Ghana turns 69 today and the country has every reason to celebrate. On 6th March 1957, Ghana became the first sub-Saharan African country to gain independence from colonial rule — a moment so significant it did not just belong to Ghana, it belonged to the entire African continent. The independence movement that started in Accra inspired nations from Lagos to Nairobi to demand their own freedom, and the ripple effects of that singular moment are still felt across Africa today.

Sixty-nine years on, Ghana is still giving the world so much to be proud of — and music is right at the top of that list. From highlife to hiplife, Afrobeats to Afro-fusion, Ghana has consistently produced sounds that travel far beyond its borders and land on playlists all over the world. So whether you are Ghanaian, Nigerian, or simply a lover of good music, here are five songs that deserve a spot on your playlist this weekend.

Azonto — Fuse ODG ft. Tiffany

We could not make this list without starting here. Azonto is the song that turned a dance move into a global phenomenon and reminded the world that Ghana knew exactly how to have a good time. It is over a decade old and it still works at every single party. A classic for a reason and a forever staple on any Ghana playlist.

Makoma — King Paluta 

King Paluta’s breakthrough song did enormous numbers on streaming platforms and dominated TikTok and Instagram all through 2024. If you have not heard it yet, today is a very good day to fix that. It is the kind of song that makes you want to find out everything else he has ever made.

Sankofa — Gyakie 

Gyakie’s latest track, Sankofa, debuted on the Billboard U.S. Afrobeats Songs chart, securing a spot within the Top 50 — which tells you everything you need to know about where she is headed. Jackline Acheampong, who grew up around music through her father, veteran highlife musician Nana Acheampong, has been building steadily and Sankofa is her most compelling work yet. Beautiful, intentional and very much worth your time.

Jejereje — Stonebwoy 

Stonebwoy’s Jejereje was one of the most talked-about songs in Ghana in 2024, smooth guitar work sitting alongside heavy cultural drums that make the whole thing completely irresistible. It is the song you put on when you want the weekend to feel like it means something.

WOTOWOTO SEASONING — Black Sherif ft. ODUMODUBLVCK 

This standout collaboration between Black Sherif and Nigerian rapper ODUMODUBLVCK became a West African anthem that crossed every border it met. Ghana and Nigeria on one track, doing what West Africa does best. The perfect note to end the list on.

The post From Azonto to Wotowoto Seasoning — Five Ghanaian Songs to Celebrate Ghana at 69 appeared first on BellaNaija - Showcasing Africa to the world. Read today!.

Afrobeats is now, more than ever, a globally recognised music genre.

While alté, amapiano, fuji, highlife, and other genres are still striving for their moment at the top—and artists continue to resist being categorised under Afrobeats—the genre keeps expanding its wings.

In 2025, African artists have achieved major streaming milestones, released outstanding singles and albums, toured the world, and delivered energetic performances at exciting venues like Coachella and beyond. Although it has become more difficult for new artists to break through, acts like Kunmie, Kojo Blak, and Jux have significantly grown their audiences this year.

In this piece, we spotlight ten of the most outstanding Afrobeats albums released so far in 2025. These selections are proof that Africa’s music scene is vast and immensely talented, even in a year when some of the biggest stars have released fewer songs than usual. The list features debut albums from emerging artists and long-awaited comebacks from musicians who have been highly anticipated in the 2025 African music scene.

10. Kunmie – Before We Became Strangers

Oluwabukunmi Ariyibi Peter, best known as Kunmie, is one of the breakout stars of 2025. His debut single, Arike, released on February 15, 2025, was produced by The Kazez. It served as the introduction to a moment that shook the industry. Kunmie followed up with Majẹkajá on February 28, 2025, just days after making his bold entry.

The success of these singles led to the release of his 4-track debut project Before We Became Strangers, entirely produced by The Kazez. The project is soulful, melodious, and unique. Before We Became Strangers dropped amidst an amapiano wave in Nigeria, where almost everyone was jumping on the South African genre. Kunmie chose to walk a different path, resulting in a solid debut that peaked at No. 2 on the Turntable Charts, with just four tracks.

9. Joeyboy – Viva Lavida

Released on March 27, 2025, Joeboy’s Viva Lavida is a 13-track album featuring collaborations with Tempoe, Elana Dara, Qing Madi, Olamide, and Wizard Chan. While the project is solid, it may not be Joeboy’s strongest body of work, yet this only highlights the depth of his talent rather than diminishing the album’s value.

Viva Lavida is a beautiful collection, with standout tracks like Taxi Driver, Adenuga featuring Qing Madi, and Osadebe. As expected, the melodies are top-tier, and the sound is both African and sensual. Without a doubt, it ranks among the best Afrobeats projects released in 2025.

8. Jux – A Day to Remember EP

Following his luxurious multi-day wedding with Nigerian actress Priscilla Ojo, Tanzanian singer Jux—also known as Juma Jux—released an extended play to immortalise the experience. The only thing questionable about the project might be the title. While the A Day to Remember EP was inspired by an event that lasted several days, one can’t help but wonder about the name choice.

The 7-track project, released on March 23, 2025, features appearances from D Voice and Phyno, blending amapiano, Afrobeats, Bongo Flava, and more. Songs like My Shayla, God Design, and Si Mimi resonated with listeners across the continent and beyond. A Day to Remember is, without a doubt, one of the standout albums of 2025.

7. Zinoleesky – Gen Z!

Zinoleesky, the Nigerian street-pop sensation, dropped his sophomore album Gen Z! on April 25, 2025, cementing his status as a voice for the youth. The 16-track project, released under Marlian Music, features collaborations with Ms Banks and Toosii, showcasing his versatility. Standout tracks like 2Baba Flex and Suit & Tie blend rich production with Zinoleesky’s signature wit and vibrant energy, earning widespread acclaim. Gen Z! peaked at No. 1 on Apple Music Nigeria’s Top Albums chart, a testament to its resonance with fans.

Despite not yet achieving the global crossover success of peers like Asake, Gen Z! proves Zinoleesky’s knack for crafting infectious melodies and relatable lyrics. The album’s fusion of Afrobeats, hip-hop, and amapiano influences makes it a dynamic listen, with tracks like Ayamase highlighting his collaborative prowess.

6. Kojo Blak – 131 EP

McDonald Adotey Braide, best known as Kojo Blak, is an emerging Ghanaian talent who made waves with his 131 EP, released on March 28, 2025. The 9-track project, infused with alté and Afrobeats vibes, features contributions from Kelvyn Boy, Joshua Baraka, and Sarkodie. Tracks such as Excellent, and Next Door, stand out for their introspective lyrics and smooth, genre-bending production, earning the EP widespread acclaim across Ghana and beyond.

The 131 EP captures Kojo Blak’s unique ability to merge soulful melodies with contemporary Afrobeats rhythms, creating a sound that feels both fresh and nostalgic. While relatively new to the scene, Kojo Blak’s confident delivery and cohesive vision on this project have positioned him as a rising star to watch in 2025’s competitive Afrobeats landscape.

5. Olamide – Olamidé

Olamide, the Nigerian music titan, returned with his self-titled album Olamidé on June 19, 2025, a 17-track masterpiece that reaffirms his influence in Afrobeats and street-pop. Featuring heavyweights like Asake, Wizkid, Dr. Dre, Popcaan, Young Jonn, and Seyi Vibez, the album blends fuji, amapiano, hip-hop, and dancehall, with tracks like 99 dominating airwaves. The project soared to No. 1 on Apple Music Nigeria’s Top Albums chart, showcasing Olamide’s enduring relevance.

Olamidé is a celebration of African sounds, with vibrant production that makes it a global contender. Tracks like Billionaires Club highlight Olamide’s ability to evolve while staying true to his roots, delivering anthems that resonate from Lagos to the U.S. This album solidifies his legacy as a pioneer in 2025’s Afrobeats scene.

4. Black Sherif – Iron Boy

Ghanaian star Black Sherif dropped his highly anticipated album Iron Boy on April 3, 2025, a 15-track project that fuses Afrobeats, highlife, and hip-hop influences. Featuring collaborations with Fireboy DML and Seyi Vibez, standout tracks like So it Goes and The Victory Song showcase his raw emotional delivery and storytelling prowess. The album achieved significant success, peaking at No. 5 on Nigeria’s TurnTable Top 100 Albums chart and becoming the first Ghanaian release to spend two weeks on Apple Music’s US Top 50 chart, cementing Black Sherif’s global appeal.

Iron Boy is a bold exploration of resilience and identity, with Black Sherif’s genre-blending approach earning praise for its authenticity. Tracks like One and Soma Obi resonate with fans for their introspective lyrics and infectious rhythms, making this album one of the most impactful Afrobeats releases of 2025, bridging Ghanaian and Nigerian sounds.

3. Seyi Vibez – Children of Africa EP

Seyi Vibez, the Nigerian street-pop maestro, released his Children of Africa EP on February 21, 2025, a 4-track project that celebrates African unity and heritage. Featuring NLE Choppa, tracks like Shaolin and Macho blend house music influences with Seyi’s signature Fuji-inspired vocals. The EP reached No. 1 on Nigeria’s Apple Music Albums Chart, driven by the standout track Shaolin.

Inspired by his love for Africa’s shared ancestry, Children of Africa EP is both a cultural statement and a musical triumph. Seyi Vibez’s ability to weave spiritual undertones with high-energy production makes this project a standout, showcasing his knack for vibrant, culturally rich anthems that resonate in 2025’s Afrobeats scene.

2. Kizz Daniel – Uncle K: Lemon & Chase

Kizz Daniel’s Uncle K: Lemon Chase, released on May 30, 2025, is a 7-track EP that reaffirms his status as an Afrobeats hitmaker. With features from ODUMODUBLVCK, Bella Shmurda, Zlatan, and others, tracks like Al-Jannah and Black Girl Magic blend rich Afrobeats rhythms with Kizz’s smooth delivery, peaking at No. 1 on Apple Music Nigeria’s Top Albums chart. The EP’s refreshing sound cements his place in the genre’s elite.

Uncle K: Lemon Chase is a vibrant showcase of Kizz Daniel’s versatility, balancing romantic anthems like Titi with soulful tracks like Al-Jannah. Its seamless fusion of Afrobeats with top-tier production, involving collaborators like RewardBeatz and BlaiseBeatz, makes it one of 2025’s most replayable projects, resonating across global playlists.

1. Davido – 5ive

Davido’s fifth studio album, 5ive, released on April 18, 2025, is a 17-track triumph that showcases his global influence. Featuring Chris Brown, Victoria Monét, YG Marley, and others, tracks like Awuke, Funds, Be There Still, and Offa Me blend Afrobeats with amapiano and R&B, achieving strong chart performance, including No. 1 on Nigeria’s Apple Music charts.

5ive is a testament to Davido’s global influence, with love-soaked anthems like Offa Me showcasing his emotive storytelling. Its high-energy production and cross-continental collaborations make it a landmark release, solidifying Davido’s dominance in 2025’s Afrobeats landscape and earning widespread critical acclaim.

Worthy Mention

1. Qing Madi - I am the blueprint 
2. Falz - The Feast
3. CKay - CKay the second
4. Magixx - I Dream in Color

The post The 10 best Afrobeats albums of 2025 so far appeared first on NotjustOk.

At the 2025 BET Awards, the cultural was in direct conversation with the political. Amidst ongoing anti-ICE protests taking over the streets of Los Angeles and a stringent anti-immigration policy, this year's BET Awards ceremony found a way to be memorable while speaking directly to the uncertainty of the moment.

The evening featured memorable performances, unforgettable award acceptance speeches, and, best of all, stunning red carpet looks. Anchoring different parts of the exciting evening were African superstars from across the globe. Nigeria's Ayra Starr took home the award for Best International Act, a category previously won by Tyla, Tems, and Burna Boy.

Ghanaian rising star Moliy performed her hit single, "Shake It To The Max," at the pre-event stage, shutting it down with a vibrant crowd that cheered her on as they waved miniature Ghanaian flags. Meanwhile, British Sudanese artist Elmiene gave a soul-stirring performance on the main BET stage.

On the red carpet, the African stars in attendance kept their foot on the pedal, showing out in statement-making outfits. While some opted for cultural influences, others chose effortless glamour and even drew inspiration from early 2000s fashion. The looks were as diverse as the astounding range of talent emerging from the continent and onto the global stage.

Below are some of the memorable looks from African artists on the 2025 BET Awards red carpet.

Moliy

With the incredible year Moliy is having - scoring her second Billboard Hot 100 hit with the remix of her hit "Shake It To The Max" featuring Shensea and Skillberg, becoming the first Ghanaian artist to perform at the BET and the most streamed artist from Ghana at the moment - the shiny, gold dress she wore on the BET red carpet was completely illustrative of this moment in her life. A gold purse and a vibrant smile complemented the thin, strapped gown. With Moliy's momentum, it would be unsurprising to see her on next year's red carpet not just as a performer but as a nominee.

Swanky Jerry

Nigerian stylist and one of the memorable stars of the Netflix reality series "Young, Famous & African," Swanky Jerry, arrived on the BET red carpet in a blue deconstructed Agbada and turban. Jerry described the inspiration behind his outfit as "a quiet tribute to every Black dream stitched in silence, realized in color and celebrated on the carpet." Jerry's Agbada was a clear nod to the traditional Nigerian garb, which is typically worn at cultural or ceremonial events.

​Black Sherif

In baggy pants and a loose-fitting denim shirt, Ghanaian rapper Black Sherif, one of the nominees for this year's Best International Acts category, kept things clean and retro for his red carpet look. For accessories, the flag bearer of a new generation of Ghanaian rap went with minimalist silver chains and statement-making glasses.

Shaboozey

Nigerian American country artist Shaboozey combined his country music background with his Nigerian heritage. Shaboozey wore a custom Eleven Sixteen suit by Ugo Mozie. The suit featured black cowrie shells at the lapels and an eye-catching crocodile skin belt featuring miniature gold Benin bronzes. Cowrie shells also dotted the sleeves of the suit, which was topped off with a classic cowboy hat. Shaboozey was nominated under the Video of the Year and New Artist categories at this year's BET Awards.

Elmiene

British Sudanese artist Elmiene, who was nominated for Viewer's Choice: Best New International Act and performed his single "Tears" at the live show, stepped onto the red carpet in a statement-making black Jellabiya. The Jellabiya featured intricate gold embroidery and directly referenced Elmiene's Sudanese background. While speaking with OkayAfrica on the red carpet, the Frankfurt-born and Oxford-raised star shared his excitement about performing with some of the R&B stars he looks up to, including Babyface, Jamie Foxx, and Teddy Riley.

Abigail Chams

Tanzania's Abigail Chams, who was also nominated for the Best New International Act, wore a shimmering black dress with a plunged neckline. For accessories, the "Me Too" hitmaker kept things simple with serpentine earrings and silver bracelets.

TxC

South African DJ and producer duo TxC (Tarryn Ried and Clairise Hefke) stormed the red carpet in matching black, distressed fabric dresses. The duo, who have collaborated with some of the continent's biggest stars, including Davido, took home the Best New International Act Award at this year's ceremony.

Ayra Starr has won her first BET award after clinching the highly coveted Best International Act Award. The Afrobeats star beat out strong competition, which included Mavin Records labelmate Rema, last year's winner Tyla, Ghanaian maverick Black Sherif, and Uncle Waffles, among others.

The win was well celebrated by multiple sections of the homebound and international audience, as Ayra Starr has often been nominated for top international awards, including the BET and Grammys, but had previously come second to other artists. This feels like a deserved win, especially considering the quietly purposeful year Starr has been having. A few weeks ago, she performed at a New Balance event, and her two singles, the Valentine anthem "All The Love" and the Wizkid-featured "Gimme Dat," have been doing very well on the charts.

As expected, Ayra's BET nod has opened up a flurry of conversations. One of those is Jay-Z's Roc Nation congratulating Ayra Starr via their X account. This move has sparked speculation about whether the label has signed the Nigerian star or has some ongoing business in the background.

It is known that since the 2010s, Mavin CEO Don Jazzy has maintained a connection with his Roc Nation counterpart, with Jay-Z reportedly sending members of his team, including the rapper Jay Electronica, to scout for Nigerian talent. This visit also resulted in a song.

A more pressing commentary on Ayra's BET win is that her award was presented to her backstage despite her presence at the event, which was held at the Peacock Theatre in Los Angeles. People have noted how Wizkid once criticized international award shows for their reluctance to appreciate African acts on the same stages as their international colleagues, an act the Afrobeats veteran labeled as "rubbish."

Ayra Starr has also insisted on being properly recognized for her work, criticizing Nigeria's premier music awards, the Headies, in 2023 for awarding her Best Female Act after the event had concluded. "We didn't deserve such nonchalance!" she wrote in a post on X afterward. It remains to be seen how she will respond to BET's action, but such actions should have no place in the music industry, especially in a globalized scene that owes its success to the efforts of players from around the world.

Beyond Ayra's win, Africa had further reason to celebrate as the Amapiano women DJ duo TxC snagged the coveted Best New International Act, joining their respected South African forebears like Black Coffee and Sho Madjozi who have won the BET in previous years.

Cynthia Erivo, the British actor of Nigerian descent, was also awarded Best Actress, cementing her place as one of the faces of contemporary Black cinema. Erivo has had a phenomenal year, earning critical acclaim and multiple prestigious nominations for her powerhouse performance as Elphaba in the blockbuster musical "Wicked," including Academy Award, Golden Globe, BAFTA, SAG, and Critics' Choice nominations for Best Actress.

OkayAfrica was on the ground, capturing the energy and excitement of African talent on the red carpet. We spoke with several of the continent's brightest stars.

See on Instagram

British Sudanese sensation Elmiene gave us an exclusive moment before his beautiful performance on the BET stage.

See on Instagram

The duo TxC was excited to be there and wished that everyone could experience the energizing atmosphere. “It is crazy! Being here, seeing everybody, the atmosphere … everything that is happening right now. I feel like everybody should experience this,” one of them tells OkayAfrica.

See on Instagram

Ghana's Black Sherif shared with us the exact moment he learned about his nomination.

See on Instagram

Buju Banton, a towering figure in reggae, also took time to connect.

The 2025 BET Awards nominations are out, and as expected, they’ve stirred up plenty of conversation.

While some of music’s biggest names rightfully claimed their spots, a few surprising omissions and unexpected nods have left fans buzzing.

The BET Awards have long been a vital platform for celebrating Black excellence in music, film, television, and sports, with a growing reputation for spotlighting international talents, particularly from Africa. However, with the 2025 nominations now public, conversations have erupted over some of the unexpected inclusions and more strikingly, the glaring omissions.

While heavyweights like Kendrick Lamar, Doechii, Drake, SZA, and Ayra Starr rightfully earned multiple nominations for their consistent impact and artistry, some notable absences have left fans and industry watchers both surprised and disappointed.

From chart-toppers left off the list to rising stars overlooked, here’s a breakdown of the biggest shockers and snubs shaking up the 2025 BET Awards nominations.

The Davido snub: A head-scratcher

Perhaps the biggest shock of the 2025 BET nominations is the complete absence of Nigerian superstar Davido. The omission comes at a puzzling time, considering Davido’s impressive run over the past year. Not only did his Grammy-nominated album Timeless deliver multiple global hits, but his recently released project, 5ive, has also made waves since its debut in April 2025.

5ive, which features collaborations with international heavyweights like Chris Brown and Victoria Monét, debuted at number 2 on the Billboard World Albums chart and has been praised for its range, sound, and replay value. The album’s strong streaming numbers and positive fan reception further cemented Davido’s position as one of Africa’s most influential and commercially successful artists.

Adding to this is his recently concluded sold-out world tour, which saw him headline iconic venues and expand his fanbase across Europe, North America, and the Middle East. In terms of visibility, chart performance, and cultural relevance, Davido ticked all the boxes for what one would expect to see acknowledged by the BET Awards this year.

That he did not secure even a single nomination leaves fans and industry observers baffled, reigniting long-standing conversations about the criteria for African representation on international award stages like BET.

The Ghanaian exclusion: A recurring pattern

Another glaring oversight is the complete absence of Ghanaian artists from the nominations list. Despite a thriving music industry and a roster of globally recognized stars like Stonebwoy, Sarkodie, and Black Sherif, no Ghanaian name appeared in this year’s lineup.

This exclusion is particularly disappointing given the growing global reach of Ghana’s music scene. In recent years, artists from the country have headlined international festivals, charted globally, and contributed to cross-border collaborations with mainstream acts.

The lack of representation has sparked conversations online and within African entertainment circles about the persistent underrepresentation of certain regions on major award platforms like BET. Critics argue that while Nigerian artists have made incredible strides, there’s a pressing need for African music’s diversity to be more inclusively showcased, reflecting the continent’s full creative breadth.

Why does this matter?

Award shows like the BET Awards play a crucial role in elevating artists to new audiences, affirming their contributions, and validating their cultural impact. When deserving acts are overlooked, especially in categories designed to spotlight international talent, it not only feels like a missed opportunity but also suggests an uneven playing field.

These snubs also highlight the complexities and politics of award nominations, where visibility, industry connections, and sometimes external narratives can overshadow pure merit. As Afrobeats, Amapiano, and other African sounds continue to break barriers globally, international platforms must rise to the occasion by ensuring fair and balanced representation.

What’s next for African stars and Award show representation??

As the buzz around the 2025 BET Awards nominations continues, attention now shifts to the main event, set to air live on June 30, 2025, from the Peacock Theater in Los Angeles. Known for celebrating the very best of Black culture in music, film, television, and sports, this year’s ceremony marks the 25th edition of the prestigious awards, a milestone anniversary expected to deliver memorable performances, tributes, and standout moments.

For African music, the conversation sparked by these nominations isn’t just about trophies, it’s about visibility, validation, and the opportunity for African stars to shine on one of the biggest platforms dedicated to Black talent worldwide. The growing dominance of Afrobeats, Amapiano, and other African genres on the global stage means these artists aren’t just regional acts anymore, they’re global superstars who deserve equal recognition alongside their counterparts from the U.S., U.K., and the Caribbean.

Industry watchers, fans, and artists alike will be closely observing not only who wins on the night but also how African talent is presented, celebrated, and acknowledged. Will this year’s broadcast make room for more African performances? Will the conversations around inclusivity and fair representation influence future nomination lists? These are the questions shaping the narrative as the countdown to June 30 begins.

For those eager to see how their favorite stars fared, the full list of 2025 BET Awards nominees is available here.

Get updates as they drop via X and Facebook

The post Biggest shockers and snubs from the 2025 BET Awards nominations revealed appeared first on NotjustOk.

Kehinde Alabi, better known as Louddaaa, interned as a sound engineer in Port Harcourt before moving to Lagos about five years ago. He started seeking employment as a sound engineer since it seemed production didn't make sense — he hadn't produced in over a year as production jobs weren't readily available. He submitted his CVs to studios, companies, and radio stations, but "they all rejected me," Louddaaa recalls in a recent Zoom conversation with OkayAfrica.

A friend would send him a vacancy post that turned out to be Mavin Records. "Are these people trying to scam me or something?" he remembers thinking, but he sent his credentials and got the job after a series of interviews. "It was a miracle," he says, "and I told myself I would be the best recording engineer ever because it felt like a second chance for me. I had hope again."

The journey to becoming a producer was even more interesting, relates Louddaaa. He selected beats and recorded the Mavin Records artists, but stayed back after every session to arrange beats. Due to his residence being on the Mainland, going to the other side of Lagos was stressful each evening. While making beats one night, Don Jazzy entered the studio and heard something he was making. "Can we try Ayra [Starr] on this?" the don asked, and soon enough, Louddaaa got locked in with the newly minted star, whose debut EP and album he would significantly influence.

Still, Louddaaa was unconvinced he was a producer. Sometimes, he flunked the producer sessions he was booked for since he didn't think he could replicate the genius of Ayra Starr's songs. "Working with her was different; we had a deep connection," he would explain. "It was easy; there was no tension. We simply exchanged ideas. They were ideas that took us six months to create; now you want me to create a beat on the spot?"

"It took a while for me to start playing that role of a producer," he says, "because I kept telling myself: 'I don't know why they love this thing that I'm doing. What do they like? This is not really making sense to me.' I wasn't sure about myself. It took me a while to say, 'Bro, it's happening already. They like this."

Since those days of uncertainty, Louddaaa has imprinted his sound more visibly on the colorful skies of contemporary Afrobeats. Shining with a deeply personal energy, the mellow and measured quality of Louddaaa's sound has shaped the early careers of new-age Mavin artists, from Magixx to Bayanni and Boy Spyce. This isn't a mere coincidence, he tells OkayAfrica. "Whenever I want to work with an artist, the first thing I do is try to engage them," he says. "I have a conversation with them and understand where they are. Then I try to create a sound based on all the information I have that I think is unique to your story."

He applied the same approach with Davido, collaborating on two tracks for his recent album, 5IVE. Louddaaa had tried connecting with the star in 2021 and subsequent years, but nothing came out of those efforts. Then, in February of last year, he was inspired by the Holy Spirit — Louddaaa is a firm believer — to create music for Davido, which he collaborated on with his friend, Dayo Grey.

"I was very intentional," he says. "I listen to David a lot, and I have an idea of where he is based on all the songs and features he has done in the past. I also have an idea of where he should be in terms of music, and I just put all those things together."

They made 'Anything,' which stands out as an exceptional high point even among an album characterized by its triumphant moments. Davido had committed to recording the track, and Louddaaa still had many ideas to explore. He wanted something vintage for Davido, a beat with the rustic qualities of the classic "Aye," whose chorus he enthusiastically sings. "I told him, let's go back to that old David," he explains. "Let's create a 2024 record that has an element of the old David but still feels good for this age that we're in. That's how we made '10 Kilo,' I sent it to my songwriter friend, and he came up with some ideas, the melodies, and everything."

Louddaaa orchestrated the record. "I remember when I first sent the beat for 'Anything' to my songwriter, the first thing they wrote, I was like 'nah, this is not it,' because I had an idea what I wanted him to sound like: a Davido and Louddaaa song," he attests. "Everything that you guys hear now, to the glory of God, was something that I envisioned. In terms of the writing, production, and everything, we tried different ideas."

It's clear that Louddaaa isn't just another producer — he's a designer of entire soundscapes. "I call myself an 'A&R' in quotes," he says, "not an official A&R, but I have this ear to design a sound that is unique for an artist." More artists now want the sauce; between last year and now, his roster includes the likes of Lojay, Chike, Black Sherif, and Simi, whose latest album featured nine tracks from Louddaaa. Most of these artists share a soulful core; Louddaaa says the inspiration pulls both ways.

"It's from my end, first of all," he says. "My sound is born from my life experiences. I've gone through so many dark things in my life that I can't even go into details right now. My life is a rollercoaster. Growing up, music was like a coping mechanism for me. It was what I used to bury most of the things I was dealing with as a child and as a teenager. Every time I make music, I connect it to one of those things. I'm saying something, but it's with music. One of my biggest testimonies is when people listen to my music, they tell me they love it, it's so soulful, it's so emotional. And I'm like, 'Thank you, Jesus.' Because that was my goal — I want you to feel something."

The 2025 BET Awards nominations are in, and African artists feature prominently across major categories, marking another strong moment for the continent’s music on the global stage.

Ayra Starr leads the African contingent with three nominations: ‘Best Female R&B/Pop Artist’, ‘Best New Artist’, and ‘Best International Act’. These nominations reflect her expanding presence in both African and international music circles.

Tems earns two nominations in the ‘BET Her’ category for “Burning” and “Hold On,” both from her debut album “Born In The Wild.”

Tems, already a global sensation, continues to break barriers, earning two nominations in the ‘BET Her’ category for her moving tracks, “Burning” and “Hold On”. These powerful songs from her debut album, “Born In The Wild,” not only showcase her signature emotional depth but also highlight her role as one of the most resonant voices in contemporary music.

Other African acts nominated this year include Rema, Burna Boy, Tyla, Black Sherif, and Uncle Waffles. The ‘Best New International Act’ category also sees strong African representation, with Shallipopi, Odeal, Maglera Doe Boy, Abigail Chams, and Dlala Thukzin recognised for their work over the past year.

This year’s nominations point to the expanding global footprint of African music and the continued recognition of its artists on major international stages.

See the full list of nominees:

Album of the Year

• $OME $EXY $ONGS 4 U – Drake & PARTYNEXTDOOR
• 11:11 Deluxe – Chris Brown
• Alligator Bites Never Heal – Doechii
• Cowboy Carter – Beyoncé
• Glorious – GloRilla
• GNX – Kendrick Lamar
• Hurry Up Tomorrow – The Weeknd
• We Don’t Trust You – Future & Metro Boomin

Best Female R&B/Pop Artist

• Ayra Starr
• Ari Lennox
• Coco Jones
• Kehlani
• Muni Long
• Summer Walker
• SZA
• Victoria Monét

Best Male R&B/Pop Artist

• Bruno Mars
• Chris Brown
• Drake
• Fridayy
• Leon Thomas
• Teddy Swims
• The Weeknd
• Usher

Best Group

• 41
• Common & Pete Rock
• Drake & PARTYNEXTDOOR
• FLO
• Future & Metro Boomin
• Jacquees & Dej Loaf
• Larry June, 2 Chainz, The Alchemist
• Maverick City Music

Best Collaboration

• 30 for 30 – SZA feat. Kendrick Lamar
• Alter Ego – Doechii feat. JT
• Are You Even Real – Teddy Swims feat. GIVĒON
• Beckham – Dee Billz feat. Kyle Richh, Kai Swervo, KJ Swervo
• Bless – Lil Wayne, Wheezy & Young Thug
• Like That – Future & Metro Boomin & Kendrick Lamar
• Luther – Kendrick Lamar & SZA
• Sticky – Tyler, the Creator feat. GloRilla, Sexyy Red & Lil Wayne
• Timeless – The Weeknd feat. Playboi Carti

Best Female Hip Hop Artist

• Cardi B
• Doechii
• Doja Cat
• GloRilla
• Latto
• Megan Thee Stallion
• Nicki Minaj
• Rapsody
• Sexyy Red

Best Male Hip Hop Artist

• Burna Boy
• BigXthaPlug
• Bossman Dlow
• Drake
• Future
• Kendrick Lamar
• Key Glock
• Lil Wayne
• Tyler, the Creator

Video of the Year

• 3AM in Tokeyo – Key Glock
• A Bar Song (Tipsy) – Shaboozey
• After Hours – Kehlani
• Denial is a River – Doechii
• Family Matters – Drake
• Not Like Us – Kendrick Lamar
• Timeless – The Weeknd feat. Playboi Carti
• Type Shit – Future, Metro Boomin, Travis Scott & Playboi Carti

Video Director of the Year

• Anderson .Paak
• B Pace Productions & Jacquees
• Benny Boom
• Cactus Jack
• Cole Bennett
• Dave Free & Kendrick Lamar
• Dave Meyers
• Foggieraw
• Tyler, the Creator

Best New Artist

• 41
• Ayra Starr
• BigXthaPlug
• Bossman Dlow
• Dee Billz
• Leon Thomas
• October London
• Shaboozey
• Teddy Swims

Dr. Bobby Jones Best Gospel/Inspirational Award

• A God (There Is) – Common & Pete Rock feat. Jennifer Hudson
• Amen – Pastor Mike Jr.
• Better Days – Fridayy
• Church Doors – Yolanda Adams feat. Sir The Baptist & Donald Lawrence (Terry Hunter Remix)
• Constant – Maverick City Music, Jordin Sparks, Chandler Moore & Anthony Gargiula
• Deserve to Win – Tamela Mann
• Faith – Rapsody
• Rain Down on Me – GloRilla feat. Kirk Franklin, Maverick City Music

Viewer’s Choice Award

• Residuals – Chris Brown
• Denial is a River – Doechii
• Nokia – Drake
• Like That – Future & Metro Boomin feat. Kendrick Lamar
• TGIF – GloRilla
• Not Like Us – Kendrick Lamar
• Luther – Kendrick Lamar & SZA
• Brokey – Latto

Best International Act

• Any Gabrielly (Brazil)
• Ayra Starr (Nigeria)
• Bashy (United Kingdom)
• Black Sherif (Ghana)
• Ezra Collective (United Kingdom)
• Joé Dwèt Filé (France)
• MC Luanna (Brazil)
• Rema (Nigeria)
• SDM (France)
• Tyla (South Africa)
• Uncle Waffles (Swaziland)

Best New International Act

• Abigail Chams (Tanzania)
• Ajuliacosta (Brazil)
• Amabbi (Brazil)
• Dlala Thukzin (South Africa)
• Dr Yaro (France)
• KWN (United Kingdom)
• Maglera Doe Boy (South Africa)
• Merveille (France)
• Odeal (United Kingdom)
• Shallipopi (Nigeria)
• TxC (South Africa)

BET Her

• Beautiful People – Mary J. Blige
• Blackbiird – Beyoncé feat. Tanner Adell, Brittney Spencer, Tiera Kennedy & Reyna Roberts
• Bloom – Doechii
• Burning – Tems
• Defying Gravity – Cynthia Erivo feat. Ariana Grande
• Heart of a Woman – Summer Walker
• Hold On – Tems
• In My Bag – FLO & GloRilla

Best Movie

• Bad Boys: Ride or Die
• Beverly Hills Cop: Axel F
• Luther: Never Too Much
• Mufasa: The Lion King
• One of Them Days
• Rebel Ridge
• The Piano Lesson
• The Six Triple Eight

Best Actor

• Aaron Pierre
• Aldis Hodge
• Anthony Mackie
• Colman Domingo
• Denzel Washington
• Jamie Foxx
• Joey Bada$$
• Kevin Hart
• Sterling K. Brown
• Will Smith

Best Actress

• Andra Day
• Angela Bassett
• Coco Jones
• Cynthia Erivo
• Keke Palmer
• Kerry Washington
• Quinta Brunson
• Viola Davis
• Zendaya

YoungStars Award

• Akira Akbar
• Blue Ivy Carter
• Gracelyn “Gracie” Hollingsworth
• Heiress Harris
• Melody Hurd
• Thaddeus J. Mixson
• Tyrik Johnson
• VanVan

Sportswoman of the Year Award

• A’ja Wilson
• Angel Reese
• Claressa Shields
• Coco Gauff
• Dawn Staley
• Flau’jae Johnson
• Juju Watkins
• Sha’Carri Richardson
• Simone Biles

Sportsman of the Year Award

• Aaron Judge
• Anthony Edwards
• Deion Sanders
• Jalen Hurts
• Jayson Tatum
• LeBron James
• Saquon Barkley
• Stephen Curry

The post BET Awards 2025: Tems, Rema, Tyla & More Among Top African Nominees appeared first on BellaNaija - Showcasing Africa to the world. Read today!.