The anticipation is building for the 2025 All Africa Music Awards (AFRIMA), promising to be one of the most competitive editions in the event’s history.
On August 27, 2025, the AFRIMA International Committee, collaborating with the African Union Commission, revealed the official list of nominees. Esteemed artists such as Davido, Burna Boy, Fally Ipupa, El Grande Toto, DJ Maphorisa, and Amr Diab will contend alongside emerging talents like Shallipopi, Himra, Moliy, Ayra Starr, Juma Jux, and Senegal’s Mia Guissé.
This year, AFRIMA set a new record with 10,717 entries submitted, marking the highest participation since its inception 12 years ago. Following a rigorous 10-day evaluation process, a panel of 13 experts shortlisted 343 nominees spanning 40 categories, showcasing the rich musical diversity across Africa and its diaspora.
Delani Makhalima, a member of the AFRIMA jury, highlighted the significance of this year’s nominees, stating, “African music has transcended borders and is now a global force. AFRIMA stands as the continent’s premier music platform.”
The 2025 AFRIMA festivities are scheduled to take place in Lagos from November 25 to 30. The event will feature hallmark activities including the AFRIMA Music Village, the Africa Music Business Summit, the Nominees Party, culminating in the grand awards ceremony on November 30. The ceremony will be broadcast live to viewers in over 84 countries worldwide.
Complete Nominees List for AFRIMA 2025
| Best Male Artist – Central Africa | |||
| No. | Artist | Song | Country |
| 1 | C4 Pedro | Sem Querer | Angola |
| 2 | Eboloko | Satanana (feat. Dre-A) | Gabon |
| 3 | Gims | Ninao | DRC |
| 4 | Gerilson Insrael | Aroma Insano | Angola |
| 5 | Kocee | Stranger (feat. KS Bloom) | Cameroon |
| 6 | L’Oiseau Rare | Niamatos | Gabon |
| 7 | Fally Ipupa | Le Temps | DRC |
| 8 | Magasco | Dirty Whine (feat. Mimie) | Cameroon |
| 9 | Singuila | On Fait Comment | The Congo |
| 10 | Werrason | Tout Se Paie Ici-Bas | DRC |
| Best Female Artist – Central Africa | |||
| No. | Artist | Song | Country |
| 1 | Anna Joyce | Outra Vez | Angola |
| 2 | Blanche Bailly | Lève Toi (feat. Lady Ponce) | Cameroon |
| 3 | Charlotte Dipanda | Dis Moi (feat. Tayc) | Cameroon |
| 4 | Cindy Le Coeur | Poupiye (feat. Koffi Olomidé) | DRC |
| 5 | Deborah Lukalu | God Is Good | DRC |
| 6 | Emma’a | Ça M’a Laissé | Gabon |
| 7 | Jessy B | La Vie Est Belle (feat. Black M) | The Congo |
| 8 | Krys M | Merci | Cameroon |
| 9 | Liriany | Super Homem | Angola |
| 10 | Rebo | Mobambo | DRC |
| Best Male Artist – Eastern Africa | |||
| No. | Artist | Song | Country |
| 1 | Bien | All My Enemies Are Suffering | Kenya |
| 2 | Diamond Platnumz | Babu (feat. Masterpiece_YVK) | Tanzania |
| 3 | Element Eleééh | Tombe | Rwanda |
| 4 | Joshua Baraka | Wrong Places | Uganda |
| 5 | Jux | God Design (with Phyno) | Tanzania |
| 6 | Marioo | Ha Ha Ha | Tanzania |
| 7 | Mbosso | Ova | Tanzania |
| 8 | Bruce Melodie | Beauty on Fire (feat. Joeboy) | Rwanda |
| 9 | Sat-B | Kirisesé (feat. Champuru Makhenzo) | Burundi |
| 10 | Yared Negu | Alemdim | Ethiopia |
| Best Female Artist – Eastern Africa | |||
| No. | Artist | Song | Country |
| 1 | Abigail Chams | Me Too (with Harmonize) | Tanzania |
| 2 | Bridget Blue | I Choose You (with Bien) | Kenya |
| 3 | Denise | Matoky Zagnahary | Madagascar |
| 4 | Haleluya Tekletsadik | Yelebe | Ethiopia |
| 5 | Lady Jaydee | Po Po | Tanzania |
| 6 | Mahlet Wendimu | Zim | Ethiopia |
| 7 | Salemia | Alem Bire | Ethiopia |
| 8 | Weeha | Dimama | Ethiopia |
| 9 | Winnie Nwagi | Control It | Uganda |
| 10 | Zuchu | Amanda | Tanzania |
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The original article was published on NotJustOk under the title: AFRIMA 2025: Burna Boy, Davido, Shallipopi lead nominees list | full list of nominees.
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