The All Africa Music Awards (AFRIMA) has officially released its highly anticipated 2025 nominations, with Lagos set to host Africa’s biggest music festival from November 25 to 30, 2025.
At a glamorous Patron’s Dinner with the International Jury held in Lagos, AFRIMA unveiled its nominees list, drawing excitement across the continent.
The night was filled with elegance, cultural pride, and a strong sense of unity as music executives, policymakers, media stakeholders, and creatives gathered to celebrate Africa’s growing global influence in the entertainment industry.
This year’s nominations reflect the diversity and excellence of African music. Nigerian superstars Burna Boy and Davido lead the pack with five nominations each, including prestigious categories such as Album of the Year and Song of the Year.
Joining them at the top is South African hitmaker DJ Maphorisa, who also bagged five nominations, including Best African DJ. Moroccan rap sensation El Grande Toto matched their success with five nods of his own, highlighting North Africa’s rising dominance in the continental music scene.
Emerging Nigerian street-pop star Shallipopi received four nominations, including Artiste of the Year and Song of the Year for his viral hit “Laho.”
Global Afrobeats star Rema also secured three nominations, further solidifying Nigeria’s reputation as a global music powerhouse.
According to AFRIMA officials, the 2025 edition recorded a historic 10,717 entries, making it the most competitive selection to date.
The international jury, representing 14 countries across Africa and the diaspora, spent over a week deliberating in Lagos to ensure transparency and credibility in the final nominees list.
AFRIMA Patron Dr. Bisi Onasanya, Chairman of The Address Homes, emphasized that the awards remain committed to maintaining their reputation as the most credible and globally recognized African music awards.
Nigeria’s Minister of Arts, Culture, Tourism, and Creative Economy, Barrister Hannatu Musawa, praised AFRIMA’s role in showcasing Africa’s cultural wealth.
“AFRIMA is a testimony of how Nigeria’s creative sector has grown to global standards.
Beyond celebrating art, it strengthens our economy, unites Africa, and projects our identity on the global stage,” she said.
Representing Lagos State, Commissioner for Tourism, Arts, and Culture, Toke Benson-Awoyinka, assured fans and stakeholders that Lagos is fully prepared:
“For us in Lagos, hosting AFRIMA 2025 is a huge honour.
We are ready to welcome Africa and the rest of the world to our city as we once again prove that Lagos is truly the cultural and entertainment capital of Africa.”
The six-day festival will feature a Welcome Soiree, AFRIMA Music Village, the African Music Business Summit, a Host City Tour, Nominees Party, and the Main Awards Ceremony.
The grand awards night will be broadcast live to over 84 countries worldwide, giving global audiences a front-row seat to Africa’s most prestigious music celebration.
AFRIMA President and Founder, Mike Dada, reiterated the awards’ vision to celebrate African creativity while maintaining strict credibility standards.
“Every nominee must meet eligibility criteria, and we owe the credibility of our awards to the hardworking AFRIMA jury.
This year, with the record number of submissions and the incredible quality of entries, Africa is showing the world that its music industry is stronger than ever,” he said.
One of the jury members, Guy Neza from Ivory Coast, highlighted the importance of AFRIMA in showcasing Africa’s potential:
“Africa is full of amazing talent. AFRIMA is not just an award show—it’s a platform that proves our industry can compete globally.”
The Patron’s Dinner was capped with a soulful performance from rising star Qing Madi, alongside appearances by music stars such as Ice Prince, Praiz, Orezi, and DJ Nana. Media legends and cultural influencers including Kenny Ogungbe, Dayo Adeneye, Ali Baba, Olisa Adibua, and Uti Nwachukwu also graced the event, adding to the glamour.
As AFRIMA 2025 draws closer, anticipation is already building. With powerhouse names like Burna Boy, Davido, DJ Maphorisa, and Rema in the running, this year’s edition promises to be one of the most exciting and competitive in the award’s history.
For Africa and the world, AFRIMA 2025 in Lagos is not just a music award—it’s a celebration of African identity, culture, and unity through the power of music.
