Burna Boy, Davido, Shallipopi, Rema Dominate AFRIMA 2025 Nominations as Voting Opens Sept 10

The International Committee of the All Africa Music Awards (AFRIMA), in collaboration with the African Union Commission (AUC), has unveiled the nominees for the 2025 edition of the prestigious continental awards.

Nigeria once again leads the pack, with Burna Boy, Davido, Wizkid, Tiwa Savage, Rema, Asake, Ayra Starr, Shallipopi, Gaise Baba, and Ada Ehi securing multiple nominations across major categories.

This year’s list, announced on Wednesday, August 28, features 343 nominees across 40 categories, carefully selected by a 13 member international jury after 10 days of screening. The committee revealed that a record-breaking 10,717 entries were received the highest in AFRIMA’s 12-year history.

Afrobeats heavyweights Burna Boy and Davido headline the list with five nominations each, including Album of the Year and Song of the Year. South Africa’s DJ Maphorisa and Morocco’s rap star El Grande Toto also earned five nods apiece, highlighting the pan-African spread of talent.

Nigeria’s street-pop sensation Shallipopi scored four nominations, including Artiste of the Year for his viral hit Laho. Tanzania’s Diamond Platnumz, Egypt’s Amr Diab, and South Africa’s Tyla also made strong showings with four nods each.

Rema, Nasty C, Didi B, Himra, and DR Congo’s Fally Ipupa all secured three nominations, reinforcing their growing dominance across the continent. Female stars also shone brightly this year, with Senegal’s Mia Guissé and Ghana’s Moliy earning five nominations each, while Ayra Starr, Tiwa Savage, Yemi Alade, and Ada Ehi also picked up nods.

The diaspora category features global names including DJ Snake, Aya Nakamura, Darkoo, Odeal, and Zaho, underscoring AFRIMA’s international recognition.

Speaking on the significance of the list, AFRIMA jury member Delani Makhalima said the nominations reflect the rise of African music on the world stage.

“For years, our voices as African creators were marginalised. But today, 12 years after AFRIMA’s inception, African music is global. This platform is proof of how far we’ve come.”

Public voting for the awards will open worldwide on September 10 via the official website, www.afrima.org, and will close on November 30, the eve of the grand finale.

The 2025 edition will take place in Lagos from November 25 to 30, featuring the Welcome Soiree, AFRIMA Music Village, Africa Music Business Summit, Host City Tour, Nominees Party, and climaxing with the main awards ceremony. The grand finale on November 30 will be broadcast live to over 84 countries.