AFRIMA 2025 nominations: Davido, Rema, Burna Boy lead Africa’s biggest music awards

The All Africa Music Awards (AFRIMA) 2025 nominations have been officially announced by the International Committee in partnership with the African Union Commission (AUC).

The list features Africa’s top music stars and emerging talents, highlighting the continent’s growing global influence.

Leading Nominees

• Davido and Burna Boy lead with five nominations each, including Album of the Year, Song of the Year, and Best Collaboration.
• Rema received three nominations, including Artiste of the Year and Best Male in West Africa.
• Rising Nigerian star Shallipopi earned four nominations, including Artiste of the Year and Song of the Year for his hit Laho.
• Ayra Starr secured two nominations, competing in the Artiste of the Year category.

Other Top Contenders Across Africa

• South Africa’s DJ Maphorisa and Morocco’s El Grande Toto earned five nominations each.
• Female stars like Senegal’s Mia Guissé and Ghana’s Moliy received five nominations each.
• Egypt’s Amr Diab and Tanzania’s Diamond Platnumz received four nods each.
• South Africa’s Tyla and Nasty C highlight the rising influence of Amapiano and Afro-house music.
• Central and West African stars including Fally Ipupa, Ferre Gola, Didi B, and Emma’a also received multiple nominations.

Diaspora Representation

The 2025 AFRIMA nominees also include prominent diaspora artists:

• Male nominees: DJ Snake, Gazo, Niska, Tayc, Tiakola, Werenoi, WizTheMC, L’Algérino, Odeal
• Female nominees: Aya Nakamura, Annatoria, Choisie Basolua, Darkoo, Faouzia, Deborah Lukalu, Ronisia, The Unveiled, Theodora, Zaho

Record-Breaking Entries

This year, AFRIMA received 10,717 entries, the highest since the awards began 12 years ago. A 13-member international jury spent 10 days evaluating submissions to shortlist 343 nominees across 40 categories, representing Africa’s five regions and the diaspora.

Voting and Event Details

Public voting opens September 10, 2025, via the official AFRIMA website (www.afrima.org) and closes on November 30, 2025.

The AFRIMA 2025 celebration takes place in Lagos, Nigeria, from November 25 to 30, in collaboration with the Federal Government of Nigeria. Key events include:

• Welcome Soiree
• AFRIMA Music Village
• Africa Music Business Summit
• Host City Tour
• Nominees Party
• Main Awards Ceremony

The grand finale on November 30 will be broadcast live to over 84 countries worldwide.

AFRIMA Jury Insight

Delani Makhalima, AFRIMA jury member for Southern Africa, said: “It’s a dream come true to see African music reach a global stage. Our voices as artists, producers, and creators are finally being heard worldwide. This is AFRIMA at its finest.”