The 2025 edition of the All Africa Music Awards (AFRIMA) has announced its nominees, following a record-breaking 10,717 entries—the highest since the awards' inception 12 years ago. A 13-member International Jury adjudicated for 10 days, shortlisting 343 nominees across 40 categories, representing Africa's five regions and the diaspora. This year's competition is set to be fiercely contested, with established stars facing off against rising sensations.

Nigerian superstars Burna Boy and Davido lead the nominations with five nods each. Burna Boy's album 'No Sign of Weakness' and Davido's '5ive' are both nominated for Album of the Year. Davido's hit single 'With You' also earned spots in Song of the Year and Best Collaboration. Burna Boy also secured a nomination for Best African Artiste Duo or Group in African Pop, while Davido received nominations for Song of the Year and Best African Collaboration for 'With You' featuring Omah Lay. Both Afrobeats stars are also featured in the Best Male Artiste in West Africa and Artiste of the Year categories for their singles, 'Update' and 'With You'.

South Africa's DJ Maphorisa matched Burna Boy and Davido with five nominations, including Best African DJ and Album of the Year. Morocco's rap star El Grande Toto also secured five nominations for his album 'Salgoat' and hit 'Diplomatico'. Senegal's Mia Guissé and Ghana's Moliy each received five nominations, highlighting the growing influence of female artists in African music.

Other prominent nominees from Nigeria include fast-rising street-pop sensation Shallipopi, who clinched four nominations, including Artiste of the Year and Song of the Year for his collaboration 'Laho'. Shallipopi also appeared in the Breakout Artiste of the Year category, with Progrex, the song's producer, also nominated for Best Producer of the Year. Rema emerged with three nominations, including Artiste of the Year and Best Male in West Africa. Ayra Starr has two nominations, contesting for the Artiste of the Year Award alongside major stars like Davido, Burna Boy, and El Grande Toto. Other Nigerian artists recognized include 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 across various categories.

Across the continent, 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, continuing his dominance in East Africa. 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 got 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 and Ferre Gola, both bagged three nominations, with Ipupa vying 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 for Song of the Year for 'Ololufe mi'. South Africa produced two triple nominees: Mawhoo for 'Bengicela' and rap star Nasty C for his track 'Soft'.

The diaspora also shone brightly 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.

AFRIMA jury member Delani Makhalima, representing the Southern African region, described the 2025 nominees' list as proof of how far African music has come. He stated,