Africa’s biggest music celebration, the All Africa Music Awards (AFRIMA), is set to reach new heights in 2025 as it unveils its most competitive and star-studded nominees list to date. In partnership with the African Union Commission (AUC) and the Federal Government of Nigeria, the International Committee of AFRIMA has released the official 2025 nominations, igniting anticipation across the continent and the diaspora.
Held under the theme of “Amplifying the Voice of Africa”, the 2025 edition is breaking records and boundaries, with an unprecedented 10,717 entries, the highest in AFRIMA’s 12-year history. From these, a 13-member jury selected 343 nominees across 40 categories, representing Africa’s five regions as well as its global diaspora.
Thee 2025 edition is shaping up to be a true clash of titans. Nigeria’s Burna Boy and Davido lead the pack with five nominations each, including Album of the Year, Song of the Year, and Best Collaboration for their chart-topping hits and influential projects, No Sign of Weakness and 5ive, respectively.
Joining them at the top:
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El Grande Toto (Morocco) – 5 nominations for his album Salgoat and hit Diplomatico.
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DJ Maphorisa (South Africa) – 5 nominations including Best African DJ and Album of the Year.
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Mia Guissé (Senegal) and Moliy (Ghana) – 5 nominations each, signaling a powerful wave of female representation at the top.
Other notable contenders include:
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Amr Diab (Egypt) – 4 nominations, cementing his legendary status across the Arab world.
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Diamond Platnumz (Tanzania) – 4 nominations, continuing his dominance in East African music.
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Tyla (South Africa) and Uncle Waffles (Eswatini) – 4 nominations each, showcasing the amapiano and Afro-house takeover.
Meanwhile, Rema earned three nominations, including Artiste of the Year and Best Male Artiste in West Africa and Ayra Starr secured two nominations, facing off in the fiercely competitive Artiste of the Year category alongside Davido, Burna Boy, and El Grande Toto.
Shallipopi (Nigeria), Didi B (Côte d’Ivoire), Amr Diab (Egypt), Jux (Tanzania), Himra (Côte d’Ivoire), Eboloko (Gabon) , picked up multiple nominations, signaling a shifting landscape in African pop, amapiano, and Afro-house and further deepening the competition pool.
AFRIMA 2025’s reach extends beyond the continent:
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DJ Snake, Tayc, Gazo, Niska, Tiakola, WizTheMC, Tif, L’Algérino, and Odeal lead the male diaspora nominations.
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Aya Nakamura, Darkoo, Ronisia, Faouzia, Deborah Lukalu, Annatoria, Theodora, and others feature among the top female diaspora nominees.
This global embrace reflects AFRIMA’s mission to connect the continent’s creativity with global audiences, highlighting African music as a force in the worldwide industry.
What’s Next: Voting and Celebrations
Public voting opens September 10, 2025, and will remain open until November 29 or 30, just before the main ceremony.
The awards week will be held in Lagos, Nigeria, from November 25 to 30, 2025. Festivities include events like the Welcome Soirée, Music Village, Africa Music Business Summit, Nominees Party, and the grand finale on November 30, broadcast live to over 84 countries.
Will Burna Boy or Davido extend their legacies? Can rising stars like Shallipopi, Ayra Starr, or Himra pull an upset? Will the diaspora take home the crown?
One thing’s for sure: AFRIMA 2025 promises to be the most thrilling celebration of African music yet.
