Nigerian music icons Wizkid, Burna Boy, and Tems have added another feather to their caps with nominations for the prestigious 2025 NAACP Image Awards. The awards, set to take place on February 22 at the Pasadena Civic Centre in California, celebrate outstanding achievements in arts and entertainment, with this year’s event featuring a strong Nigerian presence.

Wizkid, one of Afrobeat’s brightest stars, secured two nominations for his chart-topping hit Piece of My Heart, featuring American singer Brent Faiyaz. The song earned nods in the Outstanding Duo or Collaboration and Outstanding International Song categories, underscoring Wizkid’s global impact and continued musical excellence.

Burna Boy, another Afrobeat heavyweight, landed a nomination for Best Collaboration alongside Usher for their soulful track Coming Home. The recognition adds to Burna Boy’s growing accolades in the international music scene.

Tems, known for her captivating vocals and genre-defying style, also made waves with her nomination for Outstanding International Song for Love Me JeJe. This marks yet another milestone for the singer, who continues to solidify her position as a trailblazer in contemporary music.

Ayo Edebiri: A Rising Star in Acting

Adding to the Nigerian representation, actress Ayo Edebiri received five nominations, including Outstanding Voiceover and Outstanding Actress in a Comedy Series. Edebiri’s nominations reflect her versatility and growing influence in Hollywood, where she has become a force to reckon with in both animation and live-action performances.

African Excellence Shines Bright

The 2025 NAACP Awards also acknowledged South African singer Tyla, who is nominated for Outstanding New Artist, further showcasing the global rise of African talent.

Opinion: A Testament to Africa's Creative Power

The prominence of Nigerian and African artists at this year’s NAACP Awards underscores the continent’s growing influence on global culture and entertainment. Afrobeat, once considered a niche genre, now commands global recognition, with artists like Wizkid, Burna Boy, and Tems at the forefront of this cultural revolution.

The nominations also highlight the importance of platforms like the NAACP Awards in celebrating diversity and giving international artists a stage to shine. For Nigerian fans, the achievements of these stars are a source of pride and a reminder of the boundless potential within the country’s creative industries.

As the world tunes in on February 22, the spotlight will undoubtedly be on these remarkable talents who continue to inspire with their artistry and ambition. Win or lose, they have already cemented their legacy as trailblazers in their fields.

Here’s wishing them the very best as they vie for these well-deserved honors!