When the 2025 Grammy Awards nominations dropped, the world did what it always does: it gasped, screamed, and then promptly started arguing on Twitter.
But this year, there was one undeniable truth in the air: Nigeria was undefeated. The nominees for the highly-coveted Best African Music Performance category were all Nigerian. Yes, you read that right, all Nigerian artists.
We’re talking about the reigning Afrobeat kings and queens like Wizkid, Tems, Burna Boy, Asake, and Davido, strutting into the Grammy spotlight like they own the place. Well, guess what? They kind of do.
Countries like Ghana, South Africa, etc., whose artists have ever dared to beef any Nigerian artist owes the country an apology.
The 2025 Grammy Awards
Let’s be real, if you’ve been paying attention to the global music scene lately, it’s no secret that Nigeria has become the pulse of Africa’s music. But now, the whole world has noticed, too.
You see, every year, Grammy nominations serve as a mirror to the music industry, and guess what this year’s reflection says? Nigeria is not just influencing African music; Nigeria is leading it. If music genres were countries, Nigeria would probably be hosting the UN General Assembly while sipping palm wine and wearing a leather jacket for extra flair.
The Best African Music Performance category at the 2025 Grammys was an all-Nigerian affair. So, who exactly made the cut? Let’s break it down, shall we?
The Nominees: A Star-Studded Line-Up of Pure Heat
Wizkid: The man who has been making us feel like we’re in a tropical paradise, even when it’s freezing outside. He’s practically the blueprint for global Afrobeat domination.
With his smooth vibes and global hits, Wizkid has been keeping fans hooked for years. If you didn’t vibe to “Essence,” did you even exist during the last few years?
Tems: Yes, the woman who effortlessly turned a feature with Future into a Grammy-worthy moment. Tems doesn’t just perform; she transcends.
Her voice is the kind of thing you hear and think, “Why isn’t everyone worshiping this sound?” Well, now the Grammys are—so I guess they’re finally on the same page.
Burna Boy: Oh, you didn’t know Burna Boy was a living legend? In case you missed it, the man has been on an international conquest, converting everyone into Afro-fusion fans.
He brought the world to Nigeria and made sure the world didn’t want to leave.
Asake: The new kid on the block? More like the new king of Afrobeat.
Asake’s unique blend of energetic sounds and catchy melodies took the industry by storm. He’s got the flow, the style, and the energy to keep us all dancing into the early hours of the morning.
Also Read: Strength Of A Woman: How Tems Dominated Wizkid, Davido, Asake At The 2025 Grammys
Yemi Alade: Yemi, the queen herself, has successfully become a customer with the Grammys with her frequent nominations.
Davido: How would Davido not be on this list? Then this list would have been incomplete. The 30BG leader has been ahead of the curve for years. With his amazing hits and energetic performances, Davido’s nomination in the 2025 Grammy Awards was no surprise.
So, what do these Nigerian superstars have in common, besides the fact that they all probably own stock in “success”? They’ve put Nigerian music on a pedestal that no one, not even other African countries can reach.
The fact that only Nigerian artists were nominated for the Best African Music Performance category is a testament to just how dominant the country is in the global music scene.
The Dominance: Where’s Everyone Else?
Now, let’s take a moment to appreciate this historical moment: only Nigerian artists. Some people might argue that this isn’t fair, that other African countries are working just as hard to put their sound on the map. And sure, you’d be right.
But here’s the thing: while artists from all over Africa are putting in the work, Nigerian music has captured a unique magic that the world simply can’t get enough of. From Afrobeat to Afropop and everything in between, Nigeria’s sound is a movement—a force to be reckoned with.
Africa is an entire continent of rich musical diversity. But Nigeria has somehow managed to turn up the volume, amplify the message, and send it out with a force that no one else can match.
We’re talking about Nigerian artists getting co-signs from major international acts, dominating global charts, and transforming the sound of pop music itself.
If the rest of Africa’s music scene is a playlist, Nigeria’s the headliner that you just can’t skip.
