AFRIMA 2025 unveils star-studded nominees list as voting opens September 10

The International Committee of the All Africa Music Awards (AFRIMA), in partnership with the African Union Commission (AUC), has announced the official nominees for the 2025 edition, unveiling a record-breaking lineup that promises to make this year’s competition one of the fiercest yet.

This year, AFRIMA received 10,717 entries—the highest in its 12-year history. After a 10-day adjudication process, a 13-member International Jury shortlisted 343 nominees across 40 categories, cutting across Africa’s five regions and the diaspora.

Public voting is scheduled to open globally on September 10, 2025, via the official AFRIMA website (www.afrima.org), and will run until November 30, 2025, the eve of the grand finale.

Among the biggest nominees are Nigeria’s Burna Boy and Davido, who each scored five nominations including Album of the Year and Song of the Year. South Africa’s DJ Maphorisa and Morocco’s El Grande Toto also earned five nods, while Senegalese singer Mia Guissé and Ghana’s Moliy joined the top tier with five nominations apiece, signaling a strong presence for female acts this year.

Nigeria’s Shallipopi emerged as a rising force with four nominations, including Artiste of the Year and Song of the Year for his hit collaboration Laho. Other multiple nominees include Tanzania’s Diamond Platnumz (4), South Africa’s Tyla (4), Eswatini’s Uncle Waffles (4), Côte d’Ivoire’s Didi B (3), DR Congo’s Fally Ipupa (3), Nigeria’s Rema (3), and Ayra Starr (2), who will battle heavyweights for Artiste of the Year.

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North Africa’s representation is strong with Morocco’s Jaylann and Egypt’s Amr Diab (4), while hip-hop stars from Côte d’Ivoire, Gabon, and South Africa are also in contention. The diaspora category includes stars like Aya Nakamura, DJ Snake, Darkoo, Tayc, Zaho, Odeal, and Annatoria.

AFRIMA jury member Delani Makhalima, representing Southern Africa, described the 2025 nominations as a milestone for the continent’s creative industry.

“Twelve years in, we’re now at a place where African music is not only recognised but celebrated globally. This is AFRIMA, the biggest music platform on the continent,” he said.

The 2025 AFRIMA celebration will hold in Lagos, Nigeria, from November 25 to 30, 2025, featuring the Welcome Soiree, AFRIMA Music Village, Africa Music Business Summit, Nominees Party, Host City Tour, and the Main Awards Ceremony, which will be broadcast live to over 84 countries worldwide.