African music is poised for a monumental celebration as the nominees for the 2025 All Africa Music Awards (AFRIMA) have been unveiled, confirming the continent’s growing global dominance. This year’s edition has shattered records with an unprecedented 10,717 entries, the highest since the awards’ inception 12 years ago, underscoring a vibrant and thriving music scene.
Following a rigorous 10-day adjudication process, an international jury of 13 music experts has shortlisted 343 nominees across 40 categories, a testament to the immense talent spanning Africa’s five regions and the diaspora.
Leading the charge from Nigeria are global titans Burna Boy and Davido, who have both secured an impressive five nominations apiece. The two heavyweights are set to clash in major categories including ‘Album of the Year’ and ‘Song of the Year,’ reflecting their unparalleled impact on the global music stage. Their impressive count is matched by a diverse array of artistes from across the continent, including South Africa’s DJ Maphorisa, Morocco’s El Grande Toto, Ghana’s Moliy, and Senegal’s Mia Guissé, highlighting a truly pan-African spread of excellence.
The Nigerian delegation’s dominance extends further with the inclusion of street-pop sensation Shallipopi, who earned four nominations, including the coveted ‘Artiste of the Year’ category. He is joined in this category by Egypt’s Amr Diab, Tanzania’s Diamond Platnumz, South Africa’s Tyla, and Eswatini’s Uncle Waffles, all of whom also secured four nods. Meanwhile, global sensations Rema and Ayra Starr have garnered multiple nominations, cementing Nigeria’s powerful presence on the list.
According to Michael Osunnuyi, AFRIMA’s PR and Media Relations Manager, this year’s record-breaking submissions affirm the awards’ status as a definitive platform for African music. This sentiment was echoed by AFRIMA jury member, Delani Makhalima, who described the 2025 nominees as irrefutable proof of African music’s rise as a global force.
The AFRIMA 2025 awards, organized in partnership with the African Union Commission and the Nigerian Government, are scheduled to take place from November 25 to 30 in Lagos, the official host city. The week-long celebration promises to be a fitting climax to a year defined by the unassailable power and influence of African sound.
