The 2025 edition of the All Africa Music Awards (AFRIMA) is set to be the fiercest competition yet, 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 held in Lagos, Nigeria, with the main award ceremony scheduled for November 30, 2025. A 13-member International Jury, after 10 days of adjudication, meticulously shortlisted 343 nominees across 40 categories, representing Africa's five regions and the diaspora.

Nigerian superstars Burna Boy and Davido emerged as top contenders, each securing 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' was recognized in Song of the Year and Best Collaboration, a category where Burna Boy also featured. Both artists are nominated for Best Male Artiste in West Africa and Artiste of the Year, with Davido's 'With You' featuring Omah Lay and Burna Boy's 'Update' being highlighted. Burna Boy further received a nomination for Best African Artiste Duo or Group in African Pop.

South Africa's DJ Maphorisa matched the Nigerian heavyweights with five nominations, including Best African DJ and Album of the Year. Morocco's rap star El Grande Toto also garnered five nods for his album 'Salgoat' and hit 'Diplomatico'. Senegal's Mia Guissé and Ghana's Moliy proved the rising influence of female acts, each securing five nominations. Fast-rising Nigerian street-pop sensation Shallipopi clinched four nominations, including Artiste of the Year, Song of the Year for his collaboration 'Laho', and Breakout Artiste of the Year. Progrex, the producer of 'Laho', also received a nomination for Best Producer of the Year.

Other prominent Nigerian artistes recognized include Rema, with three nominations including Artiste of the Year and Best Male in West Africa, and Ayra Starr, who earned two nominations and is contesting for Artiste of the Year. Tiwa Savage and Ayra Starr also garnered nominations for 'Best Female Artiste in West Africa'. Additional Nigerian nominees span various categories, including Asake, Wizkid, Yemi Alade, Ruger, Kunmi, Fola, ODUMODUBLVCK, Phyno, Reminisce, Fireboy DML, Kizz Daniel, Johnny Drille, Gaise Baba, Lawrence Oyor, Mercy Chinwo, and Ada Ehi.

Across the continent, Egypt's best-selling artist 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 East African dominance with four nominations. South Africa's breakout star Tyla and Eswatini's Uncle Waffles each earned four nominations, underscoring the growing global appeal of amapiano and Afro-house sounds. Cote d'Ivoire's Didi B received 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, alongside Emma'a, who received three nominations including Best Female Artiste in Central Africa. DR Congo's Fally Ipupa bagged three nominations, including Artiste of the Year, while Ferre Gola earned three nods, notably for Songwriter of the Year. In North Africa, Morocco's Jaylann received three nominations, just as Tanzania's Juma Jux scored three, including Song of the Year for 'Ololufe mi'. South Africa produced two triple nominees: Mawhoo, recognized for her hit 'Bengicela', and rap star Nasty C, who got three nods 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 diaspora nominees include Aya Nakamura, Annatoria, Choisie Basolua, Darkoo, Deborah Lukalu, Faouzia, Ronisia, The Unveiled, Theodora, and Zaho.

Delani Makhalima, an AFRIMA jury member representing the Southern African region, highlighted the significance of the 2025 nominees' list, stating it proves how far African music has come. He noted, "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... Twelve years in, we're now here. This is global. This is AFRIMA, the biggest music entity on the face of the continent." Public voting will open globally on September 10, 2025, via the official AFRIMA website, and will close on the eve of the main awards on November 30. The 2025 celebration will feature a Welcome Soiree, the AFRIMA Music Village, the Africa Music Business Summit, a Host City Tour, the Nominees Party, and the Main Awards Ceremony, which will be broadcast live to over 84 countries worldwide.