The race for the prestigious All Africa Music Awards (AFRIMA) 2025 has officially kicked off, with Africa’s finest stars and rising sensations set to battle for continental glory. The International Committee of AFRIMA, in partnership with the African Union Commission (AUC), on Friday unveiled the much-anticipated list of nominees.
This year’s edition made history with 10,717 entries, the highest since AFRIMA’s inception 12 years ago. Following 10 days of rigorous adjudication, a 13-member international jury shortlisted 343 nominees across 40 categories, representing Africa’s five regions and the diaspora.
Public voting begins worldwide on September 10, 2025, via www.afrima.org, and will close on November 30, a day before the grand awards ceremony scheduled to hold in Lagos from November 25 to 30.
Heavyweights Dominate, New Voices Emerge
Nigeria’s global icons Davido and Burna Boy lead the pack with five nominations each, including the coveted Album of the Year and Song of the Year. They are joined at the top by South Africa’s DJ Maphorisa, Morocco’s El Grande Toto, Senegal’s Mia Guissé, and Ghana’s Moliy, who also bagged five nods apiece – signaling the rise of powerful female voices in African music.
Nigeria’s street-pop sensation Shallipopi secured four nominations, including Artiste of the Year, where he faces stiff competition from Diamond Platnumz (Tanzania), Tyla (South Africa), and Uncle Waffles (Eswatini/South Africa).
From North Africa, Egyptian legend Amr Diab picked up four nominations, while Côte d’Ivoire’s Himra earned three. Nigeria’s Rema and Ayra Starr will also vie for Artiste of the Year alongside Davido, Burna Boy, and El Grande Toto.
In Central Africa, Congolese heavyweights Fally Ipupa and Ferre Gola claimed three nominations each, while Gabon’s Eboloko and Emma’a emerged in major categories. Across the diaspora, big names including Aya Nakamura, Darkoo, Tayc, DJ Snake, and Niska made the nominees’ roll.
As the countdown begins, Lagos prepares to once again host the continent’s most glamorous music fiesta, celebrating Africa’s rich diversity, sound, and global influence.
