The 2025 All Africa Music Awards (AFRIMA) nominations have been unveiled, marking a landmark year with a record-breaking 10,717 entries, the highest since the awards' inception 12 years ago. Following an intensive 10-day adjudication process by a 13-member International Jury, 343 nominees have been shortlisted across 40 categories, representing Africa's five regions and the diaspora. The highly anticipated awards ceremony, in partnership with the African Union Commission (AUC) and hosted by Lagos, Nigeria, promises to be a global celebration of African music.

Nigerian superstars Burna Boy and Davido lead the pack with five nominations each. Burna Boy's critically acclaimed album 'No Sign of Weakness' and Davido's '5ive' both earned nods for Album of the Year. Davido's hit single 'With You' also garnered nominations for Song of the Year and Best Collaboration, specifically for its feature with Omah Lay, while Burna Boy also secured a nomination for 'Best African Artiste Duo or Group in African Pop'. Both artists are also contenders for 'Best Male Artiste in West Africa' and 'Artiste of the Year' categories.

Matching the Nigerian heavyweights with five nominations each are South Africa's DJ Maphorisa, recognized in categories like Best African DJ and Album of the Year, and Morocco's rap star El Grande Toto, whose album 'Salgoat' and hit 'Diplomatico' earned him significant attention. Female powerhouses Mia Guissé from Senegal and Moliy from Ghana also achieved five nominations each, underscoring the growing influence of women in the continent's music industry.

Other prominent Nigerian artists also received significant recognition. Fast-rising street-pop sensation Shallipopi clinched four nominations, including Artiste of the Year, Song of the Year, and Breakout Artiste of the Year for his collaboration 'Laho', with its producer Progrex also nominated for 'Best Producer of the Year'. Rema secured three nominations, including Artiste of the Year and Best Male in West Africa for 'Baby (Is It A Crime)'. Ayra Starr received two nominations, vying for Artiste of the Year and Best Female Artiste in West Africa for 'All the Love'. Tiwa Savage was also nominated for 'Best Female Artiste in West Africa' for 'You 4 Me' and 'Best African Reggae, Ragga and Dancehall' for 'Forgiveness'. Other notable Nigerian nominees include Yemi Alade 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', and Fireboy DML, Kizz Daniel featuring Angélique Kidjo, and Johnny Drille for 'Best Artiste, Duo or Group in African Contemporary'. Gaise Baba, Lawrence Oyor, Mercy Chinwo, and Ada Ehi were nominated for 'Best Artiste in African Inspirational Music'.

Across the continent, Egypt's Amr Diab scooped four nominations, while Côte d'Ivoire's Himra picked up three, with his album 'Big Aka 4 Aka Kai' making him a strong newcomer. Tanzania's Diamond Platnumz continued his dominance with four nominations. South Africa's breakout star Tyla and Eswatini's Uncle Waffles each earned four nominations, reflecting the rising global appeal of amapiano and Afro-house sounds. Côte d'Ivoire's Didi B received three nominations, including Best Male Artiste in West Africa and Album of the Year. Gabon's Eboloko, with three nods, was listed for Breakout Artiste of the Year, and Emma'a also received three, including Best Female Artiste in Central Africa. DR Congo's heavyweights Fally Ipupa and Ferre Gola each bagged three nominations, with Ipupa contending for Artiste of the Year and Gola for Songwriter of the Year. In North Africa, Morocco's Jaylann received three, just as Tanzania's Juma Jux scored three, including 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 received significant attention, 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, emphasized the significance of the 2025 nominees' list, stating,