The All Africa Music Awards (AFRIMA) has released its full list of nominees for the 2025 edition, and it’s a powerful blend of Africa’s biggest stars and rising voices.
Heavyweights like Davido, Burna Boy, Fally Ipupa, El Grande Toto, DJ Maphorisa, and Amr Diab headline the list, while fast-rising talents such as Shallipopi, Himra, Moliy, Ayra Starr, Juma Jux, and Senegal’s Mia Guissé bring fresh energy to the mix.
This year marks a milestone for AFRIMA, with a record-breaking 10,717 entries—the highest in its 12-year history. After ten days of careful review by a 13-member jury, 343 nominees were selected across 40 categories, celebrating music from Africa and the diaspora.
Burna Boy and Davido lead Nigeria’s charge with five nominations each, both contending for Album of the Year—Burna with No Sign of Weakness and Davido with 5ive. Their hit tracks also secured spots in Song of the Year and Best Collaboration.
Shallipopi earned four nods, including Artiste of the Year and Song of the Year for Laho, while Ayra Starr picked up two nominations and will battle for Artiste of the Year alongside Davido, Burna Boy, and Morocco’s El Grande Toto.
Other strong contenders include DJ Maphorisa, El Grande Toto, Mia Guissé, and Moliy, all with five nominations each. Diamond Platnumz, Tyla, and Uncle Waffles followed closely with four apiece.
The diaspora is also well-represented, with female nominees like Aya Nakamura, Darkoo, and Deborah Lukalu, and male stars including DJ Snake, Tayc, and Niska.
AFRIMA 2025 is set to light up Lagos from November 25 to 30, featuring a week of music, culture, and business events—the AFRIMA Music Village, Africa Music Business Summit, Nominees Party, and the grand finale on November 30, which will be broadcast in over 84 countries.
It’s shaping up to be one of the biggest celebrations of African music yet.
