Nigerian Entertainment News: Rema, Asake, Ayra Starr, and More Bag 2025 MOBO Awards Nominations

The 2025 MOBO Awards have announced nominees across 20 categories, celebrating excellence in music of Black origin

Several Nigerian artists, including Asake, Rema, Ayra Starr, Tems, Bnxn, Ruger, Shallipopi, and Odumodublvck, received nods for this prestigious event.

By Ann Chigbufue 

In the Best International Act category, Tems, Ayra Starr, and Asake are competing alongside global superstars like Beyoncé, Glorilla, Kendrick Lamar, Latto, Megan Thee Stallion, Nicki Minaj, and Tyla.

Meanwhile, the Best African Music Act category features Asake, Ayra Starr, Bnxn, Ruger, Odumodublvck, Rema, Shallipopi, and Tems, joined by South African sensations Tyla and Uncle Waffles.

For the first time, the MOBO Awards ceremony will be held in Newcastle at the Utilita Arena on Tuesday, February 18, 2025.

Best Male Act

Bashy

Central Cee

D-Block Europe

Ghetts

Nemzzz

Sampha

Best Female Act In Association With Got2b 

Cleo Sol

Darkoo

Jorja Smith

Little Simz

Nia Archives

Raye

Album Of The Year

Bashy – Being Poor Is Expensive

Cleo Sol – Gold 

Ghetts – On Purpose, With Purpose

Jorja Smith – Falling Or Flying

Sampha – Lahai

Skrapz – Reflection

Song Of The Year

Central Cee Feat. Lil Baby – Band4Band

Chase & Status, Stormzy – Backbone

Darkoo Feat. Dess Dior – Favourite Girl

Jordan Adetunji – Kehlani

Leostaytrill – Pink Lemonade

Odeal – Soh-Soh

Best Newcomer

Chy Cartier

Elmiene

Fimiguerrero

Flowerovlove

Jordan Adetunji

Len 

Leostaytrill

Myles Smith

Odeal

Pozer

Video Of The Year In Association With Lner

Meekz – Mini Me’s (Directed By Kc Locke)

Mnelia –  My Man (Directed By Femi Bello)

Raye – Genesis (Directed By Otis Dominique & Raye)

Sampha – Only (Directed By Dexter Navy)

Skepta – Gas Me Up (Diligent) (Directed By Steveo) 

Unknown T Feat. Loyle Carner – Hocus Pocus (Directed By Felix Brady)

Best R&B/Soul Act Supported By Kiss Fm 

Cleo Sol

Elmiene

Flo

Jaz Karis

Jorja Smith

Nippa

Odeal

Sasha Keable

Shae Universe

Sinead Harnett

Best Alternative Music Act In Association With Marshall

Alt Blk Era

Bob Vylan

Hak Baker

Kid Bookie

Native James

Spider

Best Grime Act Supported By Trench

Chip

D Double E

Duppy

Kruz Leone

Manga Saint Hilare

Scorcher

Best Hip Hop Act Supported By Bbc Radio 1Xtra

Bashy

Cristale

Headie One

Nines

Potter Payper

Skrapz

Best Drill Act

163margs

Central Cee

Headie One

Kairo Keyz

K-Trap

Pozer

Best International Act

Asake

Ayra Starr

Beyonce

Glorilla

Kendrick Lamar

Latto

Megan Thee Stallion

Nicki Minaj

Tems 

Tyla

Best Performance In A Tv Show/Film 

Angela Wynter As Yolande Trueman In Eastenders

Caroline Chikezie As Noma In Power Book Ii: Ghost

Diane Parish As Denise Fox In Eastenders

Dionne Brown As Queenie In Queenie

Ghetts As Krazy In Supacell 

Jacob Anderson As Louis In Interview With The Vampire

Jasmine Jobson As Jaq In Top Boy

Josh Tedeku As Tazer In Supacell

Kingsley Ben-Adir As Bob Marley In Bob Marley: One Love

Tosin Cole As Michael In Supacell

Best Media Personality

90’s Baby Show

Aj Odudu

Chuckie Online

Craig Mitch

Henrie Kwushue

Madame Joyce

Micah Richards

Specs Gonzalez

The Receipts Podcast

Zeze Millz

Best African Music Act In Association With Loco Music 

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)

Best Caribbean Music Act

Popcaan

Shenseea

Skillibeng

Spice

Valiant

Yg Marley

Best Jazz Act

Amy Gadiaga

Blue Lab Beats

Ego Ella May

Ezra Collective

Kokoroko

Yussef Dayes

Best Electronic/Dance Act Supported By Mixmag

Eliza Rose

Nia Archives

Pinkpantheress

Salute

Shygirl

Tsha

Best Producer

Ceebeaats

Inflo

Juls

M1onthebeat

P2j 

Sammy Soso

Best Gospel Act Supported By Premier Gospel

Annatoria

Imrhan

Limoblaze

Reblah

Still Shadey

Volney Morgan & New Ye