The 2025 All Africa Music Awards (AFRIMA) has unveiled a highly anticipated list of nominees, showcasing the vibrant and globally recognized talent across the African continent and its diaspora. The nominations follow a record-breaking 10,717 entries, the highest since AFRIMA's inception 12 years ago. A 13-member International Jury, after 10 days of rigorous adjudication, shortlisted 343 nominees across 40 categories, representing Africa's five regions and the diaspora. The competition this year is anticipated to be fiercer than ever, with established stars facing strong challenges from rising sensations.

Nigerian superstars Burna Boy and Davido lead the nominations with five nods each. Burna Boy's album 'No Sign of Weakness' is nominated for Album of the Year, and he also earned nominations for Song of the Year, Best African Collaboration, Best African Artiste Duo or Group in African Pop, and Best Male Artiste in West Africa for his single 'Update'. Davido's album '5ive' received an Album of the Year nomination, while his hit single 'With You' secured spots in Song of the Year, Best African Collaboration (featuring Omah Lay), Best Male Artiste in West Africa, and Artiste of the Year categories.

Matching the Nigerian heavyweights with five nominations each are South Africa's DJ Maphorisa, recognized for Best African DJ and Album of the Year, as well as Morocco's rap star El Grande Toto, whose album 'Salgoat' and hit 'Diplomatico' gained global attention. Senegal's Mia Guissé and Ghana's Moliy also clinched five nominations, underscoring the growing influence of female artists on the continent's music landscape.

Other prominent Nigerian artists received significant recognition. Fast-rising street-pop sensation Shallipopi earned four nominations, including Artiste of the Year, Song of the Year for his collaboration 'Laho', and Breakout Artiste of the Year. Rema garnered three nominations, notably for Artiste of the Year and Best Male in West Africa. Ayra Starr received two nominations, contesting for the Artiste of the Year Award alongside top stars like Davido, Burna Boy, and El Grande Toto, and also for Best Female Artiste in West Africa for 'All the Love'. Additional Nigerian nominees include Asake ('Uhh Yeah') and Wizkid ('Kesse') for Best Male Artiste in West Africa; Tiwa Savage ('You 4 Me') for Best Female Artiste in West Africa; Yemi Alade, Ruger, and Tiwa Savage for Best African Reggae, Ragga and Dancehall; ODUMODUBLVCK and Phyno for Best African Artiste, Duo or Group in HipHop; Reminisce for Best African Lyricist Rapper; Fireboy DML, Kizz Daniel featuring Angélique Kidjo, and Johnny Drille for Best Artiste, Duo or Group in African Contemporary; and Gaise Baba, Lawrence Oyor, Mercy Chinwo, and Ada Ehi for Best Artiste in African Inspirational Music. Newcomers Kunmi ('Arike') and Fola ('Who Does That?' featuring Bella Shmurda) were nominated for Most Promising Artiste of the Year.

Across the continent, other notable artists made their mark. Egypt's Amr Diab scooped four nominations, while Côte d'Ivoire's Himra picked up three, including Album of the Year for 'Big Aka 4 Aka Kai'. Tanzania's Diamond Platnumz grabbed four nominations, reaffirming his East African dominance. South Africa's breakout star Tyla and Eswatini's Uncle Waffles each earned four nominations, confirming the rising power 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 listed for Breakout Artiste of the Year among his three nods, and Emma'a also received three nominations, including Best Female Artiste in Central Africa. DR Congo's heavyweights Fally Ipupa (three nominations, including Artiste of the Year) and Ferre Gola (three nominations, including Songwriter of the Year) also featured prominently. In North Africa, Morocco's Jaylann received three nominations, as did Tanzania's Juma Jux, with a nod for Song of the Year for 'Ololufe mi'. South Africa also produced two triple nominees: Mawhoo, recognized for her hit 'Bengicela', and rap star Nasty C, known for his track 'Soft'.

The diaspora category shone brightly with numerous nominees. Male artists include DJ Snake, Gazo, Niska, Tayc, Tiakola, Tif, Werenoi, WizTheMC, L'Algérino, and Odeal. Female nominees feature Aya Nakamura, Annatoria, Choisie Basolua, Darkoo, Deborah Lukalu, Faouzia, Ronisia, The Unveiled, Theodora, and Zaho.

AFRIMA jury member Delani Makhalima, representing the Southern African region, expressed his pride in the 2025 nominees' list, stating it as proof of how far African music has come. He remarked, "It's been a dream of ours for a long time to work this hard to get to a place where African music can be heard by everyone. We were marginalized for so many years; our voices were not heard... Twelve years in, we're now here. This is global. This is AFRIMA, the biggest music entity on the face of the continent."

Public voting for all categories will open globally on September 10, 2025, via the official AFRIMA website, and will close on November 30, the eve of the main awards ceremony. AFRIMA 2025 is organized in partnership with the African Union Commission (AUC), the Federal Government of Nigeria, and the Official Host City, Lagos State. The celebration will run from November 25 to 30, 2025, featuring a Welcome Soiree, the AFRIMA Music Village, the Africa Music Business Summit, a Host City Tour, the Nominees Party, and culminating in the Main Awards Ceremony on November 30. This grand finale will be broadcast live to over 84 countries worldwide, further cementing African music's global presence.