Davido, Burna Boy, Osimhen, Sanwo-Olu nominated for 2025 Golden Stars Awards

The organisers of the Golden Stars Awards have announced the nominees for the 2025 edition, with figures from entertainment, sports, politics, business and digital media represented across dozens of categories.

The nominations place some of Nigeria’s most prominent musicians in contention for Artist of the Year. Davido, Ayra Starr, Burna Boy and Asake were named on the shortlist following a year that saw Nigerian music continue to maintain a strong presence both locally and internationally.

In sports, Ademola Lookman, Alex Iwobi, Cyriel Dessers, Victor Osimhen and Ola Aina received nominations for Footballer of the Year. The category brings together players who have featured prominently for both club and country over the past year.

Several public office holders also secured nominations. Governors Dapo Abiodun, Seyi Makinde, Abba Kabir Yusuf, Alex Otti, Babajide Sanwo-Olu and Chukwuma Soludo were nominated in the Governor of the Year category. Lawmakers were recognised through categories including Best Performing Senator of the Year, House of Rep Member of the Year and Best Performing House of Assembly Member of the Year.

The awards also reflect the growing influence of digital entertainment. Enzo, Carter Efe, Phyna, Peller and Shank Comics were nominated for Streamer of the Year, while Mc Zobo, Ozain, Kevinblak, Samuel Banks, Matell and Anifow0se received nominations for Content Creator of the Year.

In the Beauty Content Creator of the Year category, the nominees are Akanigwo Daniel Chinedu, Chioma Goodhair and Omoyemi Akerele.

Nollywood features prominently in this year’s nominations. Bucci Franklin, Stan Nze, Femi Adebayo, Gideon Okeke and Lateef Adedimeji were nominated for Best Nollywood Actor (Digital Space/Cinema), while Linda Ejiofor, Ariyike Owolagba, Genoveva Umeh, Toyin Abraham and Scarlet Gomez were listed in the corresponding actress category.

The Movie of the Year category includes The Herd, Olorisa, Iyalode, Behind The Scenes and To Kill A Monkey. Other film-related categories include Best Lead Actor, Best Lead Actress, Best Supporting Actor, Best Supporting Actress, Movie Producer of the Year and Fast Rising Actress.

The music section also includes Song of the Year, where, Davido and Omah Lay’s With You are among the nominees. The awards further recognise emerging talent through the Next Rated Artist of the Year and Rookie of the Year categories.

Outside entertainment, businesses operating in real estate, furniture manufacturing and financial technology also feature on the nominations list. PalmPay, OPay, Kolomoni, Kuda, Moniepoint and PiggyVest were nominated for Fintech/Digital Bank of the Year, while several developers and property firms received nominations across real estate categories.

The winners are expected to be announced during the Golden Stars Awards ceremony later this year.