When Central Cee, Sylvester Ukwu, Dave, David Omoregie, Ghetts, Justin Swaby, Little Simz, Simbiatu Ajikawo and Stormzy, Michael Owuo Jr. found themselves on the same shortlist, the excitement was palpable across the UK urban scene. The nominees were officially revealed on January 31, 2025 as part of the full BRIT Awards roll‑call, and the showdown will go down on Saturday, March 1, 2025 at the iconic O2 Arena, London.
The ceremony – formally known as BRIT Awards 2025O2 Arena, London, England – will be streamed live on ITV1 and on the ITVX platform. With a capacity of roughly 20,000 seats, the O2 has hosted the BRITs every year since 2011, and this year's edition marks the 45th anniversary of the awards, which trace their roots back to the 1977 Britannia Centenary Awards.
Who are the five nominees?
Each artist has carved a distinct path in the UK chart landscape during 2024, and their bodies of work illustrate why the British Phonographic Industry (BPI) chose to spotlight them.
- Central Cee – The London‑born rapper burst onto the scene with the mixtape Wild West and followed up with the chart‑topping single "Do It". With three total BRIT nominations this year, his sleek flow and street‑wise lyricism earned him a spot in the category.
- Dave – Already a household name after his 2022 win, the Oxford‑raised MC released the concept album Omega in late 2024, tackling themes from mental health to social injustice. Critics hailed it as a ‘masterclass in modern British rap’.
- Ghetts – A veteran of the grime circuit, Ghetts (Justin Swaby) delivered the gritty record Requiem for a Dream, which featured collaborations with younger talent and proved his staying power.
- Little Simz – The Grammy‑nominated poet‑rapper continued her ascent with the introspective project Clarity, blending jazz‑infused beats with razor‑sharp verses. She also serves on the PRS board, underscoring her industry influence.
- Stormzy – The chart‑topping star returned with the anthem “Lionheart”, a track that topped the UK Singles Chart for three weeks and sparked conversations about activism in music.
How the winner is chosen
The BRIT Awards voting academy – a collective of more than 1,200 music‑industry professionals ranging from label execs to journalists – decides the outcome. While the exact weighting for the Hip‑Hop/Grime/Rap Act category isn’t public, past years suggest a blend of peer voting and statistical performance (streams, sales, radio play) informs the final tally. The voting window closes roughly a week before the live event, giving nominees a brief but intense period of speculation.
What else is on the night’s agenda?
Beyond the five nominees, the ceremony promises a packed bill. Performers include former Little Mix star Jade Thirlwall, US singer‑songwriter Teddy Swims, and British indie act The Last Dinner Party. A tribute montage for the late One Direction frontman Liam Payne will also feature, acknowledging his untimely passing in October 2024.
Why this category matters now
The resurgence of the urban category – re‑introduced in 2022 after a long hiatus – signals the British music industry’s acknowledgment of rap and grime as mainstream forces. In 2024, UK urban tracks accounted for 23% of total streaming minutes in the country, according to the Official Charts Company. The BRITs platform gives these artists a stage traditionally dominated by pop and rock, amplifying their global reach.
Looking ahead: 2026 and beyond
Industry analysts predict the category will expand to include sub‑categories such as “British Drill Act” as the scene continues to diversify. For now, the spotlight remains on the five nominees, whose upcoming releases, tours and collaborations will undoubtedly shape the conversation leading up to March 1.
Frequently Asked Questions
When and where will the BRIT Awards 2025 be held?
The ceremony takes place on Saturday, March 1, 2025 at the O2 Arena in London, a venue that can host up to 20,000 attendees for the show.
Who are the five artists nominated for the British Hip‑Hop/Grime/Rap Act?
The nominees are Central Cee, Dave, Ghetts, Little Simz and Stormzy, each of whom released influential projects throughout 2024.
How does the voting academy decide the winner?
More than 1,200 industry professionals – including artists, label executives and journalists – cast votes. The exact formula blends peer votes with commercial metrics like streaming numbers and sales.
Why is the Hip‑Hop/Grime/Rap category significant for UK music?
Urban genres now command almost a quarter of the nation’s streaming minutes, illustrating their mainstream appeal. Recognising them at the BRITs validates the creative and commercial impact of UK rap and grime on the global stage.
Will the ceremony be broadcast outside the UK?
Yes. While ITV1 and ITVX handle the domestic broadcast, the BRIT Awards are streamed internationally through partner platforms, allowing fans worldwide to watch the live performances and awards.