Nigerian superstars Davido, Burna Boy, and Shallipopi have emerged as the top contenders at the All Africa Music Awards (AFRIMA) 2025, highlighting Nigeria’s dominance in Africa’s biggest music showcase.
The International Committee of AFRIMA, in partnership with the African Union Commission (AUC), unveiled the nominees’ list on Wednesday. Public voting will open globally on September 10 and close on November 30, a day before the main awards ceremony.
This year’s edition, scheduled to hold in Lagos from November 25 to 30, received a record 10,717 entries — the highest since AFRIMA was established 12 years ago. 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.
Burna Boy and Davido each secured five nominations, including Album of the Year, Song of the Year, Best Male Artiste in West Africa, and Artiste of the Year. Burna Boy’s No Sign of Weakness and Davido’s 5ive were both listed in the Album of the Year category, while their hit singles earned nods in collaboration and pop categories.
Street-pop sensation Shallipopi followed closely with four nominations, including Artiste of the Year and Song of the Year for his breakout track Laho. His producer, Progrex, also received recognition with a nomination for Best Producer of the Year.
Other Nigerian nominees include Asake, Rema, Wizkid, Ayra Starr, Tiwa Savage, Yemi Alade, Ruger, ODUMODUBLVCK, Phyno, Fireboy DML, Kizz Daniel, Johnny Drille, Mercy Chinwo, Ada Ehi, and Lawrence Oyor, underscoring Nigeria’s continued influence in the Afrobeats wave.
South Africa’s DJ Maphorisa also earned five nominations, matching Davido and Burna Boy’s tally, a development that reflects the continental reach of AFRIMA’s recognition.
AFRIMA jury member, Delani Makhalima, described the 2025 nominees’ list as a milestone for African music. “It’s been a dream of ours for so long to get to a place where African music can be heard by everyone. Twelve years in, we’re now here. This is global. This is AFRIMA, the biggest music entity on the continent,” he said.
Organised in partnership with the African Union Commission, the Federal Government of Nigeria, and the Lagos State Government, AFRIMA 2025 will feature a week of activities, including the AFRIMA Music Village, Africa Music Business Summit, Host City Tour, and Nominees Party, before the main awards ceremony on November 30.
The grand finale will be broadcast live to more than 84 countries, further cementing Africa’s place at the centre of the global music stage.
