Nigerian music sensations Ahmed Ololade, popularly known as Asake, and Oyinkansola Aderibigbe, aka Ayra Starr, have been nominated for the prestigious 2025 Music of Black Origin (MOBO) Awards.
The duo secured nominations in the highly competitive Best International Act category, where they will vie for the award alongside global heavyweights such as Nicki Minaj, Beyoncé, and Kendrick Lamar.
The MOBO Awards shortlist, released on Wednesday, also featured an impressive lineup of Nigerian artistes in the Best African Music Act category. Among the nominees are Odumodublvck, Rema, and Shallipopi.
South African singer Tyla, who won the Best New Artist category at the 2024 BET Awards, achieved a double nomination, appearing in both the Best International Act and Best African Music Act categories.
Meanwhile, in the UK, West London rapper Central Cee is poised to make history. According to a BBC report, he could become the first artist to win the MOBO Best Male Artist award three times. Central Cee, who is currently tied with Stormzy with two wins each, earned his third consecutive nomination this year, setting the stage for a historic showdown.
The 2025 MOBO Awards ceremony promises to be a celebration of excellence in Black-origin music, with African artistes continuing to shine brightly on the global stage.
See the full list of nominations below:
Best international act
Asake
Ayra Starr
Beyonce
Glorilla
Kendrick Lamar
Latto
Megan Thee Stallion
Nicki Minaj
Tems
Tyla
Best African music act
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 male act
Bashy
Central Cee
D-Block Europe
Ghetts
Nemzzz
Sampha
Best female act
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
Meekz – Mini Me’s
Mnelia – My Man
Raye – Genesis
Sampha – Only
Skepta – Gas Me Up (Diligent)
Unknown T Feat. Loyle Carner – Hocus Pocus
Best R&B/soul act
Cleo Sol
Elmiene
Flo
Jaz Karis
Jorja Smith
Nippa
Odeal
Sasha Keable
Shae Universe
Sinead Harnett
Best grime act
Chip
D Double E
Duppy
Kruz Leone
Manga Saint Hilare
Scorcher
Best hip-hop act
Bashy
Cristale
Headie One
Nines
Potter Payper
Skrapz
Best drill act
163Margs
Central Cee
Headie One
Kairo Keyz
K-Trap
Pozer
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 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 Alternative Music act
Alt Blk Era
Bob Vylan
Hak Baker
Kid Bookie
Native James
Spider
Best Electronic/Dance act
Eliza Rose
Nia Archives
Pinkpantheress
Salute
Shygirl
Tsha
Best Producer
Ceebeaats
Inflo
Juls
M1OnTheBeat
P2J
Sammy Soso
Best Gospel act
Annatoria
Imrhan
Limoblaze
Reblah
Still Shadey
Volney Morgan & New Ye
