The All Africa Music Awards (AFRIMA) has unveiled the nominees for its 2025 edition, setting the stage for what is expected to be one of the fiercest contests in recent years.
Music heavyweights including Davido, Burna Boy, Fally Ipupa, El Grande Toto, DJ Maphorisa, and Amr Diab will go head-to-head with rising stars such as Shallipopi, Himra, Moliy, Ayra Starr, Juma Jux, and Senegal’s Mia Guissé.
According to a statement released on Wednesday, the International Committee of AFRIMA, in partnership with the African Union Commission, revealed that this year’s nominations were selected from a record-breaking 10,717 entries — the highest in the award’s 12-year history. After a 10-day screening, a 13-member jury shortlisted 343 nominees across 40 categories, representing Africa’s regions and the diaspora.
From Nigeria, Burna Boy and Davido lead with five nominations each, both competing for Album of the Year — Burna Boy with No Sign of Weakness and Davido with 5ive. Their singles also earned them nods in Song of the Year and Best Collaboration.
Street-pop sensation Shallipopi secured four nominations, including Artiste of the Year and Song of the Year for Laho. Ayra Starr bagged two nominations and will battle Davido, Burna Boy, and Morocco’s El Grande Toto for Artiste of the Year.
Other top contenders include South Africa’s DJ Maphorisa (five nominations), Morocco’s El Grande Toto (five), Senegal’s Mia Guissé (five), and Ghana’s Moliy (five). Tanzania’s Diamond Platnumz, South Africa’s Tyla, and Eswatini’s Uncle Waffles each picked up four nominations.
The diaspora also made a strong showing, with Aya Nakamura (French-Malian), Darkoo (UK-based), and Deborah Lukalu (Canadian-Congolese) earning spots among female nominees, while DJ Snake, Tayc, and Niska feature in the male category.
AFRIMA jury member Delani Makhalima described the lineup as proof of African music’s growing influence worldwide:
“For years our voices were not heard, but today African music is global. This is AFRIMA, the biggest music entity on the continent.”
The 2025 AFRIMA will take place in Lagos from November 25 to 30, featuring the AFRIMA Music Village, the Africa Music Business Summit, the Nominees Party, and the grand finale on November 30, which will be broadcast live to more than 84 countries.
