The 2025 edition of the All Africa Music Awards (AFRIMA) has unveiled its highly anticipated list of nominees, showcasing a record-breaking year for African music. Nigerian superstars Burna Boy and Davido are at the forefront, each securing an impressive five nominations. This year's nominations followed an unprecedented 10,717 entries, the highest since AFRIMA's inception 12 years ago, underscoring the continent's vibrant and expanding musical landscape. In partnership with the African Union Commission (AUC), AFRIMA 2025 is set to take place in Lagos, Nigeria, the official host city, from November 25 to 30, 2025.

Burna Boy's album 'No Sign of Weakness' and Davido's '5ive' both earned nominations for Album of the Year. Davido's hit single 'With You' (featuring Omah Lay) further garnered spots in Song of the Year and Best African Collaboration. Both Afrobeats heavyweights are also contending for Best Male Artiste in West Africa and the prestigious Artiste of the Year award. Burna Boy also received a nod for 'Best African Artiste Duo or Group in African Pop'.

Beyond Nigeria's leading acts, several other artists made a significant impact on the nomination list. South Africa's DJ Maphorisa matched Burna Boy and Davido with five nominations, including Best African DJ and Album of the Year. Morocco's rap star El Grande Toto also clinched five nods, with his album 'Salgoat' and hit 'Diplomatico' gaining global attention. Senegal's Mia Guissé and Ghana's Moliy each received five nominations, highlighting the growing influence of female artists across the continent.

Nigeria's fast-rising street-pop sensation Shallipopi earned four nominations, including Artiste of the Year and Song of the Year for his collaboration 'Laho'. He also featured in the Breakout Artiste of the Year category, with Progrex, the song's producer, nominated for Best Producer of the Year. Other notable Nigerian nominees include Rema, who secured three nominations (Artiste of the Year, Best Male in West Africa), and Ayra Starr, with two nominations, also vying for Artiste of the Year. The Best Male Artiste in West Africa category also saw nominations for Asake ('Uhh Yeah') and Wizkid ('Kesse'), while Ayra Starr ('All the Love') and Tiwa Savage ('You 4 Me') were nominated for Best Female Artiste in West Africa. Further Nigerian artists like Yemi Alade, Ruger, Kunmi, Fola, ODUMODUBLVCK, Phyno, Reminisce, Fireboy DML, Kizz Daniel, Johnny Drille, Gaise Baba, Lawrence Oyor, Mercy Chinwo, and Ada Ehi also received nominations across various categories, including 'Best African Reggae, Ragga and Dancehall', 'Most Promising Artiste of the Year', 'Best African Artiste, Duo or Group in HipHop', 'Best African Lyricist Rapper', 'Best Artiste, Duo or Group in African Contemporary', and 'Best Artiste in African Inspirational Music'.

Across Africa, Egypt's 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 dominance in East Africa with four nominations. 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. Côte d'Ivoire's Didi B received three nominations (Best Male Artiste in West Africa, Album of the Year), and Gabon's Eboloko was listed for Breakout Artiste of the Year among his three nods. Emma'a also received three nominations, including Best Female Artiste in Central Africa. DR Congo's heavyweights Fally Ipupa and Ferre Gola both bagged three nominations, including Artiste of the Year and Songwriter of the Year, respectively. Morocco's Jaylann and Tanzania's Juma Jux (for 'Ololufe mi') also received three nominations each. South Africa's Mawhoo ('Bengicela') and Nasty C ('Soft') were recognised with three nominations each.

The diaspora also shone brightly, with male nominees such as DJ Snake, Gazo, Niska, Tayc, Tiakola, Tif, Werenoi, WizTheMC, L'Algérino, and Odeal. Female nominees included Aya Nakamura, Annatoria, Choisie Basolua, Darkoo, Deborah Lukalu, Faouzia, Ronisia, The Unveiled, Theodora, and Zaho.

The nominations process involved a 13-member International Jury who, after 10 days of rigorous adjudication, shortlisted 343 nominees across 40 categories, representing Africa's five regions and the diaspora. Delani Makhalima, an AFRIMA jury member representing the Southern African region, lauded the 2025 nominees' list as a testament to the remarkable progress of African music.