The 2025 edition of the All Africa Music Awards (AFRIMA) is set to be a momentous occasion, marking a record-breaking 10,717 entries—the highest since the awards' inception 12 years ago. Following a rigorous 10-day adjudication by a 13-member International Jury, 343 nominees have been shortlisted across 40 categories, representing Africa's five regions and the diaspora, highlighting the continent's vibrant and expanding music landscape.

Nigerian superstars Burna Boy and Davido lead the nominations, each securing five nods. Burna Boy's 'No Sign of Weakness' and Davido's '5ive' are both up for Album of the Year. Davido's hit single 'With You' also earned nominations for Song of the Year and Best Collaboration. Burna Boy further garnered a nomination for Best African Artiste Duo or Group in African Pop, while Davido's 'With You' featuring Omah Lay also earned him a nod for Best African Collaboration. Both Afrobeats giants are also nominated in the Best Male Artiste in West Africa and Artiste of the Year categories for their respective singles, 'Update' and 'With You'.

Matching their five nominations is South Africa's DJ Maphorisa, recognized in categories including Best African DJ and Album of the Year. Morocco's rap sensation El Grande Toto also received five nominations for his album 'Salgoat' and hit 'Diplomatico'. Senegal's Mia Guissé and Ghana's Moliy each earned five nominations, underscoring the growing influence of female artists in African music.

Other prominent nominees include Nigeria's fast-rising street-pop sensation Shallipopi, who clinched four nominations, including Artiste of the Year and Song of the Year for his collaboration 'Laho', as well as Breakout Artiste of the Year. The song's producer, Progrex, also received a nod for Best Producer of the Year. Egypt's Amr Diab, a best-selling artist in the Middle East, secured four nominations, as did Tanzania's Diamond Platnumz, continuing his dominance in East Africa. South Africa's breakout star Tyla and Eswatini's Uncle Waffles each earned four nominations, confirming the rising global appeal of Amapiano and Afro-house sounds. Nigerian artists Rema and Ayra Starr also received significant recognition, with Rema bagging three nominations including Artiste of the Year, and Ayra Starr earning two nominations, including a coveted spot for Artiste of the Year, alongside major stars like Davido, Burna Boy, and El Grande Toto.

The list of nominees extends across various regions and genres, with Côte d'Ivoire's Himra picking up three nominations, including Album of the Year for 'Big Aka 4 Aka Kai', establishing him as a strong newcomer. Didi B, also from Côte d'Ivoire, 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 are well-represented, with Fally Ipupa bagging three nominations, including Artiste of the Year, and Ferre Gola earning three nods, among them Songwriter of the Year. In North Africa, Morocco's Jaylann received three nominations, while Tanzania's Juma Jux scored three, including Song of the Year for 'Ololufe mi'. South Africa produced two triple nominees: Mawhoo, recognized for her hit 'Bengicela', and rap star Nasty C, who got three nods for his track 'Soft'. Other Nigerian artistes like Asake, Wizkid, Tiwa Savage, Yemi Alade, Ruger, ODUMODUBLVCK, Phyno, Reminisce, Fireboy DML, Kizz Daniel, Johnny Drille, Gaise Baba, Lawrence Oyor, Mercy Chinwo, and Ada Ehi also garnered nominations in various categories.

The diaspora also features prominently, with male nominees such as DJ Snake, Gazo, Niska, Tayc, Tiakola, Tif, Werenoi, WizTheMC, L'Algérino, and Odeal. Female nominees from the diaspora include Aya Nakamura, Annatoria, Choisie Basolua, Darkoo, Deborah Lukalu, Faouzia, Ronisia, The Unveiled, Theodora, and Zaho. This year's competition promises to be exceptionally fierce, pitting established African heavyweight stars against rising sensations like Shallipopi, Himra, Moliy, and Juma Jux.

AFRIMA 2025, organized in partnership with the African Union Commission (AUC) and supported by the Federal Government of Nigeria and the Official Host City, Lagos State, will host its celebration from November 25 to 30, 2025. The event will feature a Welcome Soiree, the AFRIMA Music Village, the Africa Music Business Summit, a Host City Tour, the Nominees Party, and the Main Awards Ceremony. Public voting will commence globally on September 10, 2025, via the official AFRIMA website, and will close on the eve of the main awards on November 30. The grand finale will be broadcast live to over 84 countries worldwide, showcasing African music's global impact.

AFRIMA jury member Delani Makhalima, representing the Southern African region, articulated the significance of the 2025 nominees' list, stating,