The 2025 edition of the All Africa Music Awards (AFRIMA) has unveiled its highly anticipated list of nominees, showcasing a record-breaking year with 10,717 entries, the highest since the awards' inception 12 years ago. Following 10 days of meticulous adjudication by a 13-member International Jury, 343 nominees across 40 diverse categories, representing Africa's five regions and the diaspora, have been shortlisted.

Nigerian superstars Burna Boy and Davido lead the nominations with five nods each. Burna Boy's acclaimed album 'No Sign of Weakness' and Davido's '5ive' are both contenders for Album of the Year. Davido's hit single 'With You' secured nominations for Song of the Year and Best Collaboration, also earning him a nod for Best African Collaboration with Omah Lay. Burna Boy further garnered a nomination for Best African Artiste Duo or Group in African Pop. Both Afrobeats heavyweights are nominated in the Artiste of the Year category (for Burna Boy's 'Update' and Davido's 'With You') and Best Male Artiste in West Africa.

Matching their five nominations are South Africa's DJ Maphorisa, recognized for categories including Best African DJ and Album of the Year, and Morocco's rap star El Grande Toto, whose album 'Salgoat' and hit 'Diplomatico' secured global attention. Senegal's Mia Guissé and Ghana's Moliy also each received five nominations, highlighting the growing influence of female artists on the continent's music scene.

Nigeria's fast-rising street-pop sensation, Shallipopi, clinched four nominations, including Artiste of the Year and Song of the Year for his collaboration 'Laho.' Shallipopi also appears under Breakout Artiste of the Year for 'Laho,' with its producer Progrex nominated for Best Producer of the Year. Other prominent Nigerian artists include Rema, who earned three nominations including Artiste of the Year and Best Male in West Africa (for 'Baby (Is It A Crime)'). Ayra Starr secured two nominations, including contesting for the Artiste of the Year Award and Best Female Artiste in West Africa for her song 'All the Love.' Tiwa Savage also received a nomination for Best Female Artiste in West Africa for 'You 4 Me.' Further Nigerian talents recognized include Yemi Alade, Tiwa Savage, 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, while Asake's 'Uhh Yeah' and Wizkid's 'Kesse' also earned spots in Best Male Artiste in West Africa.

Beyond Nigeria, the nominations spotlight a diverse array of African talent. 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 grabbed four nominations, affirming his East African dominance. South Africa's breakout star Tyla and Eswatini's Uncle Waffles each earned four nominations, underscoring the rising global power 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 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 Fally Ipupa and Ferre Gola bagged three nominations each, with Ipupa contesting for Artiste of the Year and Gola 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 contributed two triple nominees: Mawhoo, recognized for her hit 'Bengicela,' and rap star Nasty C, with three nods for his track 'Soft.'

The diaspora also features prominently, 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 2025 will be hosted in Lagos, Nigeria, in partnership with the African Union Commission (AUC) and the Federal Government of Nigeria. The celebration is scheduled from November 25 to 30, 2025, featuring events like the Welcome Soiree, the AFRIMA Music Village, the Africa Music Business Summit, a Host City Tour, the Nominees Party, and the Main Awards Ceremony. The grand finale on November 30 will be broadcast live to over 84 countries worldwide. Public voting will commence globally on September 10, 2025, via the official AFRIMA website, concluding on the eve of the main awards on November 30.

AFRIMA jury member Delani Makhalima, representing the Southern African region, described the 2025 nominees' list as powerful proof of African music's global journey. He stated,