By Olayinka Akanbi
We might be just a few months in but if there was ever a year that has so far showcased the incredible influence of African creatives on the world stage, 2025 is definitely it.
The Grammys and the Oscars—two of the biggest awards in music and film—saw Nigerian and African creatives shining brightly, proving that the continent’s creative scene is a powerhouse from groundbreaking victories to unforgettable performances.
The 67th Grammy Awards, which took place on February 2, 2025, marked a major milestone for African music, especially for the Nigerian music industry. The newly introduced ‘Best African Music Performance’ category, designed to celebrate the rich diversity of African sounds, was one of the most eagerly awaited awards of the night. And the winner? Nigerian singer-songwriter Tems, for her hit song ‘Love Me JeJe’, which was inspired by Seyi Sodimu’s evergreen hit by the same title.
Tems’ victory wasn’t just a personal milestone; it was an epitome of how Afrobeats and African music are gaining global recognition.
She saw off a line-up of incredible nominees, including fellow Nigerians like Yemi Alade (Tomorrow), Asake featuring Wizkid (MMS), Chris Brown featuring Davido (Sensational), and Burna Boy (Higher). Her victory really reinforced Nigeria’s status as the heart and soul of Afrobeats and contemporary African music.
But it wasn’t just about the awards. African artists truly made their mark with some electrifying performances.
Grammy winner and multiple nominee, Burna Boy, lit up the stage with a dynamic medley of his hits, seamlessly blending traditional African beats with energetic dance moves.
His performance had the crowd on their feet, reminding everyone that African music is not just something to listen to; it’s an experience to be felt.
In a related development on March 2, 2025, Hollywood’s biggest night—the 97th Academy Awards—brought even more recognition to African creatives. Although no Nigerian film secured a nomination, the African film industry was still well-represented.
South Africa’s ‘The Last Ranger’ earned a nomination in the Best Live Action Short category while Cynthia Erivo, the British actor of Nigerian descent also secured a Best Actress nomination for her role in Wicked. Soundtrack to a Coup d’Etat, a film directed by Belgian filmmaker Johan Grimonprez, which covers an important chapter in African politics through an examination of 1960s’ Democratic Republic of Congo also snagged a nomination for Best Documentary Feature Film.
However, one of the night’s standout moments was Brazilian film I’m Still Here winning Best International Feature. Though not an African production, its theme resonated with the struggles and resilience seen in many African states. The film’s win marked Brazil’s first-ever victory in this category, but it also sparked discussions about the increasing collaborations between African and Latin American filmmakers in telling underrepresented stories on a global scale.
African actors and directors may not have taken home the biggest prizes, their presence on the red carpet, in nomination lists, and on the big screen was unmistakable.
The continent continues to gain traction, with global streaming platforms continuing to invest in original content from Nigeria, South Africa, and Kenya.
The 2025 Grammys and Oscars really showcased the steady rise of African creatives. Tems’ Grammy win was a powerful reminder of how Nigerian music is taking the world by storm, while the Oscars highlighted the gradual yet significant emergence of African cinema on the global scene. Beyond the awards, these events symbolise a broader cultural shift—one where African talent is not only recognised but truly celebrated and appreciated on a global scale.
