The global rise of Afrobeats takes center stage at the 2025 MTV Video Music Awards (VMAs), with a dynamic lineup of African artists nominated in the Best Afrobeats category.
The awards ceremony is set to air live on Sunday, September 7, from UBS Arena in New York.
Leading the nominations are Nigerian superstars Asake and Burna Boy, each earning two nods. Asake is recognized for Active featuring Travis Scott and Get It Right with Tems.
Burna Boy’s TaTaTa (also with Travis Scott) competes in Best Afrobeats, and Higher is nominated in the socially conscious Video for Good category.
South African sensation Tyla also secured two nominations: PUSH 2 START in Best Afrobeats and Best Choreography, highlighting her viral dance influence and global appeal.
Other nominees in the Best Afrobeats category include:
- Rema – Baby (Is It A Crime)
- Wizkid – Piece Of My Heart featuring Brent Faiyaz
- Tems – Get It Right with Asake
- MOLIY, Silent Addy, Skillibeng & Shenseea – Shake It To The Max (FLY) Remix
The nominations reflect Afrobeats’ expanding global footprint, with cross-continental collaborations and genre-blending tracks gaining mainstream recognition. The category showcases a rich tapestry of African sounds, from soulful ballads to high-energy dance anthems.
Fans can vote for their favorite nominees daily on MTV’s official voting page. The VMAs will be broadcast on CBS and MTV (DStv Channel 130) at 00:00 WAT.
This year’s nominations mark a milestone for Afrobeats, affirming its influence on global pop culture and its continued ascent on the world stage.
, with a dynamic lineup of African artists nominat..){kind=link}