AFRIMA Releases Nomination List, Juma Jux, Ayra Starr, OBO, Others Shine: “Make We Run Am Sharply”
- AFRIMA has shared its 2025 nomination list as preparations for another award ceremony are underway
- Several artists from Nigeria and other African countries have received various nominations, which have excited their fans
- The award ceremony will take place in November 2025 in Lagos, Nigeria, with fans already canvassing for their favourites
The All Africa Music Awards (AFRIMA) has released the nomination list for its next awards ceremony, set to take place in November 2025.
According to AFRIMA, the organisers received 10,717 entries, the highest since the inception of the award in 2013.
Source: Instagram
A 13-member International Jury shortlisted 343 nominees across 40 categories, representing Africa’s five regions and the diaspora. The jury convened for 10 days before finalising the list of nominees.
Delani Makhalima, representing the Southern African region on the jury, described the 2025 nominees’ list as proof of how far African music has come.
He said,:
“It’s been a dream of ours for a long time to work this hard to get to a place where African music can be heard by everyone. We were marginalised for so many years; our voices were not heard as artists, creators, songwriters, producers, engineers, video makers, and filmmakers. Twelve years in, we’re now here. This is global. This is AFRIMA, the biggest music entity on the face of the continent.”
For this year's edition, AFRIMA is collaborating with the African Union Commission, the Federal Government of Nigeria, and Lagos State as the Official Host City.
The 2025 celebration will run from November 25 to 30, 2025, featuring a Welcome Party, the AFRIMA Music Village, the Africa Music Business Summit, a host city tour, the Nominees Party, and the main awards Ceremony.
The grand finale will take place on November 30, and voting will commence on September 10, 2025, on the organiser's website.
Source: Instagram
Artists who made the nomination list
Heavyweight artists from across African countries made the nomination list.
South Africa’s DJ Maphorisa earned five nominations, including Best African DJ and Album of the Year.
Morocco’s rapper El Grande Toto also secured five nominations for his album Salgoat and hit Diplomatico.
Self-acclaimed African Giant Burna Boy and Davido both received five nominations each. Burna Boy’s album No Sign of Weakness and Davido’s 5ive were both nominated for Album of the Year, while their hit singles earned them spots in Song of the Year and Best Collaboration.
Fast-rising street-pop sensation Shallipopi bagged four nominations, including Artiste of the Year and Song of the Year for his collaboration Laho.
Senegal’s Mia Guissé and Ghana’s Moliy joined the top award nominees with five nominations each.
One of the best-selling artists in the Middle East, Egypt's Amr Diab, scooped four nominations, while Côte d'Ivoire’s Himra earned three nominations, including Album of the Year. His album Big Aka 4 Aka Kai and hip-hop collaborations have made him one of the strongest newcomers this year.
Tanzania’s Diamond Platnumz, Tanzanian singer, secured four nominations, continuing his dominance in East Africa. South Africa’s breakout star Tyla and Eswatini’s Uncle Waffles each earned four nominations, confirming the rising power of amapiano and Afro-house sounds.
Côte d'Ivoire’s Didi B earned three nominations, including Best Male Artiste in West Africa and Album of the Year, while Gabon's Eboloko was listed for Breakout Artiste of the Year among his three nominations. Emma’a also received three nominations, including Best Female Artiste in Central Africa.
DR Congo is also represented, with Fally Ipupa bagging three nominations, including Artiste of the Year, and Ferre Gola earning three nods, including Songwriter of the Year.
In North Africa, Morocco’s Jaylann received three nominations, while Tanzania’s Juma Jux, who recently welcomed a son, secured three nominations, including Song of the Year for Ololufe Mi.
South Africa produced two triple nominees: Mawhoo, recognised for her hit Bengicela, and rap star Nasty C, who received three nods for his track Soft.
Nigeria’s Rema emerged with three nominations, including Artiste of the Year and Best Male in West Africa.
Ayra Starr has two nominations and is competing for Artiste of the Year alongside big stars such as Davido, Burna Boy, and El Grande Toto.
DJ Snake, Gazo, Niska, Tayc, Tiakola, Tif, Werenoi, WizTheMC, L’Algérino, and Odeal alos made the list. On the female side, the nominees include Aya Nakamura, Annatoria, Choisie Basolua, Darkoo, Deborah Lukalu, Faouzia, Ronisia, The Unveiled, Theodora, and Zaho.
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How fans reacted to post about AFRIMA
Legit.ng compiled the reaction of fans below:
@priscyetjux_germany said:
"juma_jux no body badder, how do we vote ?make we we run am sharparly…abeg let our votes count ooo."
@olutomi1st commented:
"D. J play me God design by Juma Jux. Popsi Rakeem for the win."
@chy_juli reacted:
"Everyone get ready to run am for Baba Rakeem. I pray and hope our vote will count."
AFRIMA pays tribute to Mohbad
Legit.ng had reported that The All Africa Music Awards, AFRIMA, mourned the tragic passing of Nigerian singer Mohbad and highlighted the need to institutionalize the music entertainment industry.
Mohbad's sudden demise on September 12, 2023, has prompted a police investigation into the circumstances surrounding his death.
Source: Legit.ng
