The 2025 MTV Video Music Awards is shaping up to be one of the most exciting editions yet, with African stars holding their ground alongside global heavyweights. Nigerian giants Burna Boy and Asake have clinched multiple nominations, standing shoulder-to-shoulder with global icons like Lady Gaga, Bruno Mars, and Kendrick Lamar.
Scheduled for September 7, 2025, at the UBS Arena in Long Island, New York, the VMAs will be broadcast live on MTV and simulcast on CBS, a historic move aimed at expanding its global reach. With a fresh lineup of categories and a nomination list that stretches across continents, this year’s show isn’t just about who wins; it’s about how far music has come.
African Powerhouses Take the Stage
Burna Boy, who has long been a global ambassador for Afrobeats, earned nods for “TaTaTa” (featuring Travis Scott) in the Best Afrobeats category and “Higher” in the socially-driven Video for Good category. Asake, another rising titan in the genre, raked in nominations for “Active” (with Travis Scott) and “Get It Right” (with Tems), both also in the Best Afrobeats category.
Joining them on the nominee list is Ayra Starr, who earned a spot in the MTV PUSH Performance of the Year category for “Last Heartbreak Song.” Rema, Tems, Wizkid, and Ghana’s Moliy round out a strong presence of African artists, signaling the continued rise of Afrobeats as a global force.
South Africa’s Tyla also shone, scoring a nomination in Best Choreography for “Push 2 Start” and appearing in the Best Afrobeats category.
Lady Gaga and Bruno Mars Lead the Global Pack
At the top of the nomination chart is Lady Gaga, with 12 total nods, making her the most-nominated artist for 2025. Her duet with Bruno Mars, “Die With A Smile,” is in the running for Video of the Year, Song of the Year, Best Collaboration, and Best Pop.
Bruno Mars isn’t far behind with 11 nominations, thanks to multiple collaborations, including “Apt.” with BLACKPINK’s Rosé. Together, they’ve cemented their spot as global chart leaders.
Kendrick Lamar, who continues to push artistic boundaries, snagged 10 nominations, including Video of the Year and Best Direction for “Not Like Us.”
Taylor Swift Still Holds Her Ground
While she doesn’t dominate the nominations this year, Taylor Swift’s single nod in Artist of the Year speaks volumes. Coming off her record-smashing Eras Tour and continued chart dominance, her presence in the category — up against Beyoncé, Lady Gaga, The Weeknd, Kendrick Lamar, and Morgan Wallen — keeps her firmly in the pop culture conversation.
Swift’s fans, famously known for rallying online, are already setting voting forums ablaze. And while she’s no stranger to victory, the competition this year is fierce and diverse.
New Categories Reflect Genre Expansion
In a bid to keep up with evolving music tastes, the 2025 MTV Video Music Awards has added Best Country and Best Pop Artist to its category lineup. Morgan Wallen, Megan Moroney, and Lainey Wilson are some of the faces giving country music its moment at the VMAs. In the pop world, the battle includes heavy hitters like Ariana Grande, Lorde, Justin Bieber, and Sabrina Carpenter.
Representation, Diversity, and Global Reach
What sets the 2025 MTV Video Music Awards apart is its truly global showcase. The growing representation of African artists across major categories is a testament to the expanding footprint of Afrobeats and the increasing demand for non-Western music on global platforms.
From Nigerian rhythm to South African choreography and Caribbean influences, the VMAs are evolving into a celebration of global sounds rather than just Western charts.
The Countdown Begins
As anticipation builds toward September 7, fans worldwide are gearing up to cast their votes and cheer for their favorites. From Burna Boy’s conscious storytelling to Gaga’s visual mastery, and Asake’s genre-bending fusion to Taylor’s unrelenting legacy, the 2025 MTV Video Music Awards is more than an award show — it’s a cultural moment.
Stay tuned for performances, surprises, and potentially history-making wins as the world’s most influential artists come together under one roof to celebrate the year in music.
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