The race for the 2025 All Africa Music Awards (AFRIMA) has officially begun, with public voting now open following a record-breaking 10,717 entries received this year.
The International Committee of AFRIMA, working with the African Union Commission (AUC), announced that voting kicked off on September 10 and will remain open until November 28, 2025. The winners will be unveiled two days later at the star-studded ceremony in Lagos, Nigeria.
This year’s edition marks the highest number of submissions in AFRIMA’s history. After a 10-day screening process by a 13-member international jury, the committee shortlisted 378 nominations across 40 categories, representing all five African regions and the Diaspora.
Voting is open to music lovers worldwide, with each account entitled to 40 votes daily. Fans can support artistes across both regional and continental categories, while the Legend Award remains the sole prerogative of AFRIMA’s international jury.
In a statement, AFRIMA’s Chief Experience Officer, Adenrele Niyi, emphasized that the process reflects the organisation’s core values of Fairness, Authenticity, Creativity, Excellence, Integrity, and Transparency (FACE IT). “We are committed to ensuring AFRIMA remains a credible and inclusive platform that truly represents Africa’s creative spirit,” she said.
Artistes across the continent have welcomed their nominations with joy.
Sat-B of Burundi, shortlisted for Best Male Artiste in Eastern Africa, thanked fans for their unwavering support.
South Africa’s Sibusiso “Mash” Mashiloane, nominated in the African Jazz category, described the honour as a chance to “share the spirit of home through sound.”
Moroccan DJ Moh Green urged his followers to rally behind him, calling the nomination a milestone in his career.
Cameroon’s King Luca, named in the Most Promising Artiste category, described his first AFRIMA recognition as “spiritual.”
Nigeria’s Mavin Records also joined the celebrations, congratulating its stars Rema, Ayra Starr, and producer Mbryo for making the nominees list.
With the theme “Unstoppable Africa,” AFRIMA 2025 is set to be the biggest celebration of African music yet. Lagos, the official host city, will welcome artistes, fans, and industry leaders for a weeklong festival from November 25 to 30.
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