Shallipopi, Moliy, Ayra Starr, Jux join African music heavyweights as AFRIMA unveils 2025 nominations
The International Committee of the All Africa Music Awards (AFRIMA), in partnership with the African Union Commission (AUC), has announced the official nominees for the 2025 edition of the continental awards. The list, released on Tuesday, features established stars such as Davido, Burna Boy, Rema, El Grande Toto, Fally Ipupa, DJ Maphorisa and Amr Diab, […]
The International Committee of the All Africa Music Awards (AFRIMA), in partnership with the African Union Commission (AUC), has announced the official nominees for the 2025 edition of the continental awards.
The list, released on Tuesday, features established stars such as Davido, Burna Boy, Rema, El Grande Toto, Fally Ipupa, DJ Maphorisa and Amr Diab, alongside rising acts including Shallipopi, Moliy, Ayra Starr, Juma Jux, Mia Guissé and Himra.
This year’s nominations followed a record 10,717 entries, the highest in the 12-year history of AFRIMA. A 13-member international jury shortlisted 343 nominees across 40 categories, representing Africa’s five regions and the diaspora.
Public voting will open on September 10, 2025, via the official AFRIMA website (www.afrima.org), and will close on November 30, the eve of the main awards ceremony.
Nigeria’s Burna Boy and Davido led the field with five nominations each, including Album of the Year and Song of the Year. South Africa’s DJ Maphorisa and Morocco’s El Grande Toto also secured five nominations apiece. Senegalese singer Mia Guissé and Ghana’s Moliy joined the top tier with five nods each, highlighting the growing influence of female artists.
Street-pop star Shallipopi earned four nominations, including Artiste of the Year, while Tanzania’s Diamond Platnumz, South Africa’s Tyla and Eswatini’s Uncle Waffles also picked up four each.
Côte d’Ivoire’s Himra, Gabon’s Eboloko, DR Congo’s Ferre Gola and Nigeria’s Rema were among several artists with three nominations. Ayra Starr received two, including a spot in the Artiste of the Year category.
The diaspora category also drew strong representation, with nominees such as DJ Snake, Aya Nakamura, Darkoo, and Odeal.
AFRIMA jury member Delani Makhalima said the 2025 list reflects the global growth of African music.
“Twelve years in, we’re now here. This is global. This is AFRIMA, the biggest music entity on the face of the continent,” he said.
The 2025 AFRIMA celebration will take place in Lagos, Nigeria, from November 25 to 30. The programme includes a Welcome Soiree, AFRIMA Music Village, Africa Music Business Summit, Host City Tour, Nominees Party, and the main awards ceremony. The finale will be broadcast live to over 84 countries worldwide.