Nigerian Superstars Dominate at the 2025 AAEA Music Awards

The recent AAEA Music Awards held in Nairobi witnessed Nigerian artists sweeping multiple categories, showcasing the country’s immense influence on the global music scene. Some of the biggest stars in Afrobeats and beyond took home prestigious awards, solidifying their place at the forefront of music worldwide.

Wizkid made a major mark at the ceremony, with his hit track ‘Piece of My Heart’, featuring Brent Faiyaz, winning Best Afro-R&B Song. The smooth collaboration between the Nigerian superstar and the American singer earned praise for its fusion of Afrobeat rhythms with R&B sensibilities.

Darkoo, the British-Nigerian singer, also had a standout night, winning the Best Diasporan Act award. Her hit single ‘Favourite Girl’, which saw a popular remix featuring Rema, solidified her position as one of the top Afrobeat-influenced artists in the international scene.

Asake continued his upward trajectory with his track ‘MMS’ featuring Wizkid, which bagged the award for Best Afro-Native Song. The song is a standout on his third album, ‘Lungu Boy’, and continues to garner massive attention for its captivating blend of native sounds and Afrobeats.

In the competitive category of Best Female Artist in West Africa, the sensational Ayra Starr triumphed, further cementing her status as one of the continent’s brightest stars. On the male side, Seyi Vibez took home the award for Best Male Artist, a testament to his street-pop dominance and his ever-growing fanbase.

The night also saw the Best Rapper in West Africa title go to OdumoduBlvck, who has made a significant impact with his unique sound and lyrical prowess. His recognition at the AAEA Awards is just the latest in a string of accolades.

Davido and Chris Brown’s collaboration on the song ‘Hmm’ off Chris Brown’s album ‘11:11’ earned them the Best Global Collaboration award. This marks another successful union between the two stars, whose chemistry continues to resonate with fans worldwide.

The night’s biggest honor, the Best Overall Male Artist of the Year, was awarded to Burna Boy, who has firmly established himself as one of the most influential global superstars. His recognition highlights his ongoing dominance in the music world and his role in taking African music to new heights on the global stage.

Tems, the Grammy-winning Nigerian sensation, continued to shine as she took home the Best Global Female African Artist award, further solidifying her place as a groundbreaking artist who is pushing the boundaries for African stars in the international music industry.

Other notable winners included Diamond Platnumz, who was crowned Best Global African Male Artist, and Tyla from South Africa, who won Best Southern African Act. These wins reflect the global nature of African music, as artists from various parts of the continent continue to make waves internationally.

The 2025 AAEA Music Awards highlighted the strength of the African music industry and the exceptional talent coming out of Nigeria, reaffirming its place as a major force in global music.