Fast-rising Afrobeats star Spyro is preparing to drop his highly anticipated debut album, The Men, The Boys & Your Guy, on Friday, September 26, 2025. The artist who is known for his viral hit “Who Is Your Guy?”
The concept separates Nigerian music into three categories: “The Men” (industry veterans), “The Boys” (the new wave), and “Your Guy” (Spyro’s personal voice). With this unique structure, Spyro aims to bridge generations in Afrobeats while cementing his place as a central figure in the genre’s evolution.
Spyro The Men, The Boys & Your Guy Tracklist
The Men
Para ft. M.I Abaga
Can’t Lie ft. Faze
Wait ft. D’Banj
If To Say ft. 2Baba
Irreplaceable ft. Styl Plus
Salary Work ft. Sound Sultan
Shutdown ft. Phyno
The Boys
Sweet ft. Shoday
No More ft. Bayanni
Baba Mimo ft. Suave
Beautiful ft. Oxlade
Que Sera Sera ft. Soundz & Jeriq
Aye Kan ft. Ceeboi
Your Guy
Shope
Away ft. Pitch6lack
Stand By You
Dance
Pray
Serving a Living God
The Album Concept
The Men
This section pays homage to the legends of Nigerian music; M.I Abaga, 2Baba, Styl Plus, D’Banj, Phyno, Sound Sultan, and Faze. Spyro uses these collaborations to ground himself in the rich history of Afrobeats.
The Boys
Here, Spyro shines a spotlight on the next generation with features from Oxlade, Bayanni, Shoday, Soundz, Jeriq, Ceeboi, and Suave. These rising voices represent the future of Nigerian pop culture, and Spyro positions himself as their connector.
Your Guy
This is the heart of the album. Tracks without industry giants, where Spyro speaks directly to his audience. With songs like “Pray” and “Serving a Living God”, Spyro reveals his personal journey, spiritual side, and musical identity.
Album Outlook
Cross-Generational Appeal: By combining old-school legends with young Afrobeats stars, Spyro is targeting both long-time fans and Gen Z audiences. Artistic Ambition: Splitting an album into three distinct parts is risky, but it allows Spyro to showcase versatility while blending nostalgia, new school vibes, and personal storytelling. Potential Impact: If executed well, The Men, The Boys & Your Guy could establish Spyro as more than a one-hit wonder, solidifying him as a major player in Afrobeats.
Spyro’s debut project, The Men, The Boys & Your Guy, is not just another Afrobeats release, it’s a bold statement about legacy, the present, and the future of Nigerian music. By bringing together icons, rising stars, and his own voice, Spyro has created one of the most anticipated albums of 2025.
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All eyes are on Sarz as he gears up for the release of his new album Protect Sarz At All Costs, dropping tomorrow September 26, 2025. Widely regarded as one of Afrobeats’ most innovative producers, Sarz has taken his creativity a step further with a rollout strategy that feels more like cinema than traditional album promotion.
The project is expected to be a landmark moment for both his career and the global Afrobeats scene, blending Nigerian rhythms with international collaborations.
Tracklist and Sound Direction
The tracklist reveals Sarz’s ambition to craft a global soundtrack rather than just another Afrobeats project. Here are the confirmed features:
Grateful ft. WurlD & Ndlovu Youth Choir
Happiness ft. Asake & Gunna
Getting Paid ft. Asake, Wizkid & Skillibeng
Mademoiselle ft. Zeina, Shallipopi, Theodora & Odumodublvck
BMF ft Fireboy DML, Byron Messia
Body ft Joeboy
In A Mustang ft Qing Madi
Nice n Slow ft Wurld
Loved Me Then ft Lojay
African Barbie ft Teni, Libianca
Up ft Victony
Billions ft Lojay
A Cinematic Rollout: How Sarz Reinvented Album Promotion
Where most artists drop teasers and trailers, Sarz has opted for short films and skits to build anticipation. His rollout strategy is playful, self-aware, and layered with storytelling, making the campaign as engaging as the music itself.
Mini-Movies and Skits
A mock press conference where journalists demand answers about the album release date and features.
A group therapy scene with fans venting frustration about the wait.
A cinema parody featuring comedian Layi Wasabi, where a film villain demands Sarz’s album as the soundtrack.
These aren’t just promos, they’re part of the artistic universe Sarz is creating. By using humor, drama, and meta-commentary on the music industry itself, he has made his marketing content worth watching on its own.
Sarz has also been strategic about timing. By gradually unveiling features, artwork, and cinematic clips, he’s kept fans guessing and ensured that each reveal makes waves online.
Why This Rollout Matters for Afrobeats
Sarz is blurring the line between art and marketing. His rollout strategy elevates the album into a cultural event, positioning Afrobeats not just as music, but as storytelling with global appeal.
This approach mirrors how major international artists use cinematic universes to market albums, but it’s rare to see it executed at this scale in Nigeria. If Protect Sarz At All Costs delivers musically, it could set a new benchmark for how Afrobeats albums are launched in the digital era.
With Protect Sarz At All Costs, Sarz is not only giving fans new music but also reshaping how an album can be experienced.
As the album drops tomorrow, the real test will be whether the music matches the hype. But one thing is certain: Sarz has proven that creativity in promotion can be just as powerful as creativity in sound.
The Nigerian music scene has never been short of creativity, but 2025 is shaping up to be one of the most exciting years yet. A fresh wave of highly anticipated projects is on the way, each carrying its own energy, story, and vision. From introspective journeys to fuji-inspired experiments, fans should await releases that will shake the industry and expand Afrobeats.
Here are eight massive upcoming Nigerian music projects that are still yet to be released but already building serious anticipation.
Clarity of Mind by Omah Lay
Release Date: Expected in 2025
Omah Lay’s sophomore project, following his acclaimed Boy Alone. This album is expected to be deeply reflective, offering fans raw honesty, powerful storytelling, and proof of his artistic growth. It could also be an experimental one as we found out in recent times that he had to rework his whole project, after a fellow artist stole his previous album idea.
Omah Lay
M$NEY by Asake
Release Date: Expected in 2025
With Asake at the helm, M$NEY is likely to focus on high living, becoming a star and so on. Themes that define his street-rooted sound and success since his rise to stardom. Fans anticipate emotional depth mixed with energetic street bangers.
Asake
Industry Machine by Odumodublvck
Release Date: September 19, 2025
Odumodublvck has built his reputation on raw lyricism and bold delivery, and Industry Machine is expected to expose the struggles of navigating Nigeria’s music industry while staying true to one’s art.
He recently dropped a Side A track list of Album which featured prominent artists like Davido, Seun Kuti, Phyno, Patoranking, Nasty C, Tyla etc.
Known for blending street-pop with fuji elements, Seyi Vibez’s Fuji Moto could become a groundbreaking project, fusing modern Afrobeats with the timeless energy of fuji to create a grand sound.
Seyi Vibez
Symbol of Hope by Zlatan
Release Date: Expected in 2025
From the title alone, this project promises to be uplifting and motivational. With Zlatan rap skills and melody, fans expect inspirational tracks laced with relatable storytelling and Afrobeats sound as we’ve seen in recent times from the artist, who seems to have really found his place in the business of music.
Zlatan
Fuji by Adekunle Gold
Release Date: October 3rd, 2025
Never one to shy away from originality, Adekunle Gold’s Fuji is set to fully embrace and celebrate the indigenous genre. Expect raw energy, street authenticity, and cultural flair in its purest form. This project could reveal the Adekunle Gold we knew when he newly started off in the industry.
Adekunle Gold Fuji Cover
No Excuses by Blaqbonez
Release Date: Expected in 2025
Blaqbonez No Excuses looks like a bold statement of determination. Fans anticipate high-energy tracks, experimental sounds, and a fearless approach to music-making.
Blaqbonez No Excuses Album cover
Protect Sarz at All Cost by Sarz
Release Date: September 26th, 2025
A producer’s masterpiece, Sarz’s project is expected to feature a star packed lineup, including Asake, Ayra Starr, Lojay, and even U.S. rappers like Big Sean and Gunna. The album doubles as a cultural statement, celebrating Sarz’s contribution to Afrobeats and calling for protection of creative genius.
Nigerian rap sensation Odumodublvck has unveiled the official tracklist for his highly anticipated project Industry Machine (Side A). Known for his raw, energetic style and his ability to merge hip-hop with Afro rhythms, Odumodublvck continues to shape the soundscape of contemporary Nigerian rap with his bold release.
The project’s Side A packs 12 tracks, blending solo performances with heavyweight collaborations.
Official Tracklist – Industry Machine (Side A):
Industry Machine
Unaware (feat. Pa Salieu)
Agba Elf
Grooving (feat. Davido, Seun Kuti)
Shot on One (feat. Nasty C)
Jameson (feat. Tyla)
Layi Wasabi (feat. Reminisce)
Otedola
Ika Pay Pass (feat. Portable)
Do Yanga (feat. Patoranking)
Bombastic Element
Hallelujah (feat. Phyno)
A Fusion of Voices and Cultures
From South Africa’s Nasty C and Tyla, to Nigeria’s heavyweights like Davido, Phyno, Reminisce, Portable, and Patoranking, the project draws on a wide range of collaborators. The addition of Seun Kuti ensures a touch of Afrobeat heritage.
The title itself suggests his intent to challenge structures, dominate spaces, and set new rules in the music industry.
Fans are now eagerly waiting for the official release to see how Odumodublvck ties together these collaborations into one cohesive, hard-hitting work of art.
Pop superstar Justin Bieber has surprised fans yet again with the unexpected release of his eighth studio album, Swag II, on September 5, 2025. The project arrives less than two months after the launch of his previous album Swag, signaling one of the fastest turnarounds between albums in his career.
A Surprise Rollout
The album was announced in typical Bieber fashion; with cryptic billboards lighting up major cities including New York, London, Seoul, and Sydney, followed by a social media reveal just hours before release. However, some fans reported brief delays on streaming platforms, with the album appearing several hours later than its scheduled midnight debut.
Despite the hiccups, the rollout generated massive buzz online, amplified by the album’s striking pastel-pink cover art and a matching capsule collection from Bieber’s clothing brand SKYLRK.
A Double Album with 44 Tracks
Swag II arrives as a double album, featuring 23 brand-new songs alongside the 21 tracks from Swag. Together, the project runs for more than two hours, offering fans a marathon of Bieber’s evolving sound.
While Swag leaned heavily into R&B textures, its sequel embraces a more pop-oriented direction. Bieber’s vocal performances shift from soulful ballads to high-energy anthems, showing both his versatility and confidence as a performer.
Collaborations Across Genres
The new record is loaded with star-studded collaborations:
Tems brings her soulful Afro-fusion touch to “I THINK YOU’RE SPECIAL”.
Hurricane Chris injects Southern flair into “POPPIN’ MY S***”.
Eddie Benjamin delivers one of the most intimate moments on “OPEN UP YOUR HEART”.
Gunna, Cash Cobain, Bakar, Druski, Sexyy Red, Dijon, Lil B, and Marvin Winans all make appearances across various tracks.
The album’s production credits are equally diverse, with names like Mike Will Made It, Carter Lang, Dijon, Mk.gee, and Buddy Ross shaping its eclectic sound.
Beyond its collaborations, Swag II reflects Bieber’s current life stage; balancing global superstardom with his journey into fatherhood and self-discovery. Many songs highlight themes of intimacy, healing, and creative rebirth, contrasting with the swagger-heavy energy of its predecessor.
Despite release delays on certain platforms, Swag II is already climbing the charts and sparking discussions across social media.
Key Fact Box:
Artist: Justin Bieber
Album: Swag II
Release Date: September 5, 2025
Format: Double album (44 tracks, 2 hrs 11 mins)
Notable Features: Tems, Gunna, Bakar, Hurricane Chris, Eddie Benjamin, Sexyy Red
Hip-hop in the 21st century has been defined not only by artistry but also by commercial dominance, Billboard chart records, streaming power, and cultural influence. To capture this fully, the following; chart performance, longevity, commercial reach, and global impact; while keeping the focus squarely on hip-hop.
1. Drake
Drake stands as the undisputed leader of 21st-century hip-hop. His Billboard chart dominance is unmatched, holding the record for the most Billboard Hot 100 entries and numerous R&B/Hip-Hop chart milestones. Albums such as Take Care, Views, Scorpion, and Certified Lover Boy broke streaming records and produced anthems that defined entire eras. Beyond the numbers, Drake’s ability to merge rap with R&B and pop melodies reshaped hip-hop into the most accessible genre of modern music. His global tours and collaborations have only reinforced his status as the most commercially successful rapper of this century.
2. Jay-Z
Jay-Z’s career began before the 21st century, but his influence and dominance extended deeply into it. The Blueprint (2001) and The Black Album (2003) are benchmarks in rap history, while 4:44 proved his relevance well into his late career. His Billboard credentials include 14 No. 1 albums on the Billboard 200, making him one of the most charted rappers of all time. More than just a musician, Jay-Z set the template for hip-hop as enterprise, showing how artistry, business, and cultural leadership can intersect. His impact resonates through music, fashion, and even sports ownership.
3. Eminem
Eminem remains one of the best-selling rappers ever, with multiple diamond-certified albums. The Eminem Show and Encore dominated the early 2000s, while songs like “Lose Yourself” and “Love the Way You Lie” became cultural fixtures. Billboard numbers back his legacy—he has over 10 No. 1 albums and numerous chart-topping singles. While his commercial dominance slowed in the 2020s, his legacy as a lyrical giant and crossover superstar secures his place in the upper echelon of 21st-century hip-hop.
4. Kanye West
Kanye West’s legacy is built on both chart success and innovation. The College Dropout (2004) shifted rap’s narrative, while Graduation (2007) marked his global rise. 808s & Heartbreak reshaped rap’s emotional language, and My Beautiful Dark Twisted Fantasy is widely considered a masterpiece. His 10 Billboard 200 No. 1 albums and cultural influence across music, fashion, and art make him an essential 21st-century figure. Despite controversies, his artistic contributions remain undeniable.
5. Lil Wayne
Lil Wayne dominated the mid-to-late 2000s with his relentless mixtape output and the Tha Carter album series. At his peak, Wayne was releasing music that saturated Billboard charts and influenced nearly every rapper who came after him. His role in discovering and mentoring Drake and Nicki Minaj through Young Money cemented his importance in shaping the next generation. With Grammy wins, countless Billboard hits, and unmatched influence on modern rap slang and flows, Wayne’s legacy is undeniable.
6. Kendrick Lamar
Kendrick Lamar represents the bridge between commercial success and critical acclaim. While he does not match Drake in Billboard chart numbers, his albums (good kid, m.A.A.d city, To Pimp a Butterfly, DAMN.) are regarded as cultural landmarks. DAMN. even earned him the Pulitzer Prize, the first for a rapper. His singles such as “HUMBLE.” and “Alright” are both Billboard successes and cultural touchstones. Kendrick’s ability to balance mainstream success with social commentary makes him a unique figure in 21st-century hip-hop.
7. Nicki Minaj
Nicki Minaj is the most successful female rapper of all time, both commercially and culturally. Her Billboard stats include dozens of Hot 100 entries and multiple No. 1 singles. Beyond numbers, she broke barriers for women in hip-hop, sustaining dominance in a male-dominated space for more than a decade. Her albums (Pink Friday, The Pinkprint, Queen) brought her global fame, and her persona influenced an entire generation of rappers. Nicki’s combination of lyrical skill, mainstream success, and cultural imprint places her firmly in this ranking.
8. Future
Future reshaped trap music into a dominant sound of the 2010s. His Billboard presence is substantial, with multiple No. 1 albums and Hot 100 hits. Albums like DS2 and HNDRXX defined modern trap, while collaborations with Drake (What a Time to Be Alive) expanded his reach. Future’s influence is clear in the melodic, auto-tuned style adopted by today’s rising rappers. His consistency across mixtapes, albums, and collaborations solidifies him as one of the most important hip-hop voices of this century.
9. J. Cole
J. Cole embodies the self-sufficient rapper, often producing his own work and rarely relying on guest features. Despite this, he has achieved remarkable Billboard success, with every studio album debuting at No. 1 on the Billboard 200. Albums like 2014 Forest Hills Drive and KOD resonate both commercially and critically, making him a rare figure who balances introspection with chart performance. His “platinum with no features” narrative underscores his unique place in hip-hop history.
10. Travis Scott
Travis Scott brought spectacle to modern hip-hop. His Billboard breakthrough came with Astroworld (2018), which included “Sicko Mode,” his first Hot 100 No. 1 single. His live performances, particularly the Astroworld Festival, redefined hip-hop shows as immersive experiences. Scott’s collaborations with Nike and his influence on fashion and youth culture expand his cultural dominance beyond music. While his career is still evolving, his chart presence and cultural influence secure him a spot in this top 10.
This ranking reflects the dual lens of Billboard-inspired metrics; chart performance, longevity, and commercial power, combined with artistry and cultural significance. These 10 artists shaped the 21st-century hip-hop landscape, and their impact continues to define the genre globally.
After five years away from her last album release, Tiwa Savage returns with This One Is Personal; a 15-track body of work that pulls her away from Afropop dominance into a stripped-down, deeply vulnerable space. Where 2020’s Celia was bold, global, and radio-ready, This One Is Personal feels like the diary entries Tiwa never intended to share but bravely did anyway.
Sound & Atmosphere
The first thing you notice is what’s missing: the high-energy beats that once powered hits like “All Over” or “Ma Lo.” Instead, the production here is minimal, at times skeletal—pianos, soft percussion, and spacious R&B backdrops.
This shift is deliberate. On “I’m Done,” the piano feels like a stage light focused solely on her voice. “You4Me” reworks Tamia’s So Into You into a breezy Afrobeats-R&B hybrid. “On the Low” carries a smoky sensuality, its Afro-groove subdued to make room for Skepta’s rap.
It’s intimate, yes but also risky. The quieter sound creates room for her voice to shine, but it also strips away some of the dynamism that made her previous projects more versatile. For some listeners, the pacing may drag after a few tracks, as the emotional weight leans heavily toward sorrow and reflection.
Themes & Storytelling
Tiwa promised vulnerability, and she delivers. The lyrics carry raw honesty, often exposing cracks instead of polishing them over.
Toxic Love: “Angel Dust” paints love as an addiction, seductive but destructive.
Heartbreak & Bitterness: “You’re Not the First (You’re Just the Worst)” might be her bluntest song yet, sharp, even petty, but undeniably human.
Faith & Spirituality: On “Change,” featuring James Fauntleroy, romantic yearning blurs into a conversation with God—a rare pivot that elevates the record’s depth.
Emotional Fatigue: “Pray No More” feels like a sigh of exhaustion, a prayer from someone tired of constant battles.
The narrative arc is heavy: heartbreak, disillusionment, attempts at healing. It’s moving but narrow. One missing element is contrast; there are few bright or hopeful moments to balance the melancholy.
Collaborations That Complement
One of the album’s smartest choices is restraint with features. Skepta’s appearance on “On the Low” feels organic, adding grit without stealing attention. Rising star Taves fits seamlessly into “Addicted.” James Fauntleroy on “Change” provides the record’s spiritual climax.
In an era of feature-stuffed albums, this discipline gives This One Is Personal cohesion. Every guest feels like part of the story, not a marketing checklist.
What Works
Honesty: This is Tiwa at her most unguarded. She doesn’t hide behind pop gloss.
Cohesion: The album feels like one body of work, not a random playlist.
Intentional Features: Skepta, Taves, and Fauntleroy serve the music, not the hype.
What Doesn’t
Pacing: The mid-tempo mood rarely shifts, making some tracks blur together.
Limited Emotional Range: Almost all songs sit in heartbreak and reflection. A moment of joy or defiance would have added balance.
Commercial Appeal: Fans wanting another “Koroba” will find little to dance to here.
This One Is Personal is not a flawless album, but it’s a brave one. Tiwa Savage steps away from her comfort zone, risking commercial momentum to reveal her humanity. The result is a project that may not dominate charts but will resonate with those who crave authenticity in music.
It’s a record for headphones, quiet car rides, and solitary nights—not for the club. And maybe that’s the point.
The South African Music Awards 2025 (SAMA31) have officially unveiled their nominations, spotlighting the best in South African music across genres such as amapiano, afro pop, hip hop, jazz, gospel, rock, and traditional music. Scheduled for November 2025, the awards will recognize both established stars and rising voices, while also celebrating African artists through the Rest of Africa Award.
The Rest of Africa Award brings continental powerhouses into the mix, including Wizkid, Tems, Ayra Starr, and Fireboy DML.
These nominations emphasize the diversity and global influence of South African music, while also aligning the SAMAs as a continental benchmark for excellence.
Full List of SAMA 2025 Nominees
Best Adult Contemporary Album
Just 6 – uKhisimusi – An African Christmas
Melanie Scholtz – Seven
Tony Drake – Room For Everyone
Nue Sam – Nonyezi
The Morning After – Look At You Now
Best African Adult Contemporary Album
Zamajobe – UMI
Thandiswa Mazwai – Sankofa
Zoe Modiga – Nomthandazo
Ndu Shezi – Isibusiso Sami
Mthuthu – Indumiso YabeNguni
Best Afro Pop Album
Nomfundo Moh – Twenty Four
Malik – Malik
Sjava – Isibuko (Deluxe)
Sjava – Inkanyezi (Live)
Dalom Kids – Collaborations With Friends
Best Alternative Album
Yoav & Jabulile Majola – Unyazi
Zādok – Perspective: Black
Francis Soal – Hindsight 2020
Th&o – Emlotheni
Spoegwolf – Berge
Best Amapiano Album
Vigro Deep – Your Piano Is Not My Piano
Kelvin Momo – Sewe
Kelvin Momo – Ntsako
Mellow & Sleazy – Midnight in Sunnyside
Zee Nxumalo – Inja Ye Game
Best Classical/Instrumental Album
John Lundun – In the Morning
Chris Vale, Eugene Joubert, Franco Prinsloo, MarlizeHattingh – By Alle Skone Dinge
Derek Gripper – Ballaké Sissoko & Derek Gripper
Vox Chamber Choir & Franco Prinsloo – A Season in Paradise
Orecchiette – Awake for 22 Hours
Best Collaboration
Kelvin Momo – Waze Wamuhle
Black Motion – Takala
Kususa – Ematshwaleni
Matt Davies – Stay With Me
Mas Musiq, Lawd Weezy & DJ Maphorisa ft TO Starquality, Chley & Kabza De Small – Amalanga
Best Dance Album
Black Motion – The Cradle Of Art
Dlala Thukzin – FINALLY FAMOUS TOO
MÖRDA – Cr4zy!!..
Shimza – Dreaming
Caiiro – Caiiro
Best Engineered Album
Black Motion – The Cradle Of Art
Thandiswa Mazwai – Sankofa
Sjava – Isibuko (Deluxe)
Keenan Meyer – Reawakening
Jeremy Loops – Feathers & Stone
Best Gqom Album
Mr Thela – Tronics Land 3
DJ Lag – The Rebellion
Goldmax – Play At Your Own Risk
DJ Sandiso – NANDE 3.0
Lelowhatsgood – Next Level
Best Hip Hop Album
Blxckie – See U Soon Delux
Tony Dayimane – Red October: Induction
Loatinover Pounds – Pray 4 Pitori
Sizwe Alakine – Audio 2D; Dear Darkie
25K – Loyal To The Plug: The Life & Times of Don Kilograms
Best Jazz Album
Nduduzo Makhathini – uNomkhubulwane
Nick Ford – Terra Solus
Nomfundo Xaluva – Ndilapha
Last – Hope Dies Last
Ncesh Nonxishi – Apho Kungenje
Best Maskandi Album
Umafikizolo – Ngathi Nguye
Phuzekhemisi – iPolotiki
Khuzani – Angidlali Nezingane
Ntencane – Alingeni
Imithente – Amathambo Kagogo
Best Produced Album
Zamajobe – UMI
Black Motion – The Cradle Of Art
Thandiswa Mazwai – Sankofa
Qü – Reprise on 2nd Avenue
Linda Sikhakhane – iLadi
Best Produced Music Video
Soa Mattrix – Umbuzo
MaWhoo & Mthandeni SK – Gucci
TitoM & Yuppe – Tshwala Bam (Remix)
Blxckie – South
Shekhinah ft Moliy – Risk
Best R&B/Soul Album
Mikhalé Jones – Too Many Promises
Elaine – Stone Cold Heart
Filah Lah Lah – On Air
Clxrity – It’s Clear To See
The Big Hash – Heartbreak Hotel (Deluxe)
Best Reggae Album
Dread Lloyd – Mekwei
Anela Jahmena – The Rise
Dimahr – Flaws in Frame
LUWE DA LION – After All
Botanist – Area Code
Best Rock Album
Bloumoord – VIR MEKAAR
MaxX & Love – These Blues Might Get You Too
Prime Circle – The World We Know
The Man Motels – Old Wounds
The Morning After – Look At You Now
Best Traditional Faith Music Album
Betusile – Uyinqaba Yam (Jehovah Nissi)
David Tebogo – The Journey (Part 1)
Malusi Mbokazi – The Full Circle Revival
Rofhiwa Manyaga – Rofhiwa Dzina
Ayanda Ntanzi – According to Grace, A One Man Show
Best Traditional Music Album
Keitumetse Mangate Production – moleele
MmaAusi – Mmakgodu
Makhadzi Entertainment – Miracle Child (Deluxe)
Sabu Jiyana – Kwanomthandazo
Pleasure Tsa Manyalo – Bakokota (EP)
Beste Kontemporêre Musiek Album
Pietman Geldenhuys – Vaalsand
Ampie – Niemandsland
Spoegwolf – Eindbestemming
Neil Sandilands – Land & Sand
Majo – Geraamtes
Remix of the Year
TitoM – Tshwala Bam
Woodblock DJs – Skuta Baba
Jnr SA – Mngani
Tycoon – Iza Mawala
Mpho.Wav – Hlala
Rest of Africa Award
Ayra Starr – The Year I Turned 21
Bensoul – The Party & After Party
Wizkid – Morayo
Tems – Born In The Wild
Fireboy DML – Adedamola
Best African Indigenous Faith Album
Wacha Mkhukhu Wachumlilo – Re Kgoeletsa Magodimong
JTG Gospel Choir – Morena Re Ya Leboga
House Of Mercy – Busa Jeso
Barongoa Ba Morena – Ikutana
Di Bruin Gospel Projects – Nkapese Ka Maatla
Best Contemporary Faith Music Album
SbuNoah – Heavenly Psalms – Level 2 (Live at Goshen City Church 2023)
The All Africa Music Awards (AFRIMA) 2025 nominations are out, and the competition is fiercer than ever. With 343 nominees across 40 categories, this year’s edition highlights Africa’s biggest icons, rising talents, and diaspora voices shaping global music culture.
AFRIMA 2025 made history with 10,717 entries, the highest in its 12-year existence. After a rigorous 10-day screening by a 13-member international jury, the final nominees list was unveiled, representing all five African regions and the diaspora. The award ceremony will run from November 25 to 30, 2025, in Lagos, Nigeria, culminating in the main event on November 30. Fans will also have their say when public voting opens on September 10 via the official AFRIMA website.
Artists with the Most Nominations
Five Nominations Each
Burna Boy (Nigeria) – Album of the Year (No Sign of Weakness), Song of the Year, Artiste of the Year
Davido (Nigeria) – Album of the Year (5ive), Best Collaboration, Song of the Year
DJ Maphorisa (South Africa) – Key nods in production and collaboration categories
El Grande Toto (Morocco) – Album of the Year (Salgoat), Best Male Artist North Africa
Mia Guissé (Senegal)
Moliy (Ghana) – Leading the female Afropop charge
Four Nominations
Shallipopi (Nigeria) – Artiste of the Year and Song of the Year for “Laho”
Amr Diab (Egypt)
Diamond Platnumz (Tanzania)
Tyla (South Africa) – Riding global fame with Amapiano fusion
Uncle Waffles (Eswatini) – Reinforcing female dominance in the DJ scene
Three Nominations
Ipupa (DRC)
Ferre Gola (DRC)
Himra (Côte d’Ivoire)
Didi B (Côte d’Ivoire)
Eboloko (Gabon)
Emma’a (Gabon)
Jaylann (Morocco)
Juma Jux (Tanzania) – Song of the Year for “Ololufe mi”
Mawhoo (South Africa)
Nasty C (South Africa)
Rema (Nigeria) – Also contending for Artiste of the Year
Two Nominations
Ayra Starr (Nigeria) – Facing Burna Boy, Davido, and Rema in the Artiste of the Year category
Male: DJ Snake, Niska, Tayc, Tiakola, Odeal Female: Aya Nakamura, Darkoo, Deborah Lukalu, Faouzia, Ronisia
The 2025 AFRIMA nominations prove once again that African music is not just thriving, it’s leading global soundscapes. With icons like Burna Boy, Davido, and Rema battling it out alongside rising stars like Shallipopi, Moliy, and Ayra Starr, this year’s awards promise unforgettable moments. As voting begins on September 10, fans will play a crucial role in deciding who takes home Africa’s biggest music honors.
The Recording Academy has announced the appointment of J. Ivy and Torae as the new Co-Chairs of its Black Music Collective (BMC), signaling a continued commitment to amplifying Black voices and shaping a more inclusive music industry.
J. Ivy is a three-time Grammy Award-winning poet and recording artist celebrated for works such as The Poet Who Sat By The Door (2023) and The Light Inside (2024). He also serves as Governor of the Recording Academy’s Chicago Chapter, where he has championed creator advocacy and educational programs.
J Ivy
Torae, an artist, songwriter, and media personality, has played an active leadership role within the Academy, serving as President of the New York Chapter and currently as a National Trustee. His work spans music performance, songwriting credits on charting records, and broadcasting, including hosting shows on SiriusXM.
Torae
Together, Ivy and Torae will act as thought leaders for the Black Music Collective, helping design and implement programs that foster advocacy, education, wellness, innovation, and investment, particularly in Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs).
What Is the Black Music Collective?
The Black Music Collective (BMC) is an advisory group within the Recording Academy established in 2020 to address equity and representation gaps in the music industry. Composed of prominent Black artists, executives, and industry professionals, the BMC serves as a hub for collaboration and action under the Academy’s umbrella.
Its mission is to uplift Black music creators, expand access to opportunities, and ensure the contributions of Black artists are fully recognized. The group operates through initiatives such as:
Scholarships and Education: Programs like the “Your Future Is Now” scholarship, launched with Amazon Music, provide financial and mentorship support to students at HBCUs.
HBCU Love Tour: Engagement programs that bring GRAMMY U and industry experts to campuses, exposing students to music business careers.
Global Impact Awards: A pre-GRAMMY celebration honoring artists and executives such as Missy Elliott, Dr. Dre, Lil Wayne, MC Lyte, John Legend, and Sylvia Rhone for their cultural influence.
Leadership and Advocacy: Guided by Honorary Chairs including Quincy Jones, John Legend, Jimmy Jam, and Yolanda Adams, the BMC drives dialogue and action around systemic change.
Why the Appointment Matters
In a statement, Recording Academy CEO Harvey Mason Jr. praised Ivy and Torae as “stalwart voices for representation and integrity,” noting that their leadership will deepen the Academy’s commitment to celebrating and supporting Black music creators.
The move underscores the Academy’s broader efforts to align with diversity and inclusion goals, ensuring that Black voices are seen, heard, and valued within the music industry’s most influential institution.
As co-chairs, J. Ivy and Torae are expected to shape programs that not only recognize past contributions but also build pipelines for the next generation of creators, particularly in communities that have historically lacked access to resources.
