The All Africa Music Awards (AFRIMA) on Wednesday unveiled its 2025 nominees, spotlighting some of the continent’s biggest stars.
Nigeria’s Burna Boy and Davido led the pack with five nominations each. Burna Boy’s No Sign of Weakness and Davido’s 5ive are both in contention for Album of the Year, while their hit singles secured nods in Song of the Year and Best Collaboration.
They were matched by South Africa’s DJ Maphorisa, who also received five nominations, including Best African DJ and Album of the Year. Morocco’s rap sensation El Grande Toto joined them with five nods, thanks to his acclaimed album Salgoat and the hit Diplomatico.
Nigeria’s Shallipopi followed closely with four nominations, including Artiste of the Year and Song of the Year for Laho. Rema earned three nominations, while Ayra Starr secured two, both competing against heavyweight stars for Artiste of the Year.
Organisers announced that global public voting will open on 10 September via www.afrima.org and close on 30 November, a day before the main awards ceremony.
AFRIMA jury member Delani Makhalima hailed the nominees’ list as evidence of Africa’s growing influence on the global music stage.
AFRIMA 2025 will be hosted in Lagos in partnership with the Federal Government of Nigeria.