The International Committee of the All Africa Music Awards (AFRIMA), in partnership with the African Union Commission (AUC), has released the official nominees list for the 2025 edition of the continental awards, featuring Africa’s biggest stars and emerging talents.
The announcement, made on Wednesday, revealed a record-breaking 10,717 entries — the highest since AFRIMA was founded 12 years ago. From these, a 13-member international jury shortlisted 343 nominees across 40 categories, representing Africa’s five regions and the diaspora.
Voting will open globally on September 10, 2025, via the official AFRIMA website and close on November 30, a day before the main awards ceremony.
Nigeria’s Davido and Burna Boy, South Africa’s DJ Maphorisa, Morocco’s El Grande Toto, Ghana’s Moliy, and Senegal’s Mia Guissé are among the frontrunners, each securing multiple nominations. Rising acts such as Shallipopi, Ayra Starr, Himra, and Tyla also made strong showings.
Burna Boy and Davido earned five nominations apiece, including Album of the Year and Song of the Year, while Shallipopi bagged four, including Artiste of the Year. South Africa’s DJ Maphorisa also received five nods, with Morocco’s El Grande Toto matching the tally.
Female stars made a strong impact, with Moliy and Mia Guissé earning five nominations each. Ayra Starr, Tiwa Savage, and Zuchu also feature prominently.
Beyond Africa, diaspora acts such as DJ Snake, Aya Nakamura, Niska, and Darkoo were listed, reflecting AFRIMA’s global reach.
AFRIMA jury member Delani Makhalima described the 2025 list as a milestone for African music.
“Twelve years in, we’re now here. This is global. This is AFRIMA, the biggest music entity on the face of the continent,” he said.
The 2025 awards will be hosted in Lagos, Nigeria, from November 25 to 30, featuring events such as the AFRIMA Music Village, the Africa Music Business Summit, the Nominees Party, and the Main Awards Ceremony. The grand finale on November 30 will be broadcast live to more than 84 countries.
A full list of nominees is available on AFRIMA’s official website and social media platforms.
