The 2025 All Africa Music Awards (AFRIMA) nominations have been unveiled, showcasing a record-breaking year with 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 its vibrant diaspora.

Nigerian superstars Burna Boy and Davido emerged as top contenders, each securing an impressive five nominations. Burna Boy's album 'No Sign of Weakness' and Davido's '5ive' both vied for Album of the Year. Davido's hit single 'With You' earned him nods for Song of the Year and Best Collaboration, a track also featuring Omah Lay for 'Best African Collaboration'. Both artists were also nominated in the prestigious 'Artiste of the Year' and 'Best Male Artiste in West Africa' categories for their singles 'Update' and 'With You' respectively, with Burna Boy further recognized for 'Best African Artiste Duo or Group in African Pop'. Matching their five nods were South Africa's DJ Maphorisa, recognized for Best African DJ and Album of the Year, and Morocco's rap star El Grande Toto, whose album 'Salgoat' and hit 'Diplomatico' garnered global attention. Senegal's Mia Guissé and Ghana's Moliy also joined this elite group with five nominations each, highlighting the growing influence of female artists on the continent.

Nigeria's music scene continued to shine with fast-rising street-pop sensation Shallipopi clinching four nominations, including Artiste of the Year, Song of the Year for his collaboration 'Laho', and Breakout Artiste of the Year. The song's producer, Progrex, also received a nod for 'Best Producer of the Year'. Rema garnered three nominations, including Artiste of the Year and Best Male in West Africa for 'Baby (Is It A Crime)', while Ayra Starr received two nominations, competing for Artiste of the Year and Best Female Artiste in West Africa for 'All the Love'. Other notable Nigerian artists nominated 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, Tiwa Savage, and Ruger for 'Best African Reggae, Ragga and Dancehall'; Kunmi and Fola for 'Most Promising Artiste of the Year'; 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'.

Beyond Nigeria, other African powerhouses made significant impact. Egypt's Amr Diab and Tanzania's Diamond Platnumz each scooped four nominations, continuing their regional dominance. South Africa's breakout star Tyla and Eswatini's Uncle Waffles also earned four nominations, underscoring the rising global appeal of amapiano and Afro-house sounds. Côte d'Ivoire's Himra received three nominations, including Album of the Year for 'Big Aka 4 Aka Kai', while Didi B from Côte d'Ivoire also secured three nods, notably for Best Male Artiste in West Africa and Album of the Year. Gabon's Eboloko was recognized for Breakout Artiste of the Year among his three nominations, and 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 Fally Ipupa vying for Artiste of the Year and Ferre Gola for Songwriter of the Year. Morocco's Jaylann and Tanzania's Juma Jux, with 'Ololufe mi' for Song of the Year, also received three nominations each. South Africa's Mawhoo, recognized for her hit 'Bengicela', and rap star Nasty C, with his track 'Soft', completed the list of triple nominees.

The diaspora's influence was also prominently featured, with male nominees including DJ Snake, Gazo, Niska, Tayc, Tiakola, Tif, Werenoi, WizTheMC, L'Algérino, and Odeal. Female diaspora nominees included Aya Nakamura, Annatoria, Choisie Basolua, Darkoo, Deborah Lukalu, Faouzia, Ronisia, The Unveiled, Theodora, and Zaho.

The competition promises to be fierce, with established heavyweights facing off against rising sensations. AFRIMA jury member Delani Makhalima, representing the Southern African region, expressed pride in the 2025 nominees' list, calling it