Nigerian artists dominate Rest of Africa nominees at SAMAs 2025

This year’s nominees are Ayra Starr (The Year I Turned 21), Bensoul (The Party & After Party), Wizkid (Morayo), Tems (Born in the Wild), and Fireboy DML (Adedamola).

The Rest of Africa Award was established to highlight music that transcends national borders and contributes to a shared African soundscape. Nigerian artists make up the majority of this year’s shortlist.

The 2024 award went to Zimbabwean artist Edgar Muzah for his album Son of a Tribe (Royalty Edition), which combined African rhythms with global influences.

“The win by Edgar was  more than an award-it was validation that the Rest of Africa Award truly reflects the  vibrancy and innovation of music from across the continent,” SAMAs spokesperson Unati Gwija said. “The interest in this category is  growing, and the domination by Nigerian musicians this year might just be a humdinger of  things to come.

“On behalf of RiSA and the SAMA office, we extend heartfelt thanks to the judges, whose  tireless listening and deliberation honour the integrity of this process. Their work ensures  that the Rest of Africa category is celebrated with the respect it deserves,”

Below are the 2025 Rest of Africa nominees:

• Ayra Starr (Nigeria)
• Bensoul (Kenya)
• Wizkid (Nigeria)
• Tems (Nigeria)
• Fireboy DML (Nigeria)