Nigerian music heavyweights David ‘Davido’ Adeleke, Damini ‘Burna Boy’ Ogulu, and street-pop sensation Crown ‘Shallipopi’ Uzama have secured the highest nominations at the All Africa Music Awards (AFRIMA) 2025, placing Nigeria at the forefront of the continent’s biggest music celebration.

The International Committee of AFRIMA, in partnership with the African Union Commission (AUC), released the nominees’ list Wednesday, confirming that public voting will open worldwide on September 10, 2025, and close on November 30, 2025, the eve of the main awards ceremony.

This year’s edition, set to take place in Lagos, Nigeria, received a record 10,717 entries, the highest since AFRIMA began 12 years ago. Following a 10-day adjudication process, a 13-member international jury shortlisted 343 nominees across 40 categories, spanning Africa’s five regions and the diaspora.

Nigerian Stars Dominate

Burna Boy and Davido each earned five nominations, the highest on the list competing head-to-head in categories 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 shortlisted for Album of the Year, while their hit singles secured spots in collaboration and pop categories.

Rising star Shallipopi followed closely with four nominations, including Artiste of the Year and Song of the Year for his breakout track Laho. Producer Progrex, who worked on the song, also earned a nod 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, reflecting Nigeria’s continued dominance in the global Afrobeats movement.

AFRIMA’s Global Vision

South Africa’s DJ Maphorisa matched Burna Boy and Davido with five nods, underscoring the continental breadth of AFRIMA’s recognition.

AFRIMA jury member Delani Makhalima, speaking on behalf of the Southern African region, hailed the nominees’ list as a milestone:

“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 collaboration with the African Union Commission, the Federal Government of Nigeria, and the Lagos State Government, AFRIMA 2025 will run from November 25 to 30.

The weeklong celebration will feature the Welcome Soiree, AFRIMA Music Village, Africa Music Business Summit, Host City Tour, Nominees Party, and culminate in the Main Awards Ceremony in Lagos.

With the spotlight firmly on Nigerian talent and Lagos as the host city, AFRIMA 2025 is set to reinforce Africa’s place at the centre of the global music scene.

The grand finale on November 30 will be broadcast live to over 84 countries worldwide.(Arise News)