Entertainment icon and GRAMMY® Award winner LL COOL J will host the 2025 MTV Video Music Awards (VMAs), set to air live from New York’s UBS Arena on Monday, September 8, at 00:00 WAT on CBS and MTV (DStv Channel 130).

This marks the first time the hip-hop pioneer will host the show solo, after previously sharing the stage with Nicki Minaj and Jack Harlow in 2022.

“LL COOL J has been a trailblazer in music and culture for over three decades, and his return to the VMAs stage as host is a full-circle moment,” said the producers.

A legacy of VMAs moments

The Rock & Roll Hall of Fame inductee has a long history with the awards show. He first won a Moon Person in 1991 for Best Rap and made history as the first rapper to receive the Video Vanguard Award in 1997.

In recent years, LL COOL J has been part of several standout moments on the VMAs stage, including a star-studded hip-hop 50th anniversary tribute in 2023 and a Def Jam 40th anniversary celebration in 2024 featuring surprise guests Public Enemy.

This year, his single Murdergram Deaux featuring Eminem—off his 2024 album THE FORCE—is nominated for Best Hip-Hop.

Performers and surprises to come

Organisers say additional performers, presenters, and special guests will be announced in the coming weeks. Viewers can follow updates on @CBS, @MTV, and @VMAs across social platforms using the hashtag #VMAs.

The production is led by Bruce Gillmer, Jesse Ignjatovic, and Barb Bialkowski, alongside a seasoned team of award-winning producers.

Sponsors for the 2025 VMAs include BACARDÍ®, Burger King®, DORITOS®, Dunkin’®, and PANTENE.

How to watch

Fans in Nigeria and across Africa can tune in on MTV (DStv Channel 130), while U.S. audiences can watch live on CBS. Paramount+ Premium subscribers will also be able to stream the show live via their local CBS affiliate, with on-demand viewing available afterward.

About LL COOL J

Beyond his VMAs legacy, LL COOL J is a cultural icon, known for his influential rap career, acting roles, and impact on global entertainment. He has continued to bridge generations with his music, including collaborations with top stars like Eminem.

About the MTV VMAs

The MTV Video Music Awards, launched in 1984, remain one of the most watched and talked-about nights in music. The event is famed for its unforgettable performances, groundbreaking visuals, and cultural moments that shape the industry.

The Dangote Group has pledged full medical care and compensation for the sister of Nigerian reality TV star, Phyna, who was injured in a road accident involving one of the company’s trucks in Auchi, Edo State.

The victim, identified as Ruth Otabor, is currently receiving treatment at the Irrua Specialist Teaching Hospital in Edo State. However, confusion arose after Dangote’s official statement referred to her as “Mrs. Ruth Otabor.”

Reacting to the statement, Phyna clarified that her sister is not married.

“My sister is not married,” Phyna said in response to the company’s press release.

Dangote’s Response and Support

In its statement signed by management on 14 August 2025, the Dangote Group confirmed that its officials and insurance team promptly visited the accident scene, engaged law enforcement agencies, and visited Ruth and her family at the hospital.

“Following the recent road accident in Auchi, Edo State, involving one of our trucks, which sadly resulted in injury to Mrs. Ruth Otabor, senior officials from Dangote Cement Plc, together with our Insurance team, promptly visited the scene, engaged with law enforcement authorities, and visited the victim and her family at Irrua Specialist Teaching Hospital, Edo State,” the statement read.

The company further pledged to cover Ruth’s medical expenses and provide compensation in line with its welfare policy.

“We are ensuring full support for Mrs. Otabor, including comprehensive medical care and appropriate compensation, in line with Dangote Group’s welfare policy,” it added.

While extending sympathy, Dangote’s management expressed hopes for her recovery.

“Our thoughts remain with Mrs. Ruth Otabor and her loved ones, and we wish her a full and speedy recovery.”

Background

The accident occurred in Auchi, Edo State, involving one of Dangote’s cement trucks. Ruth Otabor sustained serious injuries and was rushed to the Irrua Specialist Teaching Hospital, where she has been receiving medical attention.

The incident has since drawn public attention, especially after her sister, Phyna, the 2022 Big Brother Naija winner — spoke out to correct details in Dangote Group’s initial release.

This development has kept the victim and her recovery at the centre of public concern, while also spotlighting corporate responsibility in Nigeria when accidents involving large companies occur.

The National Chairman of the National Union of Road Transport Workers (NURTW), Alhaji Musiliu Ayinde Akinsanya popularly known as MC Oluomo has made a public appeal to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to show mercy to Fuji music icon, Alhaji Wasiu Ayinde Marshal (K1), over a recent ban on his flights.

In a heartfelt statement, MC Oluomo compared K1’s situation to that of a “prodigal son” who has admitted his mistakes, expressed regret, and pledged to make amends.

“I, Alhaji Musiliu Ayinde Akinsanya, President of the NURTW, humbly and fervently appeal to you to exercise mercy and forgiveness towards Alhaji Wasiu Ayinde Marshal (K1). Like a prodigal son, K1 has acknowledged his mistakes, is sincerely apologetic, and is willing to make amends,” MC Oluomo wrote.

The appeal follows a ban imposed on K1 and pilot Oluranti Ogoyi by the Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA) after an incident at the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport’s local wing in Abuja.

MC Oluomo urged the Director-General of the NCAA, Capt. Chris Najomo, and the Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Barrister Festus Keyamo (SAN), to “temper justice with mercy” and lift the sanctions.

“On behalf of K1, I extend unreserved and heartfelt apologies to the CEO of Value Jet, Mr. Kunle Soname, the staff, the pilot, and the general public. We acknowledge K1’s wrongdoing and deeply appreciate his 50-year contributions to Nigeria’s growth and the promotion of Yoruba culture worldwide,” he said.

Highlighting K1’s legacy as an ambassador of Yoruba music and culture, the NURTW chairman pleaded with the authorities to weigh the singer’s decades of service against the recent controversy.

“I plead with the authorities to accept K1’s apology and show mercy, considering his legacy and dedication to the nation. May wisdom guide your decisions, and may we not throw away the baby with the bathwater,” MC Oluomo stated.

The statement concluded with prayers for the President and the nation:

“God bless you. God bless the Federal Republic of Nigeria.”

K1, also known as King Wasiu Ayinde Marshal, has been a dominant figure in Fuji music for over five decades, shaping the genre’s growth and taking Yoruba culture to global stages.