Davido, Burna Boy, Ayra Starr Dominate AFRIMA 2025 Nominees List
Photo Credit: All-Africa Music Awards (AFRIMA) Instagram
The All-Africa Music Awards (AFRIMA) has officially released the nominees’ list for its 2025 edition, sparking excitement across the continent. This year’s selection is the most competitive in the award’s 12-year history, drawn from a record-breaking 10,717 entries submitted by African and diaspora artists. After a 10-day screening, a 13-member jury shortlisted 343 nominees across 40 categories.
Nigerian Stars Lead the Charge
Nigeria’s global icons Burna Boy and Davido lead with five nominations each. Both are in the running for Album of the Year—Burna Boy with No Sign of Weakness and Davido with 5ive. Their hit singles also secured spots in the Song of the Year and Best Collaboration categories.
Street-pop sensation Shallipopi scored four nominations, including Artiste of the Year and Song of the Year for his viral track Laho. Meanwhile, Ayra Starr bagged two nominations, notably Artiste of the Year, where she will contend with Davido, Burna Boy, and Morocco’s El Grande Toto.
Strong Pan-African and Diaspora Representation
Beyond Nigeria, South Africa’s DJ Maphorisa, Morocco’s El Grande Toto, Senegal’s Mia Guissé, and Ghana’s Moliy each earned five nominations. Tanzania’s Diamond Platnumz, South Africa’s Tyla, and Eswatini’s Uncle Waffles secured four apiece.
The diaspora also made a strong showing with French Malian star Aya Nakamura, UK-based Darkoo, and Canadian Congolese singer Deborah Lukalu among the female nominees. International acts like DJ Snake, Tayc, and Niska also feature prominently.
Celebrating African Music’s Global Impact
AFRIMA jury member Delani Makhalima praised the list, saying:
“For years our voices were not heard, but today African music is global. This is AFRIMA, the biggest music entity on the continent.”
“AFRIMA is not just about awards; it is about showcasing Africa’s sound to the world and proving that our music is a global force.”
Lagos Set to Host AFRIMA 2025
The prestigious event will take place in Lagos from November 25 to 30, 2025. Highlights will include the AFRIMA Music Village, Africa Music Business Summit, Nominees Party, and the grand finale on November 30, broadcast live to over 84 countries.
AFRIMA 2025 is more than just an award show—it is a celebration of Africa’s cultural power and global musical influence. With heavyweights and rising stars sharing the stage, this year promises to be one of the most thrilling in AFRIMA history.
