Following the close of the eligibility window, the spotlight shifts to November 7, 2025, when the Recording Academy will officially announce the nominations for the 2026 Grammys.

The Grammy awards ceremony itself is scheduled to take place on February 1, 2026, live from Los Angeles. The event will air on CBS and stream live on Paramount+, bringing together music’s most influential artists, producers, and executives for a night that celebrates excellence, innovation, and artistry.

Also, in line with its ongoing efforts to make the Grammy Awards more inclusive and reflective of artistic diversity, the Recording Academy has approved the addition of new category and updates for 2026:

Best Album Cover (New Category)

This newly minted category recognizes the visual art that complements the music. While packaging categories have long existed, this award hones in on album cover artwork specifically, spotlighting creative directors, illustrators, graphic designers, and photographers responsible for some of the most iconic images tied to sound.

Why it matters:
Album artwork often becomes a cultural touchstone, contributing to an album’s legacy and identity. This new category underscores the importance of visual storytelling in the digital age, where cover art is frequently the first impression of a project.

Best Country Album Split:

Country music fans can now look forward to more tailored recognition with the introduction of two distinct categories:

• Best Contemporary Country Album

• Best Traditional Country Album

Purpose:
This change reflects the genre’s evolving sound, acknowledging the stylistic divide between modern, pop-leaning country records and more classic, roots-oriented works. It ensures that artists working in either sphere are judged fairly among their peers.

The 2026 Grammy Awards appear set to reflect a deeper commitment to diversity—not just in the artists celebrated but in the creative disciplines surrounding the music. These changes follow recent years of increased global representation, with African and Latin American artists like Burna Boy, Tems, Karol G, and Rema finding their place on the international stage.

The newly introduced categories and revised rules show the Recording Academy’s dedication to evolving with the industry’s dynamic nature, especially as streaming and digital content continue to shift how audiences consume and engage with music.

As the eligibility period progresses toward its August 30, 2025, cutoff, artists across genres are gearing up for what promises to be one of the most innovative and inclusive Grammy seasons yet. With an emphasis on both sonic and visual excellence, the 2026 Grammys are poised to celebrate music not just as sound, but as a multidimensional form of art.

The post 2026 Grammy Awards: Key Dates Revealed as Recording Academy Introduces Exciting New Categories appeared first on Cosoro Radio UK.

The ceremony, held on May 27, 2025, at the Fontainebleau Las Vegas.

Tyla’s victory marks a significant milestone in her career, highlighting her growing influence in the Afrobeats genre. Her breakout single, “Water,” garnered international acclaim, topping charts and earning her multiple accolades, including the inaugural Best African Music Performance at the 2024 Grammy Awards . This win at the AMAs further solidifies her position as a leading figure in the global music industry.

Her success is not confined to the AMAs. She has made history at the 2025 iHeartRadio Music Awards by winning the World Artist of the Year category, surpassing Nigerian icons Tems and Burna Boy. Additionally, her single “Push 2 Start” has charted globally, reaching number 1 on the Billboard U.S. Afrobeats Songs chart and debuting at number 88 on the Billboard Hot 100.

Tyla’s achievements signal a promising future for African artists on the global stage. Her ability to blend traditional Afrobeats elements with contemporary sounds has garnered her a diverse international fanbase. As she continues to break barriers and set records, Tyla’s journey serves as an inspiration to aspiring musicians worldwide.

The post South African Sensation Tyla Favorite Afrobeats Artist at 2025 AMA Awards appeared first on Cosoro Radio UK.

Lagos, known as Africa’s entertainment capital, has previously hosted AFRIMA from 2014 to 2017. The city’s vibrant music scene, modern infrastructure, and rich cultural heritage make it an ideal location for the awards. The African Union Commission (AUC) and the International Committee of AFRIMA have expressed confidence in Lagos’s ability to deliver a world-class event.

The theme for AFRIMA 2025 is “Unstoppable Africa,” reflecting the continent’s resilience, creativity, and unity. The awards aim to showcase the diverse musical talents of Africa and promote cultural exchange across the continent and beyond.

Meanwhile, The entry submission portal for AFRIMA 2025 will open on May 27, 2025, and close on August 8, 2025. Artists, producers, songwriters, and other music professionals from across Africa and the diaspora are encouraged to submit their works via the AFRIMA digital portal.

AFRIMA 2025 is expected to feature over 1,600 nominees, more than 60,000 visitors and delegates, and an audience of over 400 million viewers globally during the live broadcast. The event will not only celebrate African music but also promote tourism, stimulate economic growth, and enhance the international reputation of the host city.

As the countdown to AFRIMA 2025 begins, anticipation builds for what promises to be a historic celebration of African music and culture in Lagos.

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Stonebwoy’s victory in the Reggae/Dancehall category at the 2025 TGMA marks a decade of dominance in this genre. His consistent recognition reflects his ability to adapt to evolving musical trends while staying true to his roots. Over the years, Stonebwoy has not only maintained relevance but has also set benchmarks for excellence in the industry.

In his acceptance speech, Stonebwoy expressed gratitude to his fans, family, and collaborators. He emphasized that his decade-long success is a collective achievement, acknowledging the support and contributions of those who have been part of his journey. His humility and recognition of others’ roles in his success resonate with his message of unity and collaboration in the music industry.

Beyond his local achievements, Stonebwoy has garnered international acclaim through collaborations with global artists such as Angelique Kidjo and Stormzy. His fifth studio album, 5th Dimension, released under Universal Music Group’s Def Jam Recordings Africa, debuted at number eight on the Billboard Reggae Albums Chart in 2023. This international success highlights his global appeal and the universal resonance of his music.

His influence extends beyond recorded music. His live performances are celebrated for their energy and cultural depth. At the 2025 TGMA, he delivered a captivating performance that paid homage to his Volta Region heritage, incorporating traditional dances and proverbs. This cultural representation not only entertained but also educated audiences about the rich traditions of the Ewe people.

Stonebwoy’s tenth Reggae/Dancehall Artiste of the Year award at the 2025 TGMA is a testament to his unwavering dedication, adaptability, and cultural significance. As he continues to evolve as an artist and cultural ambassador, Stonebwoy remains a pivotal figure in shaping the future of Ghanaian music.

The post Respect longevity – Stonebwoy after winning 10th ‘Reggae/Dancehall Artiste of the Year’ award appeared first on Cosoro Radio UK.

King Promise won the Artiste of the Year beating off competition from Stonebwoy, Joe Mettle, Black Sheriff, King Paluta, Team Eternity and Kwaku Smoke.

CHECK OUT THE FULL LIST OF WINNERS;

• Best Reggae/Dancehall Artiste – Stonebwoy
• Group of the Year – Team Eternity Ghana
• Best Hiplife/Hiphop Artiste of the Year- Kweku Smoke
• Best Reggae/ Dancehall Song of the Year – ‘Psalm 23’ by Stonebwoy
• Best Album/EP of the Year – ‘True to Self’ by King Promise
• Record of the Year – ‘Can I Live’ by Ayisi
• Audio Engineer of the Year – Peewezel
• Best New Artiste of the Year – Beeztrap KOTM
• Music for Development: ‘Chooboi’ by Epixode
• Most Popular Song of the Year- ‘Aseda’ by King Paluta
• Artiste of the Year – King Promise
• Unsung Artiste of the Year – Yaw Darling
• Hiplife Song of the Year – ‘Bad Feelings’ by Tulenkey
• Male Vocal Performance of the Year – Joe Mettle (Woba Wonba)
• Female Vocal Performance – Esther Godwyll
• Highlife Song of the Year – ‘Aseda’ by King Paluta
• Hiphop Song of the Year – ‘Holy Ghost’ by Kweku Smoke
• Collaboration of the Year – ‘Lomo Lomo’ by KiDi ft Black Sherif
• International Collaboration of the Year – ‘The Doing of the Lord by Diana Hamilton ft Mercy Chinwo
• Afropop Song of the Year – ‘Paris’ by King Promise
• Lifetime Achievement Award – Yaw Sarpong and the Asomafo band.
• Traditional Gospel Song of the Year – ‘Watch Me’ by Empress Gifty
• Afrobeats Song of the Year – ‘Asylum’ by OliveTheBoy
• Best Video of the Year – ‘Jejereje by Stonebwoy
• Gospel Artiste of the Year – Joe Mettle
• Producer of the Year – Khendi Beatz (for Aseda)
• Afropop/Afrobeats Artiste of the Year – King Promise
• Best Urban /Contemporary Gospel – Team Eternity Ghana
• African Song of the Year – Tshwala Bam by TitoM and Yuppe
• Highlife Artiste of the Year – Fameye
• Songwriter of the Year – Kofi Kinaata (Saman)
• Rap Performance of the Year – ‘Holy Ghost’ by Kweku Smoke

The post Full list of winners at the 2025 Ghana Music Awards appeared first on Cosoro Radio UK.

“Lisabi: The Uprising,” a compelling historical drama directed by Lateef Adedimeji and Adebimpe Oyebade Adedimeji, emerged as a standout winner. The film clinched the prestigious Best Indigenous Language (West Africa) award, a testament to its cultural resonance and storytelling prowess. Additionally, the film secured accolades in Best Art Direction and Best Make-Up, underscoring its technical excellence.

Femi Adebayo’s “Seven Doors” also garnered significant recognition, winning Best Lead Actor for Femi Adebayo and Best Lead Actress for Chioma Chukwuka.

HERE IS A FULL LIST OF WINNER;

Conclusion

The 2025 AMVCA Awards not only celebrated the artistic and technical achievements of African filmmakers but also highlighted the industry’s growth and global recognition. With films like “Lisabi: The Uprising” and “Seven Doors” leading the charge, the future of Nollywood appears promising, filled with rich narratives and exceptional talent.

The post Lisabi: The Uprising and Seven Doors Sweep the 2025 AMVCA Awards appeared first on Cosoro Radio UK.

Ayra Starr’s nominations include Best Female R&B/Pop Artist, Best New Artist, and Best International Act. Her presence in these categories underscores her growing influence in the global music scene.

Other Africans nominated includes, Rema (Nigeria), Black Sheriff (Ghana), Tyla (South Africa), Tems (Nigeria),  Abigail Chams (Tanzania), Dlala Thukzin (South Africa), Maglera Doe Boy (South Africa),  Shallipopi (Nigeria), TxC (South Africa)

Here are the nominees for the BET Awards 2025 below:

Best Female R&B/Pop Artist

• Ari Lennox
• Ayra Starr
• Coco Jones
• Kehlani
• Muni Long
• Summer Walker
• SZA
• Victoria Monét

Album of the Year

• $ome $exy $ongs 4 U – Drake & Partynextdoor
• 11:11 Deluxe – Chris Brown
• Alligator Bites Never Heal – Doechii
• Cowboy Carter – Beyoncé
• Glorious – GloRilla
• GNX – Kendrick Lamar
• Hurry Up Tomorrow – The Weeknd
• We Don’t Trust You – Future & Metro Boomin

Best Male R&B/Pop Artist

• Bruno Mars
• Chris Brown
• Drake
• Fridayy
• Leon Thomas
• Teddy Swims
• The Weeknd
• Usher

Best Group

• 41
• Common & Pete Rock
• Drake & Partynextdoor
• FLO
• Future & Metro Boomin
• Jacquees & Dej Loaf
• Larry June, 2 Chainz, The Alchemist
• Maverick City Music

Best Collaboration

• “30 For 30” – SZA feat. Kendrick Lamar“
• Alter Ego” – Doechii feat. JT
• “Are You Even Real” – Teddy Swims feat. Givēon
• “Beckham” – Dee Billz feat. Kyle Richh, Kai Swervo, KJ Swervo
• “Bless” – Lil Wayne, Wheezy & Young Thug
• “Like That” – Future & Metro Boomin & Kendrick Lamar
• “Luther” – Kendrick Lamar & SZA
• “Sticky” – Tyler, The Creator feat. GloRilla, Sexyy Red & Lil Wayne
• “Timeless” – The Weeknd feat. Playboi Carti

Best Female Hip Hop Artist

• Cardi B
• Doechii
• Doja Cat
• GloRilla
• Latto
• Megan Thee Stallion
• Nicki Minaj
• Rapsody
• Sexyy Red

Best Male Hip Hop Artist

• BigXthaPlug
• Bossman DLow
• Burna Boy
• Drake
• Future
• Kendrick Lamar
• Key Glock
• Lil Wayne
• Tyler, The Creator

Video of the Year

• “3AM in Tokeyo” – Key Glock
• “A Bar Song (Tipsy)” – Shaboozey
• “After Hours” – Kehlani
• “Denial Is a River” – Doechii
• “Family Matters” – Drake
• “Not Like Us” – Kendrick Lamar
• “Timeless” – The Weeknd feat. Playboi Carti
• “Type Shit” – Future, Metro Boomin, Travis Scott & Playboi Carti

Video Director of the Year

• Anderson .Paak
• B Pace Productions & Jacquees
• Benny Boom
• Cactus Jack
• Cole Bennett
• Dave Free & Kendrick Lamar
• Dave Meyers
• Foggieraw
• Tyler, The Creator

Best New Artist

• 41
• Ayra Starr
• BigXthaPlug
• Bossman DLow
• Dee Billz
• Leon Thomas
• October London
• Shaboozey
• Teddy Swims

DR. Bobby Jones Best Gospel/Inspirational Award

• “Residuals” – Chris Brown
• “Denial Is a River” – Doechii
• “Nokia” – Drake
• “Like That” – Future & Metro Boomin feat. Kendrick Lamar
• “TGIF” – GloRilla
• “Not Like Us” – Kendrick Lamar
• “Luther” – Kendrick Lamar & SZA
• “Brokey” – Latto

• Any Gabrielly (Brazil)
• Ayra Starr (Nigeria)
• Basky (UK)
• Black Sherif (Ghana)
• Ezra Collective (UK)
• Joé Dwèt Filé (France)
• MC Luanna (Brazil)
• Rema (Nigeria)
• SDM (France)
• Tyla (South Africa)
• Uncle Waffles (Swaziland)

• Abigail Chams (Tanzania)
• Ajulicosta (Brazil)
• Amabbi (Brazil)
• Dlala Thukzin (South Africa)
• Dr Yaro (France)
• KWN (UK)
• Maglera Doe Boy (South Africa)
• Merveille (France)
• Odeal (UK)
• Shallipopi (Nigeria)
• TxC (South Africa)

• “Beautiful People” – Mary J. Blige
• “Blackbiird” – Beyoncé feat. Tanner Adell, Brittney Spencer, Tiera Kennedy & Reyna Roberts
• “Bloom” – Doechii
• “Burning” – Tems
• “Defying Gravity” – Cynthia Erivo feat. Ariana Grande
• “Heart of a Woman” – Summer Walker
• “Hold On” – Tems
• “In My Bag” – FLO & GloRilla

• Bad Boys: Ride or Die
• Beverly Hills Cop: Axel F
• Luther: Never Too Much
• Mufasa: The Lion King
• One of Them Days
• Rebel Ridge
• The Piano Lesson
• The Six Triple Eight

• Aaron Pierce
• Aldis Hodge
• Anthony Mackie
• Colman Domingo
• Denzel Washington
• Jamie Foxx
• Joey Bada$$
• Kevin Hart
• Sterling K. Brown
• Will Smith

• Andra Day
• Angela Bassett
• Coco Jones
• Cynthia Erivo
• Keke Palmer
• Kerry Washington
• Quinta Brunson
• Viola Davis
• Zendaya

• Akira Akbar
• Blue Ivy Carter
• Graceyn “Gracie” Hollingsworth
• Heiress Harris
• Melody Hurd
• Thaddeus J. Mixson
• Tyrik Johnson
• VanVan

• A’ja Wilson
• Angel Reese
• Claressa Shields
• Coco Gauff
• Dawn Staley
• Flau’jae Johnson
• Juju Watkins
• Sha’Carri Richardson
• Simone Biles

• Aaron Judge
• Anthony Edwards
• Deion Sanders
• Jalen Hurts
• Jayson Tatum
• LeBron James
• Saquon Barkley
• Stephen Curry

The post Ayra Starr Leads Africa at 2025 BET Awards: Tems, Black Sheriff, & More Nominated appeared first on Cosoro Radio UK.

A Night of Chaos and Controversy

After three years abroad, the 17th Headies returned to Lagos with  the promise of fresh innovation, but the ceremony was plagued by a series of issues that undermined its credibility.

From the late start, to awkwardly long pauses between presentations to presenters appearing confused and unprepared, the event felt disjointed and unprofessional. Award plaques were still being delivered during the ceremony, leading to acceptance speeches without the physical trophies, diminishing the significance of these moments .​

The show slated to start at 8 PM started past 11 PM and ran into 4 AM. This wasn’t a small-town concert; this was the Headies—Nigeria’s most anticipated music award show. An event meant to celebrate industry excellence starts over two hours late, it’s not just inconvenient, it’s disrespectful.

By the time the event finally got underway, the atmosphere had soured. The momentum never quite recovered, and the rushed, disorganized program that followed only made things worse. What should have been a night of celebration and spotlight quickly became a case study in how not to run a high-profile event.

Adding to the controversy, some winners were announced hours after the event concluded, casting doubt on the integrity of the selection process.

The Decline of a Once-Respected Institution

Established in 2006, the Headies Awards were intended to recognize and celebrate excellence in the Nigerian music industry. However, over the years, the show has faced criticism for its outdated production, limited genre representation, and inconsistent execution. The 17th edition, in particular, showcased a lack of innovation and adaptation to modern standards, leading to widespread disappointment among artists, fans, and industry professionals alike.​

Industry experts and critics agree that the Headies must undergo significant reforms to regain its status as a prestigious award show. Recommendations include overhauling the planning and execution processes, embracing a wider range of music genres, ensuring gender balance in award categories, and modernizing production to appeal to a tech-savvy audience.

Furthermore, there is a call for greater transparency in the nomination and voting processes to restore public trust and credibility. Engaging with the younger generation through digital platforms and incorporating their feedback can also help the Headies reconnect with its audience and adapt to the changing landscape of the music industry.​

Conclusion: A Crossroads for the Headies

The 17th Headies Awards served as a wake-up call for organizers and stakeholders in the Nigerian music industry. If the Headies is to reclaim its position as a leading music award show, it must embrace change, prioritize professionalism, and genuinely reflect the diversity and dynamism of Nigeria’s music scene. Only through genuine reform and commitment to excellence can the Headies hope to restore its legacy and continue to celebrate the rich tapestry of Nigerian music.​

The post The Headies 2025: From Glory to Grit – How Nigeria’s Premier Music Awards Lost Its Spark and What It Must Do to Shine Again” appeared first on Cosoro Radio UK.

In a candid post on X (formerly Twitter), Shallipopi wrote:​

“Mtchewwww”​

“The next one if una see me make I bend”​

“I nor go even lie for una sef, I nor want that award give the real rappers wey dey the category, me Shallipopi I nor be rapper”​

These statements suggest his frustration with the ceremony’s organization and his perceived misplacement in the rap category. Notably, Shallipopi was also nominated for the Next Rated award, a category he did not win.

His remarks have ignited discussions about the evolving nature of Nigerian music and the criteria for categorizing artists. While Shallipopi’s style blends elements of rap, Afrobeat, and street-hop, his comments highlight the challenges artists face in fitting into traditional genre classifications.​

The post Shallipopi Declares ‘I Nor Be Rapper’ After Headies Win; Vows Never to Attend Again appeared first on Cosoro Radio UK.

Joined by his mother and over 11 close associates, Odumodublvck’s acceptance speech resonated deeply with many. He expressed gratitude for overcoming numerous challenges, stating,​

“Against all odds, I have pushed against so many barriers like this. Couple of years back, there were so many feelings we could not express through our music. The world clap us down, ‘you can’t be this,’ ‘you can’t speak like this,’ ‘you can’t do this,’ ‘you can’t release music in this way.’ Me standing here today is proof that all those things are fallacies. It only would have been possible through my Lord and Saviour, Jesus Christ, who has been there for me through thick and thin. Tonight, God has shown that God reigns.”​

This bold act of defiance quickly went viral, with fans and industry insiders praising his resilience and commitment to his craft. Beyond the Next Rated Artist accolade, Odumodublvck also won Best Rap Single for his collaboration “Cast” with Shallipopi, further cementing his place in the Nigerian music scene.​

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