The All Africa Music Awards (AFRIMA) on Wednesday announced its 2025 nominees, spotlighting the continent’s top musical talents across diverse genres and regions.
Leading the nominations are Nigerian heavyweights Burna Boy and Davido, who each earned five nods. Both artists are nominated for Album of the Year—Burna Boy for No Sign of Weakness and Davido for 5ive—with their hit singles also earning recognition in the Song of the Year and Best Collaboration categories.
Matching their tally is South Africa’s renowned producer DJ Maphorisa, who also garnered five nominations, including Best African DJ and Album of the Year. Morocco’s rap sensation El Grande Toto joins the top ranks with five nominations as well, fueled by the success of his album Salgoat and the global impact of his single Diplomatico.
Among the emerging stars, Nigeria’s street-pop phenomenon Shallipopi stood out with four nominations, including Artiste of the Year and Song of the Year for his hit collaboration Laho.
Fellow Nigerian artist Rema also secured three nominations, including Artiste of the Year and Best Male in West Africa, affirming his consistent presence on the global stage.
Afropop star Ayra Starr received two nominations, including Artiste of the Year, where she faces off against heavyweights like Burna Boy, Davido, and El Grande Toto.
In a statement, the organisers announced that public voting will open globally on September 10, 2025, via the official AFRIMA website (www.afrima.org). Voting will remain open until November 30, the eve of the main awards ceremony.
“Music lovers across Africa and the diaspora will be able to participate in determining the winners in the various categories,” the statement read.
AFRIMA jury member Delani Makhalima, representing Southern Africa, praised the 2025 nominees as evidence of the continent’s musical evolution.
“It’s been a dream of ours for a long time to reach a place where African music is heard around the world. We were marginalised for so many years—our voices as artists, producers, engineers, filmmakers weren’t recognised. But twelve years on, AFRIMA is now global. It’s the biggest music platform on the continent,” he said.
AFRIMA 2025 is being organised in partnership with the Federal Government of Nigeria and the Official Host City, Lagos State, promising a celebration of African music on a truly global scale.
