Burna Boy, Davido lead AFRIMA 2025 nominees as African stars shine globally

The All Africa Music Awards (AFRIMA) on Wednesday released its 2025 nominees, with Nigerian superstars Burna Boy and Davido leading the pack with five nominations each.

Burna Boy’s No Sign of Weakness and Davido’s 5ive will battle for Album of the Year, while both stars also earned nominations for Song of the Year and Best Collaboration.

South Africa’s DJ Maphorisa and Morocco’s El Grande Toto also received five nominations each, with Toto’s Salgoat album and his hit Diplomatico drawing global recognition.

Nigeria’s fast-rising sensation Shallipopi secured four nominations, including Artiste of the Year and Song of the Year for Laho, while Rema followed with three, featuring in the Artiste of the Year and Best Male in West Africa categories.

Ayra Starr bagged two nominations and is set to challenge heavyweights like Davido, Burna Boy, and El Grande Toto for the coveted Artiste of the Year title.

According to the organisers, global voting opens on September 10, 2025, via the official AFRIMA website and will close on November 30, a day before the grand ceremony.

AFRIMA jury member Delani Makhalima hailed the nominations list as a landmark moment for the continent, noting that African music is finally enjoying the global recognition it deserves.

“For so many years, our voices were not heard as artists, creators, songwriters, and producers. Twelve years in, we are here. This is AFRIMA, the biggest music entity on the continent,” he said.

The 2025 edition will be hosted in partnership with the Federal Government of Nigeria and Lagos State as the official host city.