Nigerian music stars Ahmed Ololade, popularly known as Asake, and Oyinkansola Aderibigbe, aka Ayra Starr, have earned nominations in the prestigious 2025 Music of Black Origin (MOBO) Awards.

The artists are contenders in the Best International Act category alongside global superstars such as Nicki Minaj, Beyoncé, and Kendrick Lamar. The nomination shortlist, released on Wednesday, highlights their growing influence on the global music scene.

Additionally, seven Nigerian acts, including Odumodublvck, Rema, and Shallipopi, are competing in the Best African Music Act category. South African singer Tyla, who won Best New Artist at the 2024 BET Awards, secured nominations in both categories, further cementing her rising stardom.

The BBC reports that West London rapper Central Cee could make history as the first artist to win the Best Male Artist category three times at the MOBO Awards. He is currently tied with Stormzy, who also received his third consecutive nomination this year.

Key Nominations

Best International Act:

• Asake
• Ayra Starr
• Beyoncé
• Glorilla
• Kendrick Lamar
• Latto
• Megan Thee Stallion
• Nicki Minaj
• Tems
• Tyla

Best African Music Act:

• Asake (Nigeria)
• Ayra Starr (Nigeria)
• BNXN & Ruger (Nigeria)
• King Promise (Ghana)
• Odumodublvck (Nigeria)
• Rema (Nigeria)
• Shallipopi (Nigeria)
• Tems (Nigeria)
• Tyla (South Africa)
• Uncle Waffles (South Africa)

Other Notable Categories:

• Best Female Act: Jorja Smith, Little Simz, and Cleo Sol.
• Album of the Year: Cleo Sol’s Gold and Sampha’s Lahai.
• Song of the Year: Central Cee featuring Lil Baby’s Band4Band.
• Best Newcomer: Jordan Adetunji, Chy Cartier, and Leostaytrill.

The 2025 MOBO Awards will celebrate excellence in music genres influenced by Black culture, spanning hip-hop, R&B, soul, grime, Afrobeat, and more. With the spotlight on Nigerian talents like Asake and Ayra Starr, this year’s nominations underscore the global impact of African music.