The countdown to AFRIMA 2025 has officially begun, and this year’s nominations list is already setting the internet on fire. Nigerian heavyweights Burna Boy and Davido lead the pack with five nominations each, cementing their status as Africa’s biggest music exports. Their dominance underscores Nigeria’s continued influence on the continent’s music scene, just months after the country was announced as the host nation for the 2025 awards.
Burna Boy’s chart-topping project No Sign of Weakness will go head-to-head with Davido’s highly acclaimed 5ive in the fiercely contested Album of the Year category. Both stars also earned nods for Song of the Year and Best Collaboration, reflecting their unmatched global appeal and consistency.
But it isn’t just a Nigerian affair. South African hitmaker DJ Maphorisa matched the two giants with five nominations of his own, including Album of the Year and Best African DJ, while Morocco’s fast-rising superstar El Grande Toto also scored five nominations, with his tracks Salgoat and Diplomatico dominating North African airwaves.
Nigeria’s Shallipopi, the street-pop sensation whose meteoric rise has defined 2025, secured four nominations, including Artiste of the Year and Song of the Year, placing him firmly among Africa’s elite. Diamond Platnumz continued to wave Tanzania’s flag with four nominations, while South African R&B breakout star Tyla also earned four nods, solidifying her status after a blockbuster year.
East Africa also made a strong showing as Tanzanian crooner Juma Jux landed three nominations, including Song of the Year for his smash hit Ololufe mi, which has enjoyed heavy rotation across Nigeria and beyond. Rising Nigerian stars Rema and Ayra Starr also secured three nominations apiece, further proving Afrobeats’ grip on the global stage.
AFRIMA 2025 is set to showcase not only established names but also the diversity of Africa’s soundscape, from Amapiano to street-pop, Afro-fusion to Moroccan rap. With over 40 categories spanning the continent, the ceremony promises to be one of the most competitive editions yet.
As Nigeria prepares to host the glamorous event later this year, anticipation is building. Fans are already flooding social media with predictions and debates over potential winners. For an industry that continues to break global barriers, AFRIMA 2025 is more than just an award ceremony — it’s a statement of Africa’s cultural power to the world.
