AFRIMA 2025 Nominees Announced: A Celebration of Africa’s Musical Excellence

The International Committee of the All Africa Music Awards (AFRIMA), in collaboration with the African Union Commission (AUC), has officially revealed the list of nominees for the 2025 AFRIMA edition. This announcement highlights the continent’s vibrant music scene, showcasing both established icons and emerging talents.

Record-Breaking Participation and Rigorous Selection Process

This year’s nominations were drawn from an unprecedented 10,717 submissions, marking the highest number of entries since AFRIMA’s inception 12 years ago. A dedicated 13-member International Jury undertook a meticulous 10-day evaluation, ultimately selecting 343 nominees across 40 diverse categories. These nominees represent Africa’s five regions as well as the diaspora, reflecting the continent’s rich musical diversity.

Voting Opens Globally: Engage and Support Your Favorite Artists

Fans worldwide will have the opportunity to influence the outcome by voting online starting September 10, 2025, through the official AFRIMA website (www.afrima.org). Voting will remain open until November 29, just before the grand awards ceremony, allowing music enthusiasts across Africa and the diaspora to actively participate in celebrating their favorite artists.

Top Contenders: Established Stars and Rising Phenoms

Nigeria’s Burna Boy and Davido lead the nominations with five nods each. Burna Boy’s critically acclaimed album No Sign of Weakness and Davido’s 5ive are both contenders for Album of the Year, while their chart-topping singles have earned them spots in Song of the Year and Best Collaboration categories.

South African DJ Maphorisa also secured five nominations, including Best African DJ and Album of the Year, underscoring his influence in the continent’s music scene. Morocco’s rap sensation El Grande Toto, with his album Salgoat and hit single “Diplomatico,” matched this feat, gaining international recognition.

Emerging Voices Making Waves

Among the newcomers, Nigeria’s street-pop star Shallipopi stands out with four nominations, including Artiste of the Year and Song of the Year for his collaboration “Laho.” Senegal’s Mia Guissé and Ghana’s Moliy each earned five nominations, signaling the growing prominence of female artists in Africa’s music industry.

Egypt’s Amr Diab, one of the Middle East’s best-selling artists, received four nominations, while Côte d’Ivoire’s Himra, with his album Big Aka 4 Aka Kai, garnered three nods, including Album of the Year. Tanzania’s Diamond Platnumz continues to dominate East Africa with four nominations, alongside South Africa’s Tyla and Eswatini’s Uncle Waffles, who highlight the rising popularity of Amapiano and Afro-house genres.

Regional Highlights and Notable Mentions

West Africa’s Didi B earned three nominations, including Best Male Artiste, while Gabon’s Eboloko and Emma’a secured three nods each, with Emma’a recognized among the best female artistes in Central Africa. DR Congo’s Fally Ipupa and Ferre Gola also made significant impacts with three nominations apiece.

North Africa’s Jaylann and Tanzania’s Juma Jux, nominated for Song of the Year with “Ololufe mi,” each received three nominations. South Africa’s Mawhoo and rap icon Nasty C also earned three nods, while Nigeria’s Rema was nominated for Artiste of the Year and Best Male in West Africa. Ayra Starr, with two nominations, competes alongside heavyweights like Davido and Burna Boy for the prestigious Artiste of the Year award.

Spotlight on the African Diaspora

The diaspora’s influence is evident with male nominees such as DJ Snake, Gazo, Niska, Tayc, Tiakola, Tif, Werenoi, WizTheMC, L’Algérino, and Odeal making the list. Female artists like Aya Nakamura, Annatoria, Choisie Basolua, Darkoo, Deborah Lukalu, Faouzia, Ronisia, The Unveiled, Theodora, and Zaho also feature prominently, showcasing the global reach of African music.

AFRIMA’s Impact: A Testament to African Music’s Global Rise

Delani Makhalima, representing Southern Africa on the AFRIMA jury, emphasized the significance of this year’s nominees. “African music has transcended borders and is now a global phenomenon. For years, our artists and creators were overlooked, but today, AFRIMA stands as the continent’s premier music platform, amplifying our voices worldwide,” he remarked.

Event Details: AFRIMA 2025 in Lagos

Organized in partnership with the African Union Commission, the Federal Government of Nigeria, and Lagos State as the official host city, AFRIMA 2025 will take place from November 25 to 30. The week-long festivities include the Welcome Soiree, AFRIMA Music Village, Africa Music Business Summit, Host City Tour, Nominees Party, and culminate in the Main Awards Ceremony.

The grand finale on November 30 will be broadcast live to audiences in over 84 countries, further cementing AFRIMA’s role in promoting African music on the world stage.