The highly anticipated nominations for the 2025 Trace Awards are out, and Nigerian artists are once again in the spotlight, shining across multiple categories. The awards ceremony, set to take place on February 26 in Zanzibar, will also feature a music summit celebrating the global impact of African music.
From Burna Boy and Rema to Asake, Tems, and Yemi Alade, Nigeria’s finest talents are well-represented. The Song of the Year category boasts hits like Asake and Travis Scott’s “Active,” Rema and Shallipopi’s “Benin Boys,” and Tems’ “Love Me Jeje,” alongside Burna Boy’s “Higher.”
In the Album of the Year category, projects like Asake’s Lungu Boy, Rema’s HEIS, and Burna Boy’s I Told Them compete with releases from Ghanaian stars Amaarae (Fountain Baby), King Promise (True To Self), and Stonebwoy (5th Dimension).
Here’s a snapshot of key nominations:
Top Categories
Song of the Year
- Asake & Travis Scott – “Active”
- Tems – “Love Me Jeje”
- Burna Boy – “Higher”
- Rema & Shallipopi – “Benin Boys”
Album of the Year
- Burna Boy – I Told Them
- Asake – Lungu Boy
- Rema – HEIS
Best Collaboration
- Asake & Wizkid – “MMS”
- Rema & Shallipopi – “Benin Boys”
- Odumodublvck & Black Sherif – “Woto Woto Seasoning”
Best Male Artist
- Rema
- Burna Boy
- Asake
- Wizkid
Best Female Artist
- Yemi Alade
- Tiwa Savage
- Ayra Starr
Best Music Video
- Asake – “Lonely At The Top”
- Tiwa Savage ft. Asake – “Loaded”
- Rema – “Charm”
Best New Artist
- Shallipopi
- Spyro
- Teniola Aladese
Best African DJ
- DJ Spinall
- DJ Neptune
Best Artist (Diaspora)
- Tems
- Burna Boy
- Tiwa Savage
The diversity and talent displayed in this year’s nominations underscore the strength and global reach of African music. With Nigerian artists dominating multiple categories, the 2025 Trace Awards promise to be a celebration of both artistry and cultural impact.
