The 2025 All Africa Music Awards (AFRIMA) has unveiled its highly anticipated list of nominees, showcasing a vibrant array of talent from across the African continent and its diaspora. This year's nominations followed a record-breaking 10,717 entries, the highest since AFRIMA's inception 12 years ago, underscoring the immense growth and global reach of African music. A 13-member International Jury meticulously adjudicated these entries over 10 days, ultimately shortlisting 343 nominees across 40 categories, representing Africa's five regions and the diaspora.

Nigerian music heavyweights, Burna Boy and Davido, emerged as some of the top contenders, each securing an impressive five nominations. Burna Boy's album 'No Sign of Weakness' and Davido's '5ive' both earned nods for Album of the Year. Davido's hit single 'With You,' featuring Omah Lay, also received nominations for Song of the Year and Best African Collaboration. Both artists are also competing in the 'Best Male Artiste in West Africa' and 'Artiste of the Year' categories.

Matching their five nods is South Africa's DJ Maphorisa, recognized in categories 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'. Female powerhouses Mia Guissé from Senegal and Moliy from Ghana also joined the top bracket with five nominations each, highlighting the increasing influence of women in African music. Fast-rising Nigerian street-pop sensation Shallipopi clinched four nominations, including Artiste of the Year and Song of the Year for his collaboration 'Laho,' and 'Breakout Artiste of the Year'. His producer, Progrex, also received a nod for 'Best Producer of the Year.'

Further strengthening Nigeria's representation, Rema garnered three nominations, including Artiste of the Year and Best Male in West Africa, while Ayra Starr secured two nominations, notably contending for Artiste of the Year alongside Davido, Burna Boy, and El Grande Toto. Other notable Nigerian artists on the list include Asake ('Uhh Yeah'), Wizkid ('Kesse'), Tiwa Savage ('You 4 Me'), Yemi Alade ('Baddie Remix'), Ruger ('Dudu'), Fireboy DML ('Iseoluwa'), Kizz Daniel, Johnny Drille ('Police'), ODUMODUBLVCK, Phyno, Reminisce, Kunmi, Fola, Gaise Baba, Lawrence Oyor, Mercy Chinwo, and Ada Ehi, spanning various categories from Hip-Hop to African Inspirational Music.

The nominations extended across the continent, with Egypt's Amr Diab scooping four nominations, and Tanzania's Diamond Platnumz grabbing four, continuing his dominance in East Africa. South Africa's breakout stars Tyla and Eswatini's Uncle Waffles each earned four nominations, affirming the rising global appeal of amapiano and Afro-house sounds. Côte d'Ivoire's Himra picked up three nominations, including Album of the Year for 'Big Aka 4 Aka Kai,' and Didi B also received three nods, 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, as did Emma'a for Best Female Artiste in Central Africa. DR Congo's heavyweights Fally Ipupa and Ferre Gola each bagged three nominations, with Ipupa in Artiste of the Year and Gola for Songwriter of the Year. Other triple nominees include Morocco's Jaylann, Tanzania's Juma Jux (for 'Ololufe mi'), South Africa's Mawhoo ('Bengicela'), and rap star Nasty C ('Soft').

The diaspora also received significant recognition, 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. This diverse representation signifies the broad impact of African music globally.

Delani Makhalima, an AFRIMA jury member representing Southern Africa, remarked on the significance of the 2025 nominees' list, stating it proves