2025 VMAs Best Afrobeats Nominees: Full List of African Stars

The 2025 MTV Video Music Awards (VMAs) nominations are officially out, and Afrobeats continues to cement its place on the global stage. The 2025 VMAs Best Afrobeats nominees include some of the biggest names in African music, from chart-topping hitmakers to fast-rising global stars.

This year’s category reflects not only the genre’s commercial success but also its growing cultural influence across Europe, North America, and beyond.

Complete List of 2025 VMAs Best Afrobeats Nominees

Here are the artists nominated in the Best Afrobeats category at the 2025 VMAs:

Asake & Travis Scott – Active
Burna Boy feat. Travis Scott – TaTaTa
Moliy, Silent Addy, Skillibeng & Shenseea – Shake It to the Max (Fly) (Remix)
Rema – Baby (Is It A Crime)
Tems feat. Asake – Get It Right
Tyla – Push 2 Start
Wizkid feat. Brent Faiyaz – Piece of My Heart

The diversity of this lineup highlights the genre’s cross-continental collaborations and expanding fanbase.

Afrobeats’ Global Crossover Moment

This year’s nominations underscore Afrobeats’ seamless integration into the global mainstream.

Artists like Rema and Tems continue to build international audiences, while Asake strengthens his reputation for fusing street-pop energy with global appeal.

The presence of American collaborators such as Travis Scott and Brent Faiyaz reflects how deeply Afrobeats has penetrated the U.S. music ecosystem.

South Africa’s Tyla and Ghanaian star Moliy also represent the broader African soundscape that now thrives under the Afrobeats umbrella.

Burna Boy and Ayra Starr Secure Major Nods

Beyond the Best Afrobeats category, Afrobeats artists earned recognition in other competitive categories.

Burna Boy received a nomination for Best Video for Good for his powerful anthem “Higher,” celebrating music’s ability to inspire and create social impact.

Meanwhile, Ayra Starr continues her meteoric rise with a nomination for Best Push Performance for “Last Heartbreak Song” featuring Giveon, further solidifying her international breakthrough.

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Who Leads the 2025 VMAs Overall?

While Afrobeats made a strong showing, global pop icons dominated the overall nominations.

Lady Gaga leads with 12 nominations following the success of her recent singles.
Bruno Mars follows closely with 11 nominations, boosted by high-profile collaborations.
Kendrick Lamar secured 10 nominations, reflecting the cultural and commercial impact of his latest project.

Other top nominees include Billie Eilish, The Weeknd, Ariana Grande, and Sabrina Carpenter.

Why the 2025 VMAs Best Afrobeats Category Matters

Afrobeats is no longer just a regional sound , it is a global force.

From sold-out arenas across Europe to viral TikTok dance trends and Billboard chart dominance, African artists are shaping global pop culture. International collaborations, Grammy recognition, and consistent streaming milestones prove that Afrobeats has evolved from a rising genre into a permanent fixture in mainstream music.

The 2025 VMAs nominations reinforce that African artists are not just participating in global conversations — they are leading them.

When and Where to Watch the 2025 VMAs

The 2025 VMAs will take place on September 7, 2025. The event will air live on MTV and will also be available for streaming on Paramount+. Rumoured performances include appearances from Lady Gaga, Kendrick Lamar, Ayra Starr, and Rosé, though the official lineup is yet to be fully confirmed.

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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Q: When will the 2025 VMAs take place?

A: The event is scheduled for September 7, 2025.

Q: Which Afrobeats artists were nominated this year?

A: Rema, Asake, Tems, Burna Boy, Wizkid, and Ayra Starr were among the noBminees.

Q: Who got the most nominations overall?

A: Lady Gaga leads with 12 nominations.

Q: Where can I watch the VMAs?

A: The VMAs will air on MTV and stream on Paramount+.

Q: Is this the first time Afrobeats has had a category?

A: No, but the genre’s presence and global collaborations continue to grow every year.

Q: Are there any African artists performing this year?

A: While the official performance list is yet to be announced, sources hint at appearances from Ayra Starr and Tems.