The 2025 edition of the All Africa Music Awards (AFRIMA) promises an unprecedented celebration of African music, marked by a record-breaking 10,717 entries—the highest since the awards' inception 12 years ago. Following a rigorous 10-day adjudication process by a 13-member International Jury, 343 nominees have been shortlisted across 40 categories, representing Africa's five regions and the diaspora. Nigerian superstars Burna Boy and Davido lead the nominations, each securing an impressive five nods, underscoring their continued dominance on the continent's music scene.

Burna Boy and Davido are both nominated for Album of the Year, with Burna Boy's 'No Sign of Weakness' and Davido's '5ive' vying for the prestigious award. Their hit singles also earned them spots in the Song of the Year and Best Collaboration categories. Davido's 'With You' specifically garnered nominations for Song of the Year and Best African Collaboration (featuring Omah Lay), while Burna Boy also earned a nomination for Best African Artiste Duo or Group in African Pop. Both Afrobeats heavyweights are contenders in the Best Male Artiste in West Africa and Artiste of the Year categories for their singles 'Update' and 'With You', respectively.

Matching the Nigerian titans with five nominations is South Africa's DJ Maphorisa, recognised for Best African DJ and Album of the Year. Morocco's rap star El Grande Toto also secured five nominations for his album 'Salgoat' and hit 'Diplomatico'. The rising influence of female acts is evident with Senegal's Mia Guissé and Ghana's Moliy each clinching five nominations. Fast-rising Nigerian street-pop sensation Shallipopi earned four nominations, including Artiste of the Year, Song of the Year for his collaboration 'Laho', and Breakout Artiste of the Year. The producer of 'Laho', Progrex, also received a nod for Best Producer of the Year.

Further prominent Nigerian artists among the nominees include Rema, with three nominations including Artiste of the Year and Best Male in West Africa for 'Baby (Is It A Crime)', and Ayra Starr, who received two nominations and is contending for Artiste of the Year and Best Female Artiste in West Africa for 'All the Love'. Other notable Nigerian acts 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, who are nominated across various categories such as 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 the continent, Egypt's best-selling artist Amr Diab scooped four nominations, while Côte d'Ivoire's Himra picked up three nominations, including Album of the Year for 'Big Aka 4 Aka Kai', establishing himself as a strong newcomer. Tanzania's Diamond Platnumz grabbed four nominations, continuing his dominance in East Africa. 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, 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.

The Democratic Republic of Congo's 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, just as Tanzania's Juma Jux scored three, including Song of the Year for 'Ololufe mi'. South Africa also produced two triple nominees: Mawhoo, recognized for her hit 'Bengicela', and rap star Nasty C, who received three nods for his track 'Soft'.

The diaspora presence on the nomination list is equally strong, featuring 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 set to be fiercely competitive, with a blend of Africa's established heavyweight stars facing off against rising sensations like Shallipopi, Himra, Moliy, and Juma Jux. The International Committee of AFRIMA, in partnership with the African Union Commission (AUC), is organizing the event alongside the Federal Government of Nigeria and the Official Host City, Lagos State.

Public voting will open globally on September 10, 2025, via the official AFRIMA website, and will close on the eve of the main awards ceremony on November 30, 2025. The 2025 celebration will run from November 25 to 30, featuring a series of events including the Welcome Soiree, the AFRIMA Music Village, the Africa Music Business Summit, a Host City Tour, the Nominees Party, and culminating in the Main Awards Ceremony. The grand finale on November 30 will be broadcast live to over 84 countries worldwide.

AFRIMA jury member Delani Makhalima, representing the Southern African region, articulated the profound significance of the 2025 nominees' list, stating it as