The 2025 Trace Awards nominations are out, and Nigerian artists are making waves across multiple categories. The highly anticipated awards ceremony will take place on February 26 in Zanzibar, accompanied by a music summit celebrating African music’s global influence and talent.
Nigerian stars such as Burna Boy, Rema, Asake, Tems, and Yemi Alade are shining brightly. Contenders for the prestigious Song of the Year award include 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, Nigerian projects like Asake’s Lungu Boy, Rema’s HEIS, and Burna Boy’s I Told Them face stiff competition from Ghanaian artists Amaarae (Fountain Baby), King Promise (True To Self), and Stonebwoy (5th Dimension).
The Best Collaboration category highlights Asake & Wizkid’s “MMS” and Rema & Shallipopi’s “Benin Boys,” while Odumodublvck & Black Sherif’s “Woto Woto Seasoning” represents a powerful Nigeria-Ghana collaboration.
Burna Boy, Rema, Wizkid, and Asake are all vying for Best Male Artist, while Yemi Alade, Tiwa Savage, Ayra Starr, and Simi represent Nigeria in the Best Female Artist category.
For Best Music Video, standout nominees include Asake’s “Lonely At The Top,” Rema’s “Charm,” and Tiwa Savage ft. Asake’s “Loaded.” Meanwhile, Shallipopi, Spyro, and Teniola Aladese are among the Nigerian nominees in the Best New Artist category.
The Best Artist (Diaspora) features Nigerian heavyweights like Tems, Burna Boy, and Tiwa Savage alongside international acts like Stormzy and Aya Nakamura. In the Best African DJ category, DJ Spinall and DJ Neptune lead Nigeria’s representation.
The 2025 Trace Awards spotlight Africa’s vibrant music scene, with Nigerian artists continuing to assert their dominance and influence on the global stage. The event promises to be a spectacular celebration of talent, innovation, and collaboration within the African music industry.