Celebrating Black Excellence: 2025 JUNO Nominees to Watch - The JUNO Awards

The 2025 JUNO Awards feature an incredible lineup of Black artists across multiple categories, representing various genres and musical styles. As we honour Black History Month, we celebrate the impact, artistry, and achievements of this year’s nominees. From rising stars to industry veterans, these artists are shaping the sound of Canadian music.

Akeel Henry

Toronto-based Akeel Henry is nominated for Jack Richardson Producer of the Year Presented by Audio-Technica, adding to an already impressive career. Mentored by Babyface and trained by Noah “40” Shebib, the Grammy-nominated and JUNO-winning producer has worked with some of the biggest names in music, including Giveon, Jazmine Sullivan, and John Legend. Most recently, Henry has continued his streak of high-profile collaborations, producing for Megan Thee Stallion, Victoria Monét, Chlöe Bailey, and Ari Lennox.

Aqyila

Toronto R&B sensation Aqyila is up for two JUNO Awards: Traditional R&B/Soul Recording of the Year and Contemporary R&B Recording of the Year for tracks “Limbo” and “Bloom”. She first gained attention with “Vibe for Me (Bob for Me)”, but it was “Bloom” that became a viral success, charting in 21 countries and earning her a gold certification in South Africa. With over 100 million streams worldwide, Aqyila is quickly establishing herself as a leading voice in Canadian R&B.

 

DijahSB

Non-binary rapper DijahSB is nominated for Dance Recording of the Year and Rap Album/EP of the Year. Known for their introspective lyricism and genre-blending sound, DijahSB’s journey has been marked by critically acclaimed releases like Head Above the Waters and The Flower That Knew, which earned a Polaris Prize shortlist spot. Their music balances personal storytelling with an infectious energy, making them one of Canada’s most exciting hip-hop artists.

Haviah Mighty

JUNO and Polaris Prize-winning rapper Haviah Mighty is back with a nomination for Rap Single of the Year, continuing to push boundaries in Canadian hip-hop.As the first woman to win Rap Album/EP of the Year at the JUNOS, she’s a true trailblazer. Renowned for her sharp lyricism and fearless storytelling, her JUNO-nominated single “Double the Fun” showcases her signature style, pairing bold wordplay with hard-hitting production.

 

Kaytranada

Montreal’s Kaytranada is nominated for Artist of the Year Presented by Sirius XM and Electronic Album of the Year Presented by Nissan. With Grammy wins, a JUNO Award for BUBBA, and a reputation as one of the best producers in the world, Kaytranada’s blend of house, funk, and R&B has redefined electronic music. His latest album, TIMELESS, received widespread acclaim, showcasing his effortless ability to create tracks that get people moving.

Mustafa

Singer-songwriter Mustafa is nominated for Music Video of the Year and Songwriter of the Year Presented by SOCAN. A gifted poet since childhood, Mustafa’s music weaves together themes of identity, faith, and resilience. His debut project, When Smoke Rises, received international praise, and his songwriting has been featured in works by The Weeknd, Shawn Mendes, and Charlotte Day Wilson. His latest album, DUNYA, continues to showcase his signature introspective lyricism, blending poetic storytelling with delicate, soul-stirring melodies.

 

Ryan Ofei

Nominated for Contemporary Christian/Gospel Album of the Year, Ryan Ofei is a Grammy-winning artist making a powerful impact across gospel, soul, and Afrobeats. As a key member of Maverick City Music, he has collaborated with icons like Kirk Franklin, earning recognition for his dynamic vocal delivery and uplifting message. His JUNO-nominated debut album, Restore, has already surpassed 15 million streams, showcasing his ability to blend traditional gospel with modern influences. With his genre-spanning sound, Ofei is bringing a fresh energy to global gospel music.

Exco Levi

A five-time JUNO winner, Exco Levi is once again nominated for Reggae Recording of the Year this time for his smooth and upbeat track “Born to Be Free.” Since moving to Canada from Jamaica in 2005, he has become a leader in the country’s reggae scene. From festival stages worldwide to the Brampton Walk of Fame, Exco Levi continues to represent reggae with authenticity and passion.

 

Djely Tapa

Nominated for Global Music Album of the Year, Djely Tapa is a Malian-born, Montreal-based artist blending traditional Mandingue music with blues and electronic elements. In 2020 she took home the JUNO for World Music Album of the Year and has performed internationally, carrying forward the art of West African storytelling through music. Her 2025 JUNO-nominated album, Dankoroba, honours the timeless influence of legendary women, blending ancestral sounds with modern production

Luna Elle

At just 19, Luna Elle is quickly emerging as one of Canada’s most promising R&B voices. Nominated for Traditional R&B/Soul Recording of the Year, her rich, soulful sound has already garnered millions of streams. Drawing inspiration from legends like Toni Braxton and Beyoncé, she fuses ‘90s R&B with soft, emotive vocals, as showcased in her JUNO-nominated track, “Halfway Broken.”

 

These nominees represent just a fraction of the incredible Black talent shaping the Canadian music landscape. As we celebrate Black History Month, we honour the artists who continue to innovate, inspire, and leave an enduring impact on Canadian music.

For a full list of 2025 JUNO Award nominees, please visit www.junoawards.ca/nominees. 

Featured image: Mustafa performs “Stay Alive”. JUNO Award Broadcast. Budweiser Stage, Toronto, On. May 15, 2022. Photo: iPhoto/CARAS

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