The organisers of the All Africa Music Awards (AFRIMA) have released the nominees’ list for its 2025 edition, with Burna Boy, Davido and Rema among the top contenders.

A statement by AFRIMA’s PR and Media Relations Manager, Michael Osunnuyi, in Lagos on Wednesday said the event received a record 10,717 entries, the highest since its inception 12 years ago.

Following 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 lead with five nominations each, including ‘Album of the Year’ and ‘Song of the Year’. They are joined by Morocco’s El Grande Toto and South Africa’s DJ Maphorisa, who also secured five nods.

Senegal’s Mia Guissé and Ghana’s Moliy matched them with five nominations apiece, reflecting the growing influence of female artistes on the continent.

Other multiple nominees include Shallipopi (four), Amr Diab, Diamond Platnumz, Tyla, and Uncle Waffles (four each). Rema, Fally Ipupa, Himra, and Eboloko also feature prominently with three nominations each.

The diaspora category includes DJ Snake, Aya Nakamura, Darkoo and Deborah Lukalu.

Public voting opens globally on 10 September via AFRIMA’s official website and will close on 30 November, the eve of the main awards.

Organised in partnership with the African Union Commission, the Federal Government and Lagos State, AFRIMA 2025 will hold from 25–30 November, featuring music business summits, concerts and the awards ceremony broadcast live in 84 countries.