The All Africa Music Awards (AFRIMA) 2025 edition has unveiled its nominees, following a record-breaking 10,717 entries, the highest since the awards' inception 12 years ago. A 13-member International Jury meticulously shortlisted 343 nominees across 40 diverse categories, representing Africa's five regions and the global diaspora, after 10 days of rigorous adjudication. The International Committee of AFRIMA, in partnership with the African Union Commission (AUC), is organizing this year's event alongside the Federal Government of Nigeria, with Lagos State serving as the Official Host City.

Nigerian superstars David 'Davido' Adeleke and Damini 'Burna Boy' Ogulu are among the top nominees for the All Africa Music Awards (AFRIMA) 2025 edition, each securing an impressive five nods. Burna Boy's album 'No Sign of Weakness' and Davido's '5ive' both earned nominations for Album of the Year. Their hit singles also received significant recognition, with Davido's 'With You' featuring Omah Lay securing spots in Song of the Year and Best African Collaboration. Burna Boy was also nominated for Best African Artiste Duo or Group in African Pop. Both Afrobeats giants are contesting in the highly competitive Best Male Artiste in West Africa and Artiste of the Year categories for their respective singles, 'Update' and 'With You'.

They are joined in this top bracket with five nominations each by South Africa's acclaimed DJ Maphorisa, recognized for categories including Best African DJ and Album of the Year, and Morocco's rap sensation El Grande Toto, with his album 'Salgoat' and hit track 'Diplomatico' drawing global attention, also in contention for Artiste of the Year. Senegal's Mia Guissé and Ghana's Moliy also each received five nominations, underscoring the growing influence and commanding presence of female artists on the continent's music landscape.

Fast-rising Nigerian street-pop star Crown 'Shallipopi' Uzama clinched four nominations, including Artiste of the Year, Song of the Year for his collaboration 'Laho', and Breakout Artiste of the Year. Progrex, the producer of 'Laho', also received a nod for Best Producer of the Year. Other prominent Nigerian artists among the nominees include Rema, who secured three nominations, including Artiste of the Year and Best Male in West Africa. Ayra Starr received two nominations and is also competing for the Artiste of the Year Award alongside major stars like Davido, Burna Boy, and El Grande Toto. Additional Nigerian artistes nominated across various categories include Asake ('Uhh Yeah'), Wizkid ('Kesse'), Tiwa Savage ('You 4 Me'), Yemi Alade, Ruger, Kunmi, Fola, ODUMODUBLVCK, Phyno, Reminisce, Fireboy DML, Kizz Daniel featuring Angélique Kidjo, Johnny Drille, Gaise Baba, Lawrence Oyor, Mercy Chinwo, and Ada Ehi.

Beyond Nigeria, Egypt's best-selling artist 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', establishing him as a strong newcomer. Tanzania's Diamond Platnumz continued his East African dominance with four nominations. South Africa's breakout star Tyla and Eswatini's Uncle Waffles each earned four nominations, confirming the rising global appeal 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, notably for Best Female Artiste in Central Africa.

DR Congo's music heavyweights are also 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, while Tanzania's Juma Jux scored three, including Song of the Year for 'Ololufe mi'. South Africa celebrated two triple nominees: Mawhoo, recognized for her hit 'Bengicela', and rap star Nasty C, who earned three nods for his track 'Soft'.

The diaspora also features prominently, with a strong list of male nominees including DJ Snake, Gazo, Niska, Tayc, Tiakola, Tif, Werenoi, WizTheMC, L'Algérino, and Odeal. Female artists from the diaspora recognized include Aya Nakamura, Annatoria, Choisie Basolua, Darkoo, Deborah Lukalu, Faouzia, Ronisia, The Unveiled, Theodora, and Zaho.

This year's competition promises to be fiercer than ever, with established African heavyweight stars facing stiff competition from rising sensations like Shallipopi, Himra, Moliy, and Juma Jux. AFRIMA jury member Delani Makhalima, representing the Southern African region, highlighted the significance of the 2025 nominees' list as proof of African music's global journey.