The 2025 edition of the All Africa Music Awards (AFRIMA) has unveiled a record-breaking nominations list, reflecting the burgeoning global influence of African music. With an unprecedented 10,717 entries, the highest since AFRIMA's inception 12 years ago, a 13-member International Jury meticulously adjudicated over 10 days to shortlist 343 nominees across 40 categories, encompassing Africa's five regions and the diaspora.

The main awards ceremony and associated events are scheduled to take place in Lagos, Nigeria, from November 25 to 30, 2025, in partnership with the African Union Commission (AUC), the Federal Government of Nigeria, and Lagos State.

Nigerian music titans, Burna Boy and Davido, lead the charge with five nominations each, making them the most nominated artists on the list. Both their albums, 'No Sign of Weakness' by Burna Boy and '5ive' by Davido, are contenders for Album of the Year.

Their hit singles also secured them spots in the Song of the Year and Best African Collaboration categories, with Davido specifically noted for 'With You' featuring Omah Lay. Both Afrobeats stars are nominated in the Best Male Artiste in West Africa and Artiste of the Year categories for their respective singles, 'Update' and 'With You'. Additionally, Burna Boy earned a nomination for 'Best African Artiste Duo or Group in African Pop'.

Matching their five nods are South Africa's DJ Maphorisa, with nominations including Best African DJ and Album of the Year, and Morocco's rap sensation El Grande Toto, recognized for his album 'Salgoat' and hit 'Diplomatico'. Senegal's Mia Guissé and Ghana's Moliy also received five nominations each, underscoring the increasing prominence of female artistes in the continental music scene.

The list further highlights a diverse array of talent, with Nigeria's fast-rising street-pop sensation Shallipopi clinching four nominations. These include Artiste of the Year, Song of the Year for his collaboration 'Laho', and Breakout Artiste of the Year. The producer of 'Laho', Progrex, also earned a nomination for Best Producer of the Year.

Other prominent Nigerian artistes securing multiple nominations include Rema (three nods, including Artiste of the Year and Best Male in West Africa for 'Baby (Is It A Crime)') and Ayra Starr (two nominations, contesting for Artiste of the Year and Best Female Artiste in West Africa for 'All the Love').

Also nominated in the Best Male Artiste in West Africa category are Asake ('Uhh Yeah') and Wizkid ('Kesse'), while Tiwa Savage ('You 4 Me') garnered a nomination for Best Female Artiste in West Africa. Other Nigerian artistes such as Yemi Alade, Ruger (Best African Reggae, Ragga and Dancehall), Kunmi and Fola (Most Promising Artiste), ODUMODUBLVCK and Phyno (Best African Artiste, Duo or Group in HipHop), Reminisce (Best African Lyricist Rapper), Fireboy DML, Kizz Daniel featuring Angélique Kidjo, and Johnny Drille (Best Artiste, Duo or Group in African Contemporary), along with Gaise Baba, Lawrence Oyor, Mercy Chinwo, and Ada Ehi (Best Artiste in African Inspirational Music), also feature on the comprehensive list.

Beyond Nigeria, a host of African stars have received significant recognition. Egypt's Amr Diab scooped four nominations, while Côte d'Ivoire's Himra picked up three nominations, including Album of the Year for 'Big Aka 4 Aka Kai', establishing him as a strong newcomer. Tanzania's Diamond Platnumz secured 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 across the continent. Côte 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, and Emma'a also received three nominations, including Best Female Artiste in Central Africa.

DR Congo's heavyweights are well represented, with Fally Ipupa bagging three nominations, including Artiste of the Year, and Ferre Gola earning three nods, among them Songwriter of the Year. In North Africa, Morocco's Jaylann received three nominations, and Tanzania's Juma Jux scored three, including Song of the Year for 'Ololufe mi'. South Africa also produced two triple nominees: Mawhoo, recognized for her hit 'Bengicela', and rap star Nasty C, with three nods for his track 'Soft'.

The diaspora's influence is also clearly visible, with a strong contingent of male nominees including 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.

Public voting for all categories will commence globally on September 10, 2025, via the official AFRIMA website, and will conclude on November 30, the eve of the main awards ceremony. The AFRIMA 2025 celebration promises an immersive experience from November 25 to 30, featuring events like the Welcome Soiree, the AFRIMA Music Village, the Africa Music Business Summit, a Host City Tour, and the Nominees Party, culminating in the grand finale, which will be broadcast live to over 84 countries worldwide.

Delani Makhalima, an AFRIMA jury member representing the Southern African region, articulated the profound significance of the 2025 nominees' list, highlighting African music's growing reach. “Twelve years in, we're now here. This is global. This is AFRIMA, the biggest music entity on the face of the continent,” he said