2025 Grammy Awards: African Artists Shine Among Nominees

The 2025 Grammy Awards nominees have been revealed, and African artists have received notable recognition across several categories, showcasing the global reach and influence of African music. Among the nominees, Tems, Rema, and Yemi Alade are leading the way, while Trevor Noah’s comedic talents are also being celebrated.

African Artists Nominated

In a major highlight, Tems and Rema have both been nominated in the Best Global Music Album category. Tems’ album Born in the Wild and Rema’s He is are competing against strong contenders, including works from Matt B featuring the Royal Philharmonic Orchestra and Antonio Rey. This nomination further solidifies Tems and Rema’s roles as pioneers of Afrobeat and Afropop on the world stage, with both artists previously gaining international acclaim for their unique styles and musical impact.

The Best African Music Performance category has a remarkable lineup this year, featuring African powerhouses such as Yemi Alade, Asake and Wizkid, Burna Boy, and Tems again. Tems’ single Love Me JeJe is in contention alongside Yemi Alade’s Tomorrow and Burna Boy’s Higher. The category reflects the Grammy's increased recognition of the diverse and vibrant African music scene, capturing sounds that range from Afrobeat to Afropop and highlighting the continent’s musical diversity.

Another notable nomination is for Trevor Noah, the South African comedian, in the Best Comedy Album category for Where Was I. Known for his sharp wit and insightful commentary, Noah is up against other comedic giants like Ricky Gervais, Dave Chappelle, and Jim Gaffigan. This nomination emphasizes Noah's international appeal and his continued success as a comedic voice both in the U.S. and globally.

Beyoncé Leads with 11 Nominations

The 2025 Grammy nominations are dominated by Beyoncé, who leads with an impressive 11 nominations. Her album Cowboy Carter has secured her spots in major categories like Album of the Year, while her song Texas Hold ’Em is nominated for Record of the Year and Song of the Year. Beyoncé is also recognised across various genres, including pop, R&B, and even country, further establishing her as a versatile and influential artist.

Following close behind Beyoncé are Charli XCX, Billie Eilish, Kendrick Lamar, and Post Malone, each with multiple nominations. Charli XCX’s Brat and Billie Eilish’s Hit Me Hard and Soft have both earned them nominations in the Album of the Year category, showcasing their contributions to the pop and alternative music scenes. Kendrick Lamar, known for his lyrical prowess, has received nominations for Not Like Us in both Record of the Year and Song of the Year categories, reflecting his influence in contemporary rap.

Spotlight on the Big Categories

The Album of the Year category features an exciting mix of nominees, including André 3000 with New Blue Sun, Beyoncé with Cowboy Carter, Sabrina Carpenter with Short n’ Sweet, and Taylor Swift with The Tortured Poets Department. This category is filled with both iconic veterans and emerging voices, creating a thrilling competition.

In the Record of the Year category, Beyoncé's Texas Hold ’Em and Kendrick Lamar’s Not Like Us stand out, along with Taylor Swift and Post Malone’s collaboration on Fortnight. Also nominated are Now and Then by The Beatles and Birds of a Feather by Billie Eilish, making it a highly competitive category with a range of genres represented.

For Song of the Year, nominated tracks include Billie Eilish’s Birds of a Feather, Lady Gaga and Bruno Mars’ Die With a Smile, Taylor Swift featuring Post Malone’s Fortnight, and Beyoncé’s Texas Hold ’Em. This category is bound to be an intense battle, with entries from some of the music industry's most celebrated songwriters and performers.

In the Best New Artist category, nominees include Benson Boone, Sabrina Carpenter, Doechii, Raye, and Shaboozey, signalling a strong lineup of emerging talent poised to make waves in the industry.

Other Noteworthy Categories

The Best Pop Vocal Album features heavyweights like Taylor Swift for The Tortured Poets Department, Sabrina Carpenter for Short n’ Sweet, and Billie Eilish for Hit Me Hard and Soft, promising a fierce competition.

Meanwhile, Tems is also nominated for Best R&B Song with her track Burning, highlighting her versatility across genres and her steady rise in the global music landscape.

The 2025 Grammy Awards nominations underscore the increasing global influence of African artists and the continued excellence of established music icons. With a broad array of talent across genres, this year’s Grammy Awards are set to be an unforgettable celebration of music’s power and diversity.

See full list of nominees here