Bisina SomtoThe African Music Awards (AFRIMA) 2025 nominees list is finally here, music fans across the continent are particularly exicted to witness Africa’s biggest music stars prepare to battle it out for the top awards.
With voting set to begin on September 10, 2025, this year promises to be the most competitive edition yet.
Join our WhatsApp ChannelAFRIMA 2025: Record-Breaking Nominations and Global Reach
The 2025 AFRIMA nominations followed a record-breaking 10,717 entries, the highest in the award’s 12-year history. After 10 days of adjudication, a 13-member international jury shortlisted 343 nominees across 40 categories, covering Africa’s five regions and the diaspora.
The International Committee of AFRIMA, in partnership with the African Union Commission (AUC), announced that public voting opens globally on September 10 via www.afrima.org.
Voting closes on November 30, just before the main awards ceremony in Lagos, Nigeria.
AFRIMA 2025: Top Nominees and Categories to Watch
Some of Africa’s biggest stars secured multiple nominations, while new talents rose to challenge them.
Burna Boy and Davido lead the pack with five nominations each, including Album of the Year and Song of the Year.
DJ Maphorisa (South Africa) and El Grande Toto (Morocco) also grabbed five nods each, with hit projects like Salgoat and Diplomatico earning global attention.
Shallipopi (Nigeria) scored four nominations, including Artiste of the Year and Song of the Year.
Mia Guissé (Senegal) and Moliy (Ghana) each earned five nominations, proving female acts are now shaping Africa’s music scene.
Diamond Platnumz (Tanzania) continued his East African dominance with four nominations, while amapiano stars Tyla and Uncle Waffles got four nods each.
Other multiple nominees include Amr Diab (Egypt), Himra (Côte d’Ivoire), Rema (Nigeria), Nasty C (South Africa), Juma Jux (Tanzania), and Fally Ipupa (DR Congo).
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AFRIMA 2025: Rising Stars and Diaspora Artists Shine
This year’s AFRIMA nominees list also celebrates new voices and the African diaspora:
Eboloko (Gabon) and Emma’a received three nominations each, including Breakout Artiste of the Year.
In the diaspora categories, male acts like DJ Snake, Gazo, and WizTheMC made the list, alongside female stars like Aya Nakamura, Annatoria, and Deborah Lukalu.
AFRIMA 2025 Events: Dates and What to Expect
The 2025 AFRIMA celebration will run from November 25 to 30, 2025, in Lagos, Nigeria. The week-long festivities will feature:
- 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, cementing AFRIMA’s position as Africa’s biggest music awards platform.
AFRIMA 2025 Jury
Delani Makhalima, a member of the AFRIMA jury representing Southern Africa, described the 2025 list as “a milestone for African music,” noting that African artists are finally getting global recognition:
“For years, our voices weren’t heard. Now, 12 years in, AFRIMA has become the biggest music platform on the continent. This is Africa’s time.”
How to Vote for AFRIMA 2025 Nominees
Fans can vote for their favorite artists beginning September 10, 2025, via the official AFRIMA website: www.afrima.org. Voting will close on November 30, 2025, ahead of the awards night.
Somto is an Entertainment Reporter with a passion for uncovering the latest stories in the world of entertainment. As a dedicated journalist, Somto delivers in-depth reporting, exclusive interviews, and breaking news coverage.
She covers a wide range of topics, from celebrity interviews to industry trends and film reviews.
As an Entertainment Reporter for Prime Business Africa, She continues to provide comprehensive and insightful coverage of the entertainment industry, offering readers an insider's perspective on the latest developments and trends. She is a trusted source for breaking news, exclusive interviews, and thought-provoking analyses.
Somto is dedicated to providing valuable information and entertainment to her audience while upholding the highest standards of journalistic integrity.
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