The nominations for the 2025 iHeartRadio Music Awards feature some of the biggest names in the music industry, with African artists like Burna Boy, Tems, Lojay, and Davido prominently represented. This year’s ceremony is set to celebrate the most influential artists and their contributions over the past year.
South African pop sensation Tyla stands out as the most nominated African artist at the awards, having earned her place in three major categories: World Artist of the Year, R&B Song of the Year, and Dance Song of the Year. Tyla's nominations showcase her exceptional talent and growing influence, as she has been pivotal in bringing African music to the global stage.
Both Davido and Lojay are nominated for R&B Song of the Year thanks to their collaboration on Chris Brown's track 'Sensational'. They are set to compete against three other notable contenders, including Tyla with her hit song 'Water'. This track has become synonymous with Tyla's rising star status, earning her significant acclaim since its release.
Across the nominations, the celebrated Grammy Award winners Burna Boy and Tems are contending for the coveted title of World Artist of the Year. They will face off against the likes of British rapper Central Cee, Tyla, and Jamaican star YG Marley. The representation of these artists at such prestigious events speaks volumes about the burgeoning global appreciation of African music.
Tyla’s trio of nominations highlights her remarkable versatility as she transitions through genres, both setting trends and breaking them. Her hit 'Water' has not only garnered mainstream success but has also led to her nomination for Dance Song of the Year by virtue of the popular remix featuring Marshmello.
The 2025 iHeartRadio Music Awards marks the 12th annual iteration of the event, which is slated for March 17 at the Dolby Theatre located in Los Angeles. This year, the awards are expected to attract widespread attention and celebration, especially considering the heavy implication of representation and recognition of African artistry on such significant platforms.
Aside from Tyla’s impressive haul of three nominations, other notable artists have made their mark as well. Pop superstar Taylor Swift, for example, is on the cusp of receiving ten nominations and will also be recognized with the special accolade of Tour of the Century for her acclaimed 'Eras Tour'.
Following closely behind Swift, Sabrina Carpenter, Post Malone, and Kendrick Lamar are also tied with nine nominations each, marking this year as particularly competitive. This surge of nominations signals the rise of multiple genres and promotes the essence of musical diversity, mirroring what fans have experienced over the past year.
The iHeartRadio Music Awards continue to be significant not only for the mainstream recognition of talented artists but also as platforms showcasing the eclectic variety of sound, influencing listeners globally. The anticipatory buzz around the event implies just how far artists like Tyla, Burna Boy, and others are reshaping music narratives and setting new benchmarks.
With the awards just around the corner, anticipation is building for what promises to be a landmark ceremony at the Dolby Theatre, shedding light on the year’s most-played songs and artists across iHeartRadio platforms, and potentially highlighting African music's ascendance on the world stage.