The All Africa Music Awards (AFRIMA) 2025 nominations list has been unveiled, marking a historic year with a record-breaking 10,717 entries, the highest since the awards' inception 12 years ago. Following a rigorous 10-day adjudication process by a 13-member International Jury, 343 nominees were meticulously shortlisted across 40 categories, representing Africa's diverse five regions and the global diaspora.

Nigerian music titans, Damini 'Burna Boy' Ogulu and David 'Davido' Adeleke, emerged as the leading contenders, each securing five nominations. Burna Boy's critically acclaimed album 'No Sign of Weakness' and Davido's '5ive' both vied for the prestigious Album of the Year award. Their hit singles also earned them spots in the Song of the Year and Best Collaboration categories. Specifically, Burna Boy was nominated for Best African Artiste Duo or Group in African Pop, while Davido received nods for Song of the Year and Best African Collaboration for 'With You,' featuring Omah Lay. Both Afrobeats superstars were also recognized in the Best Male Artiste in West Africa and Artiste of the Year categories for their respective singles, 'Update' and 'With You'.

Matching the Nigerian heavyweights with five nominations was South Africa's DJ Maphorisa, who earned recognition in categories including Best African DJ and Album of the Year. Morocco's rap sensation El Grande Toto also garnered five nominations, with his album 'Salgoat' and hit 'Diplomatico' gaining global attention. Female artists demonstrated significant influence, with Senegal's Mia Guissé and Ghana's Moliy each receiving five nominations, underscoring their commanding presence on the continent's music stage.

Nigeria's fast-rising street-pop star, Crown 'Shallipopi' Uzama, secured an impressive four nominations, including Artiste of the Year, Song of the Year for his collaboration 'Laho,' and Breakout Artiste of the Year. The producer of 'Laho,' Progrex, also earned a nomination for Best Producer of the Year. Other prominent Nigerian artists recognized include Rema, who secured three nominations (Artiste of the Year, Best Male in West Africa), and Ayra Starr, with two nominations, also contending for Artiste of the Year alongside powerhouses like Davido, Burna Boy, and El Grande Toto. Tiwa Savage and Ayra Starr also garnered nominations for the Best Female Artiste in West Africa category. Further Nigerian representation includes Yemi Alade, Tiwa Savage, and Ruger in Best African Reggae, Ragga and Dancehall; Kunmi and Fola for Most Promising Artiste of the Year; ODUMODUBLVCK and Phyno in Best African Artiste, Duo or Group in HipHop; Reminisce for Best African Lyricist Rapper; and Fireboy DML, Kizz Daniel featuring Angélique Kidjo, and Johnny Drille in Best Artiste, Duo or Group in African Contemporary. Inspirational music was also highlighted with nominations for Gaise Baba, Lawrence Oyor, Mercy Chinwo, and Ada Ehi in Best Artiste in African Inspirational Music.

Across the continent, other notable nominees include Egypt's best-selling artist Amr Diab with four nominations, and Côte d'Ivoire's Himra, who picked up three nominations including Album of the Year for 'Big Aka 4 Aka Kai,' establishing him as a strong newcomer. Tanzania's Diamond Platnumz continued his dominance in East Africa with four nominations. South Africa's breakout star Tyla and Eswatini's Uncle Waffles each earned four nominations, reflecting the growing global appeal of amapiano and Afro-house sounds. Côte d'Ivoire's Didi B received three nominations, including Best Male Artiste in West Africa and Album of the Year. Gabon's Eboloko was recognized with three nods, including Breakout Artiste of the Year, while Emma'a also received three, including Best Female Artiste in Central Africa. DR Congo's heavyweights Fally Ipupa bagged three nominations, including Artiste of the Year, and Ferre Gola earned three, notably for Songwriter of the Year. In North Africa, Morocco's Jaylann received three nominations, and Tanzania's Juma Jux also scored three, including Song of the Year for 'Ololufe mi'. South Africa further celebrated triple nominees Mawhoo (for 'Bengicela') and rap star Nasty C (for 'Soft'). The detailed list also included numerous artists across regional categories like Best Male and Female Artiste in Central Africa, featuring names such as C4 Pedro, Gims, Magasco, Werrason, Anna Joyce, Blanche Bailly, Charlotte Dipanda, Cindy Le Coeur, and Deborah Lukalu.

The African diaspora also shone brightly with a significant number of nominations. Male artists included DJ Snake, Gazo, Niska, Tayc, Tiakola, Tif, Werenoi, WizTheMC, L'Algérino, and Odeal. Female nominees from the diaspora featured Aya Nakamura, Annatoria, Choisie Basolua, Darkoo, Deborah Lukalu, Faouzia, Ronisia, The Unveiled, Theodora, and Zaho.

This year's competition promises to be exceptionally fierce, showcasing a blend of established African heavyweight stars alongside rising sensations like Shallipopi, Himra, Moliy, and Juma Jux. Delani Makhalima, an AFRIMA jury member representing Southern Africa, emphasized the significance of the 2025 nominees' list as a testament to the remarkable progress of African music.