two Nominations
Nigerian sensation Asake takes the spotlight with two nominations in the Best Afrobeats category for his high-energy hit “Active” with American rap superstar Travis Scott, and the smooth collaboration “Get It Right” alongside global R&B powerhouse Tems. These cross-continental collaborations showcase Afrobeats’ ability to merge seamlessly with global pop, pushing the genre into new commercial frontiers.
Burna Boy Earns Dual Recognition
Grammy-winning icon Burna Boy also bags two nominations. His chart-topping single “TaTaTa” featuring Travis Scott is in the running for Best Afrobeats, while “Higher” lands in the prestigious Video for Good category — a nod to his knack for combining social consciousness with mass appeal.
Tyla’s Breakout Year Continues
South African star Tyla, who has taken the world by storm with her unique sound and viral choreography, scores two nominations for her electrifying track “PUSH 2 START”. The song appears in both Best Afrobeats and Best Choreography categories, cementing her status as one of the most dynamic voices in contemporary African music.
Rema, Wizkid, and Afro-Caribbean Fusion Join the Race
Other Afrobeats heavyweights in the running include Rema, whose emotionally charged single “Baby (Is It A Crime)” continues to win international acclaim.
Afrobeats pioneer Wizkid earns a nomination for “Piece Of My Heart” with Brent Faiyaz, a soulful track that has been praised for its depth and artistry.
Also making waves are MOLIY, Silent Addy, Skillibeng, and Shenseea, whose “Shake It To The Max (FLY)” remix delivers a vibrant Afro-Caribbean blend that lights up dancefloors worldwide.
Global Sound, African Roots
This year’s Best Afrobeats lineup not only reflects the genre’s stylistic richness but also celebrates its global reach, with collaborations that span continents and merge diverse musical traditions.
As Afrobeats artists continue to dominate international charts, sell out stadium tours, and shape the future of global pop culture, the 2025 MTV VMAs stand as yet another powerful endorsement of Africa’s sound and the storytellers driving it.
