By Tunde Oso

Hope, excitement and continental pride swept through Africa’s entertainment space as Alongside Entertainment officially released the full nomination list for the Notable African Music Awards (NAMA) 2025, ahead of its second edition fixed for 13 December in Lagos, Nigeria.

For many of the nominated artists, there are so many categories in this year’s nominations including Gospel Music Artists, DJs, Dancers, amongst others.

The announcement was more than a list, it was a defining moment. And for two fast emerging Nigerian born and UK based singers, Cyndy and Cherish, it was a moment soaked in emotion, gratitude, and possibility. Both artistes, who have been building momentum across Europe and Africa with their distinctive Afrobeat sound, earned double nominations, a feat that immediately set social media buzzing with messages of support from fans at home and abroad.

Ken D, a new force finding his footing among Africa’s fastest rising stars living and making his music in the UK also got nominated.

While the spotlight has been bright on Cyndy and Cherish, Ken D is another name quietly making waves in this year’s nominations , whose inclusion in the Notable Album of the Year category with his project “Fresh Start” adds a new layer of excitement to his fast growing brand.

For Ken D, this nomination represents a breakthrough moment in a year defined by artistic reinvention. “Fresh Start” has been praised for its relatable storytelling and refreshing sound an album many young listeners have described as “a project that speaks to the soul.”

His rise has been steady but unmistakable, and industry watchers say this nod from NAMA places him firmly on the radar of continental Afrobeat audiences.

Fans have celebrated his nomination as validation of the hard work quietly happening behind the scenes. With this recognition, Ken D joins the new generation of artists positioning themselves for long term relevance in Africa’s evolving music culture.

A journey from quiet hustle to continental buzz before their names hit nomination sheets, much of the world did not know the full story behind their rise.

For Cyndy, the past years has been a marathon studio nights, writing retreats, endless fine tuning, and the eventual release of her well received album “Bloom.” The project, with its soulful messaging and rhythmic authenticity, has become a favourite among young Afrobeat listeners in the UK, Nigeria, and beyond.

Cherish, on the other hand, has been praised for her strong vocal identity and her ability to blend contemporary Afro fusion with traditional Nigerian influences. Her album “ORIGIN” has been described as a brave artistic statement, one that honours her roots while positioning her as a global performer in the making.

To see both artistes earn nominations in Notable Afrobeat Artist of the Year and Notable Album of the Year categories has now become a point of inspiration for upcoming female musicians, especially those navigating the challenges of diaspora artistry.

“We just want to make our people proud,” Cyndy said in an emotional reaction online, while Cherish wrote simply, “This is God. This is growth. Thank you Africa.”

Their fans responded with applause, prayers, and pledges to vote until victory is certain.

A pan African line up that tells Africa’s music story, this year’s nominees reflect a broader story, a story of Africa’s rising musical diversity, its expanding sonic identity and its refusal to let borders define creativity.

In the Notable Afrobeat Artist of the Year category, the list reads like a map of Africa, Ofego (Nigeria), King Kalibro (Uganda), BIG CENT (Nigeria), ARODRAMS EMRD (DR Congo), Fresh Meddo (Sierra Leone), M.Frosh ODG (Nigeria), Fistong Boy (Equatorial Guinea), DEGO BOY (Uganda), Tadeo Makoly (Equatorial Guinea), Smockizzy (Nigeria), Sunofsonx (Nigeria), Cyndyzo (Zimbabwe), Michael_Bchord (Nigeria), Will Flash (Liberia), Mr IG (Nigeria), Cherish (Nigeria), Afrokingwestham (Sierra Leone), Sunofsonx (Nigeria), and Cyndy (Nigeria).

The Notable Album of the Year category also reflects an equally rich spread with EG Royce (Bad Boy – Nigeria), Ofego (Girls Dem Daddy – Nigeria), Gadoora (Safari – Sudan), VocaL Snipes (South Africa), Maysoniq (Astrozania Fest Reloaded – South Sudan), Cyndy (Bloom – Nigeria), Ken D (Fresh Start – Nigeria), La Reine Yose (Tears & Laughter – Cameroon), and Cherish (ORIGIN – Nigeria).

The organisers say this year’s edition attracted more submissions from across the continent than ever before, a sign of the award’s rising influence and the seriousness with which emerging African artists now approach global visibility.

As voting closes, the race tightens with voting officially closing on 7th December 2025, fans across Africa and the diaspora are already mobilising to support their favourites. For some nominees, especially new entrants, the recognition alone is a breakthrough,for others, winning could change the trajectory of their careers.

Founder of Alongside Entertainment, Patrick Okereke aka DJ Oscar P said the awards were designed to celebrate African talent while promoting unity within the continent’s music ecosystem.

According to him, the 2025 edition will feature electrifying performances, surprise guest appearances, and a major celebration of African creativity.

All Eyes on December 13th, as Lagos prepares to host some of Africa’s brightest talents, the continent waits with bated breath. For Cyndy, Ken D,Cherish, the road to NAMA 2025 is already a victory, a story young artists, far from home, carrying their culture on global shoulders.

But with both women earning double nominations and a growing fan base behind them, Nigerians are hopeful that they will not only make the final shortlist but return to the UK with their first major African award.

Whether they clinch the top prizes or not, one thing is certain ,the spotlight is firmly on them, and Africa is watching.