The 2025 All Africa Music Awards (AFRIMA) is set to be a landmark event, following a record-breaking 10,717 entries, the highest since its inception 12 years ago. In partnership with the African Union Commission (AUC), AFRIMA 2025 will be hosted in Lagos, Nigeria, with a grand celebration scheduled from November 25 to 30, culminating in the main awards ceremony on November 30. This year’s nominations were meticulously curated by a 13-member International Jury over 10 days of adjudication, resulting in a shortlist of 343 nominees across 40 categories, representing Africa’s five regions and the diaspora.

Nigerian superstars Burna Boy and Davido lead the nominations, each securing five nods. Burna Boy's album 'No Sign of Weakness' and Davido's '5ive' are both contenders 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 distinguished himself with a nomination for Best African Artiste Duo or Group in African Pop, while Davido’s 'With You' featuring Omah Lay was recognized in Song of the Year and Best African Collaboration. Both Afrobeats heavyweights are also nominated for Best Male Artiste in West Africa and Artiste of the Year.

Matching their five nominations is South Africa's DJ Maphorisa, who is up for 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 also achieved five nominations each, underscoring the growing influence of female artists on the continent's music landscape.

Nigeria's fast-rising street-pop star Shallipopi garnered four nominations, including Artiste of the Year and Song of the Year for his collaboration 'Laho,' also appearing in the Breakout Artiste of the Year category. Other notable Nigerian nominees include Rema, with three nods for categories like Artiste of the Year and Best Male in West Africa, and Ayra Starr, who secured two nominations, including a bid for Artiste of the Year alongside Davido, Burna Boy, and El Grande Toto. Additional Nigerian artists like Asake, Wizkid, Tiwa Savage, Yemi Alade, Ruger, Kunmi, Fola, ODUMODUBLVCK, Phyno, Reminisce, Fireboy DML, Kizz Daniel, Johnny Drille, Gaise Baba, Lawrence Oyor, Mercy Chinwo, and Ada Ehi also received nominations across various categories such as Best Male Artiste in West Africa, Best Female Artiste in West Africa, Best African Reggae, Ragga and Dancehall, Most Promising Artiste of the Year, Best African Artiste, Duo or Group in HipHop, Best African Lyricist Rapper, Best Artiste, Duo or Group in African Contemporary, and Best Artiste in African Inspirational Music.

The nominations extend across the continent and beyond. 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 continued his dominance in East Africa with four nominations. South Africa's breakout star Tyla and Eswatini's Uncle Waffles each earned four nominations, confirming the rising global power of Amapiano and Afro-house sounds. Côte d'Ivoire's Didi B received three nominations, including Best Male Artiste in West Africa, and Gabon's Eboloko was listed for Breakout Artiste of the Year among his three nods. Emma'a also received three nominations, including Best Female Artiste in Central Africa. DR Congo's heavyweights, Fally Ipupa and Ferre Gola, each bagged three nominations, with Ipupa in contention for Artiste of the Year and Gola for Songwriter of the Year. In North Africa, Morocco's Jaylann received three nominations, as did Tanzania's Juma Jux, including Song of the Year for 'Ololufe mi'. South Africa also saw triple nominees in Mawhoo, recognized for 'Bengicela', and rap star Nasty C for his track 'Soft'.

The diaspora is also strongly represented, with male nominees such as DJ Snake, Gazo, Niska, Tayc, Tiakola, Tif, Werenoi, WizTheMC, L'Algérino, and Odeal. Female diaspora nominees include 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, articulated the significance of the 2025 nominees' list as a testament to the remarkable progress of African music. He stated, "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 as artists, as creators, as songwriters, as producers, as engineers, as video makers, as filmmakers. Twelve years in, we're now here. This is global. This is AFRIMA, the biggest music entity on the face of the continent."

The competition is expected to be fiercer than ever, with established stars facing strong challenges from rising sensations. Public voting will commence globally on September 10, 2025, via the official AFRIMA website, and will conclude on the eve of the main awards ceremony, November 30. The AFRIMA 2025 celebration will feature various events including the Welcome Soiree, the AFRIMA Music Village, the Africa Music Business Summit, a Host City Tour, and the Nominees Party, with the grand finale broadcast live to over 84 countries worldwide.