Nigerian music stars, Davido, Rema and Burna Boy
By OLA MODUPE, Lagos-
All Africa Music Awards (AFRIMA) revealed its 2025 nominees on Wednesday, spotlighting Nigerian stars: Burna Boy, Davido, Rema, Ayra Starr and Shallipopi, alongside Morocco’s El Grande Toto, DR Congo’s Fally Ipupa, Ghana’s Moliy, Senegal’s Mia Guissé, Tanzania’s Jux, among others.
AFRIMA’s PR and Media Relations Manager, Michael Osunnuyi, announced in Lagos that the awards received a record-breaking 10,717 entries this year, the highest in its 12-year history.
“After a 10-day adjudication process, a 13-member international jury shortlisted 343 nominees across 40 categories, representing Africa’s five regions and the diaspora,” Osunnuyi stated.
Leading the pack, Burna Boy and Davido each secured five nominations, including ‘Album of the Year’ and ‘Song of the Year.’
They are joined by El Grande Toto, DJ Maphorisa (South Africa), Moliy, and Mia Guissé, all with five nods, showcasing the rising prominence of female artists.
“This year’s nominees list is proof of African music’s growing global dominance,” said AFRIMA jury member Delani Makhalima, adding, “In just 12 years, we’ve gone from being marginalised to becoming a global force”.
Shallipopi earned four nominations, including ‘Artiste of the Year,’ alongside Amr Diab (Egypt), Diamond Platnumz (Tanzania), Tyla (South Africa), and Uncle Waffles (Eswatini). Rema, Fally Ipupa, Himra (Côte d’Ivoire), and Eboloko (Gabon) each garnered three nominations.
The diaspora category features heavyweights like DJ Snake, Aya Nakamura, Darkoo, and Deborah Lukalu.
Public voting opens on September 10 via AFRIMA’s website and closes on November 30, the eve of the main awards.
Hosted in Lagos in partnership with the African Union Commission and the Federal Government, AFRIMA 2025, from November 25 to 30, will include a Welcome Soiree, AFRIMA Music Village, Africa Music Business Summit, Nominees Party, and the grand awards ceremony on November 30, broadcast live to 84 countries.
