Four of Nigeria’s hottest music exports, Rema, Tems, Ayra Starr, and Asake, have been nominated for the 2025 MTV Video Music Awards (VMAs), in what appears to be another major win for the Afrobeats genre on the global stage.
The nominations, announced earlier this week, show just how far Nigerian music has come. With multiple nods in the Best Afrobeats Video and MTV PUSH Performance of the Year categories, these artists are now rubbing shoulders with some of the biggest names in the international music scene.
Rema Makes a Solo Statement
Rema, who rose to global fame following the success of Calm Down, returns to the VMA spotlight this year with a nomination for Best Afrobeats Video for his hit single “Baby (Is It a Crime)”. The track has enjoyed massive airplay across Africa and the diaspora, with its smooth fusion of Afro-rhythm and pop sensibilities.
The nomination marks a strong solo run for the Mavin/Jonzing World star, who has spent the last year performing across Europe, North America, and parts of Asia.
Tems and Asake Tag Team
Another major highlight is the nomination of Tems featuring Asake for their collaboration “Get It Right”, which also landed in the Best Afrobeats Video category. The track, which blends Tems’ soulful vocals with Asake’s street-hop energy, has become a fan favourite across streaming platforms.
This is not Tems’ first VMAs nod, she previously gained international attention for her work with Future, Drake, and Rihanna. But the 2025 nomination is particularly notable for showcasing her leadership on a track where she brings another heavyweight to the table.
Asake, on the other hand, appears twice in the same category. His joint record with Travis Scott, titled “Active”, is also nominated for Best Afrobeats Video. The song, released earlier this year, received significant buzz due to the unexpected but seamless collaboration between the Lagos-born artist and the Houston rap icon.
Asake’s double nomination confirms his breakout from local sensation to global act. Known for blending Fuji, street-hop, and amapiano influences, he’s now building a reputation as one of Nigeria’s most innovative hitmakers.
Ayra Starr Secures PUSH Performance Nod
Ayra Starr clinched a nomination in the MTV PUSH Performance of the Year category for her emotionally charged “Last Heartbreak Song”. Her performance, aired as part of MTV’s PUSH initiative spotlighting emerging global talent, stood out for its raw delivery and vocal strength.
The nomination is a significant moment for the 22-year-old singer, who has consistently grown her fanbase across continents. From magazine covers to international tours, Ayra Starr is fast becoming a Gen Z icon in both music and fashion.
A Win for Afrobeats
All four nominations come at a time when Afrobeats is no longer a side attraction in global music, but a central force. The Best Afrobeats Video category itself was introduced in 2023 in recognition of the genre’s explosive popularity. Now in its third year, the category is dominated by Nigerian and African acts, showcasing the continent’s rising global influence.
Other nominees in the 2025 Afrobeats category include Wizkid featuring Brent Faiyaz, Tyla, and a remix collaboration featuring Moliy, Shenseea, Skillibeng, and Silent Addy — highlighting the growing blend of African and Caribbean sounds on the world stage.
The 2025 MTV VMAs will take place on September 7, 2025, at the UBS Arena in Long Island, New York. The show will be broadcast live on MTV and streamed via Paramount+, with global coverage expected across multiple platforms.
Global music heavyweights such as Lady Gaga, Bruno Mars, and Kendrick Lamar lead the overall nominations list, but the strong showing from Nigerian artists signals a continuing shift in how the industry recognises African music.
Whether or not they take home the trophies, the 2025 VMA nominations confirm what fans back home have known for years — Nigerian artists are global powerhouses. Rema, Tems, Asake, and Ayra Starr are not just carrying the Afrobeats flag; they’re redefining global pop culture in real-time.
As the countdown to the VMAs begins, all eyes will be on these stars, not just for their potential wins, but for how they continue to shape the sound of a generation.
