The 2025 All Africa Music Awards (AFRIMA) has announced a record-breaking list of nominees, showcasing the vibrant and expansive growth of African music globally. This year's edition, set to be hosted in Lagos, Nigeria, in partnership with the African Union Commission (AUC) and the Federal Government of Nigeria, promises to be an unprecedented celebration of continental and diaspora talent. The nominations followed an astounding 10,717 entries, the highest since AFRIMA's inception 12 years ago, with a 13-member International Jury meticulously shortlisting 343 nominees across 40 diverse categories after 10 days of adjudication.

Nigerian superstars David 'Davido' Adeleke and Damini 'Burna Boy' Ogulu lead the charge, each securing five nominations, the most for any artiste on the list. Both their albums, '5ive' by Davido and 'No Sign of Weakness' by Burna Boy, were nominated for Album of the Year. Their hit singles also earned them spots in Song of the Year and Best African Collaboration, with Davido's 'With You' (featuring Omah Lay) specifically noted. Burna Boy also received a nomination for Best African Artiste Duo or Group in African Pop. Both Afrobeats heavyweights are contenders for Best Male Artiste in West Africa and the coveted Artiste of the Year awards.

Matching this impressive five-nomination count is South Africa's DJ Maphorisa, recognized for Best African DJ and Album of the Year, alongside Morocco's rap sensation El Grande Toto, whose album 'Salgoat' and hit 'Diplomatico' garnered global attention. Senegal's Mia Guissé and Ghana's Moliy also achieved five nominations each, underscoring the increasing influence of female artists on the African music scene.

Other prominent Nigerian nominees include the fast-rising street-pop sensation Crown 'Shallipopi' Uzama, who bagged four nominations including Artiste of the Year, Song of the Year, and Breakout Artiste of the Year for his collaboration 'Laho'. Rema earned three nominations, including Artiste of the Year and Best Male in West Africa, while Ayra Starr secured two nominations, notably for Artiste of the Year. Additional Nigerian talents recognized across various categories include Asake, Wizkid, Tiwa Savage, Yemi Alade, Ruger, Kunmi, Fola, ODUMODUBLVCK, Phyno, Reminisce, Fireboy DML, Kizz Daniel, Johnny Drille, Gaise Baba, Lawrence Oyor, Mercy Chinwo, and Ada Ehi.

The nominee list extends across the continent and diaspora, featuring a diverse array of artists. Egypt's best-selling artist Amr Diab scooped four nominations, as did Tanzania's Diamond Platnumz, affirming his continued dominance in East Africa. From South Africa, breakout star Tyla and Eswatini's Uncle Waffles each earned four nominations, reflecting the rising global popularity 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', while 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, and Emma'a received three nominations, including Best Female Artiste in Central Africa. DR Congo's Fally Ipupa bagged three nominations, including Artiste of the Year, and Ferre Gola earned three nods, notably for Songwriter of the Year. In North Africa, Morocco's Jaylann received three nominations, as did Tanzania's Juma Jux, including Song of the Year for 'Ololufe mi'. South Africa also saw Mawhoo (for 'Bengicela') and rap star Nasty C (for 'Soft') each securing three nominations.

The diaspora presence is significant, with male nominees such as DJ Snake, Gazo, Niska, Tayc, Tiakola, Tif, Werenoi, WizTheMC, L'Algérino, and Odeal. Female nominees from the diaspora include Aya Nakamura, Annatoria, Choisie Basolua, Darkoo, Deborah Lukalu, Faouzia, Ronisia, The Unveiled, Theodora, and Zaho.

This year's competition is anticipated to be exceptionally fierce, pitting established African heavyweight stars against burgeoning sensations like Shallipopi, Himra, Moliy, and Juma Jux. Delani Makhalima, an AFRIMA jury member representing Southern Africa, emphasized the profound journey of African music: "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 for all categories will commence globally on September 10, 2025, via the official AFRIMA website, and will conclude on the eve of the main awards ceremony, November 30. The 2025 AFRIMA celebration, running from November 25 to 30, will feature a series of events including a Welcome Soiree, the AFRIMA Music Village, the Africa Music Business Summit, a Host City Tour, a Nominees Party, culminating in the Main Awards Ceremony on November 30, which will be broadcast live to over 84 countries worldwide.