The All Africa Music Awards (AFRIMA) 2025 edition is poised to be an unprecedented celebration of African musical talent, following a record-breaking 10,717 entries—the highest since its inception 12 years ago. After a meticulous 10-day adjudication by a 13-member International Jury, a diverse and extensive list of 343 nominees has been shortlisted across 40 categories, proudly representing Africa's five regions and the diaspora. This grand event, organized in partnership with the African Union Commission (AUC) and the Federal Government of Nigeria, will culminate in a vibrant celebration in Lagos, Nigeria, from November 25 to 30, 2025.

Nigerian music titans Burna Boy and Davido lead the prestigious nominations, each securing five nods. Burna Boy's acclaimed album 'No Sign of Weakness' and Davido's '5ive' are both contenders for the coveted Album of the Year award. Davido's hit single 'With You' further earned him nominations for Song of the Year and Best Collaboration, alongside a spot in Best African Collaboration for his feature with Omah Lay. Both Afrobeats stars are prominent in the highly competitive Artiste of the Year and Best Male Artiste in West Africa categories, with their respective singles 'Update' (Burna Boy) and 'With You' (Davido) receiving acclaim. Burna Boy also earned a nomination for Best African Artiste Duo or Group in African Pop.

Matching their impressive five nominations is South Africa's renowned DJ Maphorisa, recognized for Best African DJ and Album of the Year. Morocco's rap sensation El Grande Toto also achieved five nominations for his successful album 'Salgoat' and hit 'Diplomatico'. Further highlighting the growing influence of female artists on the continent's music landscape, Senegal's Mia Guissé and Ghana's Moliy each secured five nominations.

The nominee list spans a wide array of talent and genres from across the African continent and its diaspora. 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', which also placed him in the Breakout Artiste of the Year category. The song's producer, Progrex, also received a nomination for Best Producer of the Year. Rema earned three nominations, notably for Artiste of the Year and Best Male in West Africa with 'Baby (Is It A Crime)'. Ayra Starr, with two nominations, is a strong contender for the Artiste of the Year Award and Best Female Artiste in West Africa for 'All the Love'. Other prominent Nigerian artists recognized include Asake ('Uhh Yeah') and Wizkid ('Kesse') in Best Male Artiste in West Africa, Tiwa Savage ('You 4 Me') in Best Female Artiste in West Africa, and Yemi Alade, Tiwa Savage, and Ruger for Best African Reggae, Ragga and Dancehall. Artists such as Kunmi, Fola (featuring Bella Shmurda), ODUMODUBLVCK, Phyno, Reminisce, Fireboy DML, Kizz Daniel (featuring Angélique Kidjo), Johnny Drille, Gaise Baba, Lawrence Oyor, Mercy Chinwo, and Ada Ehi also received nominations across various specialized categories.

Beyond West Africa, Egyptian superstar Amr Diab, one of the best-selling artists in the Middle East, secured four nominations. Côte d'Ivoire's Himra picked up three nominations, including Album of the Year for 'Big Aka 4 Aka Kai', marking him as a formidable newcomer. Tanzania's Diamond Platnumz continued his dominance in East Africa with four nominations. The burgeoning global power of amapiano and Afro-house sounds was emphatically confirmed by four nominations each for South Africa's breakout star Tyla and Eswatini's Uncle Waffles. Other notable regional nominees include Didi B (Côte d'Ivoire) with three nominations, Gabon's Eboloko for Breakout Artiste of the Year among his three nods, and Emma'a with three nominations for Best Female Artiste in Central Africa. DR Congo's heavyweights Fally Ipupa and Ferre Gola also secured three nominations each, for Artiste of the Year and Songwriter of the Year respectively. Morocco's Jaylann and Tanzania's Juma Jux (for 'Ololufe mi') both received three nominations. South Africa also saw triple nominees in Mawhoo ('Bengicela') and rap star Nasty C ('Soft').

The diaspora's significant influence is strongly represented across the categories, with male nominees such as DJ Snake, Gazo, Niska, Tayc, Tiakola, Tif, Werenoi, WizTheMC, L'Algérino, and Odeal making the cut. 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, eloquently articulated the profound significance of the 2025 nominees' list. He described it as compelling