The All Africa Music Awards (AFRIMA) has officially released its 2025 nominations list, and while Africa’s biggest names such as Davido, Burna Boy, Rema, El Grande Toto, Shallipopi, Fally Ipupa, Ayra Starr, Moliy, Jux, Himra, and DJ Maphorisa made the cut, Liberia was completely absent from this year’s lineup.
This marks another year in which no Liberian artiste secured a nomination, despite a record-breaking 10,717 entries submitted to the AFRIMA jury, the highest since the award’s inception 12 years ago.
A 13-member international panel of judges spent 10 days reviewing entries before shortlisting 343 nominees across 40 categories, covering Africa’s five regions and the diaspora. From Nigeria to Morocco, Ghana to Tanzania, and Egypt to South Africa, the list reflects both heavyweight dominance and the rise of new stars.
Nigeria’s Burna Boy and Davido led the nominations with five each, including Album of the Year. South Africa’s DJ Maphorisa and Morocco’s El Grande Toto also matched their tally with five nods. Ghana’s Moliy and Senegal’s Mia Guissé, two women breaking barriers in the continental scene, also secured five nominations each.
Street-pop sensation Shallipopi earned four nominations, including Artiste of the Year, while Tanzania’s Diamond Platnumz, South Africa’s Tyla, and Eswatini’s Uncle Waffles all followed with strong showings. DR Congo’s Fally Ipupa, Egypt’s Amr Diab, and Côte d’Ivoire’s Himra further cemented their regional influence with multiple nominations.
For Liberians, the absence stings a little more given the global rise of JZyno, who first broke through and was previously nominated in 2023 for his breakthrough hit single Butta My Bread, has since expanded his reach with international collaborations like Go Down featuring American rapper The Game, and Mood featuring Nigerian star Khalid, strengthening his reputation as Liberia’s “global boy” in Afrobeats. Yet even with this momentum, his name is missing from the AFRIMA 2025 list.
Back home, stars like CIC, who delivered chart-topping singles such as Congratulations and Happy, also didn’t make the cut. In addition, Liberia’s breakthrough act SIO, whose viral hit single Blessings caught fire across social media and streaming platforms, was also overlooked. For many fans, the absence of these records, which dominated Liberian playlists in 2024, raises tough questions about visibility, regional support, and the recognition of Liberian music on Africa’s biggest stage.
Public voting for AFRIMA 2025 opens globally on September 10, 2025 via the official website (www.afrima.org) and will close on November 30, the eve of the awards night.
AFRIMA jury member Delani Makhalima described the list as a reflection of African music’s global rise, noting that the awards have grown into “the biggest music entity on the continent.”
This year’s edition will run from November 25–30, 2025, in Lagos, Nigeria, featuring music summits, city tours, and the grand finale broadcast live to over 84 countries.
While the spotlight shines on the likes of Davido, Rema, and Ayra Starr, Liberia’s absence from the 2025 AFRIMA nominations, despite JZyno’s global exploits and CIC’s local dominance, is a reminder of the urgent need for stronger industry structures, cross-border collaborations, and strategic promotion if Liberian music is to break into Africa’s biggest stage.
AFRIMA 2025 Nominees: Full List
(Regional & Continental categories, as officially released in the public list)
Regional Categories
Best Male Artiste in Central Africa
C4 PEDRO (Angola), EBOLOKO (Gabon), GIMS (DRC), GERILSON INSRAEL (Angola), KOCEE (Cameroon), L’OISEAU RARE (Gabon), FALLY IPUPA (DRC), MAGASCO (Cameroon), SINGUILA (Congo), WERRASON (DRC)
Best Female Artiste in Central Africa
ANNA JOYCE (Angola), BLANCHE BAILLY (Cameroon), CHARLOTTE DIPANDA (Cameroon), CINDY LE COEUR (DRC), DEBORAH LUKALU (DRC), EMMA’A (Gabon), JESSY B (Congo), KRYS M (Cameroon), LIRIANY (Angola), REBO (DRC)
Best Male Artiste in Eastern Africa
BIEN (Kenya), DIAMOND PLATNUMZ (Tanzania), ELEMENT ELEÉEH (Rwanda), JOSHUA BARAKA (Uganda), JUX (Tanzania), MARIOO (Tanzania), MBOSSO (Tanzania), BRUCE MELODIE (Rwanda), SAT-B (Burundi), YARED NEGU (Ethiopia)
Best Female Artiste in Eastern Africa
ABIGAIL CHAMS (Tanzania), BRIDGET BLUE (Kenya), DENISE (Madagascar), HALELUYA TEKLETSADIK (Ethiopia), LADY JAYDEE (Tanzania), MAHLET WENDIMU (Ethiopia), SALEMIA (Ethiopia), WEEHA (Ethiopia), WINNIE NWAGI (Uganda), ZUCHU (Tanzania)
Best Male Artiste in Northern Africa
A.L.A. (Tunisia), ADVISER (Mauritania), AMR DIAB (Egypt), CHEB MOMO (Algeria), EL GRANDE TOTO (Morocco), HAMZA NAMIRA (Egypt), LBENJ (Morocco), MOHAMED RAMADAN (Egypt), STORMY (Morocco), WEGZ (Egypt)
Best Female Artiste in Northern Africa
CHIRINE LAJMI (Tunisia), INEZ (Morocco), JANNAT (Egypt), JAYLANN (Morocco), MANAL (Morocco), MERYEM ABOULOUAFA (Morocco), SHERINE (Egypt), ZINA DAOUDIA (Morocco)
Best Male Artiste in Southern Africa
ANDERSON MÁRIO (Mozambique), JAH PRAYZAH (Zimbabwe), MANANA (Eswatini), NASTY C (South Africa), TEDDY MAKADI (Malawi), TYLER ICU (South Africa), WANITWAMOS (South Africa), YO MAPS (Zambia), ZEZE KINGSTON (Malawi), KAZBA DE SMALL (South Africa)
Best Female Artiste in Southern Africa
BABALWA M (South Africa), HANNA (Zimbabwe), MAKHADZI (South Africa), NKOSAZANA DAUGHTER (South Africa), NONTOKOZO MKHIZE (South Africa), SHA SHA (Zimbabwe), TEMWAH (Malawi), TYLA (South Africa), UNCLE WAFFLES (Eswatini), ZEE NXUMALO (South Africa)
Best Male Artiste in Western Africa
ASAKE (Nigeria), AXEL MERRYL (Benin), BLACK SHERIF (Ghana), BURNA BOY (Nigeria), DAVIDO (Nigeria), DIDI B (Côte d’Ivoire), DJODJE (Cape Verde), REMA (Nigeria), VJ (Senegal), WIZKID (Nigeria)
Best Female Artiste in Western Africa
AMAARAE (Ghana), AYRA STARR (Nigeria), DJELYKABA BINTOU (Guinea), JOSEY (Côte d’Ivoire), MARIAM BA LAGARÉ (Mali), MIA GUISSÉ (Senegal), MOLIY (Ghana), TIWA SAVAGE (Nigeria), VIVIANE CHIDID (Senegal)
Continental Categories
Best Male Artiste in African Inspirational Music Christian Mukuna (DRC), DjUnny Beatz (Mozambique), Gaise Baba (Nigeria), Israel Mbonyi (Rwanda), Jah Prayzah (Zimbabwe), Joel Lwaga (Tanzania), Kocee (Cameroon/Côte d’Ivoire), Lawrence Oyor (Nigeria), Milo (Côte d’Ivoire), Sjava (South Africa)
Best Female Artiste in African Inspirational Music
Ada Ehi, Choisie Basolua, Krys M, Martha Mwipaija, Mercy Chinwo, Morijah, Nontokozo Mkhize, Roseline Layo, Vestine & Dorcas
Best African Artiste, Duo or Group in African Jazz
Adrian Younge & Ali Shaheed Muhammad (Ghana), Haddinqo (Ethiopia), Mádé Kuti (Nigeria), Rorisang Sechele (South Africa), Sibusiso Mash Mashiloane (South Africa), The Cavemen (Nigeria), Alune Wade (Senegal), Nomfundo Xaluva (South Africa), Kyle Shepherd Trio (South Africa)
Best African Artiste Duo or Group in African Pop
Adviser (Mauritania), Amadeus (Senegal), Amr Diab (Egypt), Burna Boy (Nigeria), Gims (DRC), Lbenj (Morocco), Manamba Kanté (Guinea), Seyi Vibez (Nigeria), Mohamed Ramadan (Egypt), Saad Lamjarred (Morocco)
Best Artiste, Duo or Group in African Contemporary
Fireboy DML (Nigeria), Axel Merryl (Benin), Espe Bass (Congo B), Bien (Kenya), Jaylann (Morocco), Kizz Daniel, Angélique Kidjo & Johnny Drille (Nigeria), Mbosso (Tanzania), Ferre Gola & Rayvanny (DRC), Didine Canon 16 (Algeria), Wendy Shay (Ghana)
Best Soundtrack in Movie/Series/Documentary
Igho’le Trap Mix Version (Ghana), El Ma2as (Egypt), You Are (Nigeria), Timpi Tampa (Senegal), Tori Ife (Nigeria), Saatte Ragouj (Tunisia)
Songwriter of the Year
Bakhaw Dioum, Emel/Jehnny Beth & Camille Berthomier, Emma’a, Emmanuel Ayobami Alli-Hakeem, Ferre Gola, Mohammed Ismail Sharrif, Mugisha Fred Robinson, Olamide Adedeji, Prince Omoferi & Nwamu Francis Chukwudubem, Victor Ngatuvese Kaune
Best Global Act
Rosé, Joé Dwèt Filé, Lady Gaga & Bruno Mars, Fantomel & Kate Linn, Drake, Alex Warren, Doechii, Ed Sheeran, Yung Bredda
African Fans’ Favourite
Ali Jita, Barnaba, BNXN & Rema, Chella, Dlala Thukzin, Kizz Daniel, Parazar, Tamer Hosny & Al Shami, Faceless, Tul8te
Best African DJ
DJ Malvado, DJ Maphorisa, DJ Moh Green, DJ Mombochi, DJ Tunez, DJ YK Mule, Kelvin Momo, Oscar Mbo, Uncle Waffles, Woodblock DJs
Producer of the Year
Beneth Seraphin Akatché Koffi, Butternut & Xolani Majozi, Dina One, Element Eleéeh & Mugisha Fred Robinson, Jazzworx, Progrex, Davinci, Tempoe, Themba Sekowe, Gomolemo Joy Gumede, Kabelo Motha
Album of the Year
Davido (5ive), Himra (Big Aka 4 Aka Kai), Didi B (DIYILEM & BAZARHOFF: GENIUS), Amr Diab (Ebtadena), Tinariwen (Idrache), DJ Maphorisa & XDuppy (Ngomoya), Burna Boy (No Sign of Weakness), El Grande Toto (Salgoat), Kelvin Momo (Thato Ya Modimo)
Best African Video of the Year
Babs Direction, Bongani Tshabalala & Vuyo Mpantsha, Director Pink, Edrine Paul Director, Fole X (two entries), TG Omori, WLDRB
Song of the Year
Abantwana Bakho, Bengicela, Choix, Diplomatico, Kaay Waay, Laho, Ololufe Mi, Push 2 Start, Shake It to the Max, With You
Best African Dance/Choreography
Jaylann, Lady Ponce, Rebo, Serge Beynaud, Toofan, Tyla, Uncle Waffles & Royal Musiq, Weeha, Werrason, Wizkid
Best African Act Reggae, Ragga & Dancehall
Magasco, Moliy (Remix), Ruger & Kraniium, Sean Morgan, Black Sherif, Takana Zion, Tiwa Savage, Wakadinali, Yemi Alade, Iyanii/Mwanaa & Cedo
Best African Artiste, Duo or Group in African Rock
Laeke, Izlan, Franck Biyong, Rash, Mdou Moctar, Chrissy Zebby Tembo & The Ngozi Family
Best Artiste Duo or Group in African Traditional
Big Zulu, Chirine Lajmi, Lady Ponce, Lama Shreif, Larry Gaaga & Flavour & Queen Theresa Onuorah, Sona Tata, Stonebwoy, Tinariwen, Tonton Pal & Binguni Bakhaga, Veronica Adane
Best African Collaboration
Blanche Bailly & Lady Ponce, Goon Flavour & Master KG & Eemoh, Mia Guissé, Moliy & co., Paki Chenzu & Himra, Shallipopi & Burna Boy, Uncle Waffles, Davido & Omah Lay, Mawhoo & co., Benny Adam & Khadija El Warzazia
Most Promising Artiste of the Year
Cysoul, Joshua Baraka, King Luca, L’Oiseau Rare, Lwah Ndlunkulu, Massamba Amadeus, Qing Madi, Rym, Kunmie, Fola
Artiste of the Year
Amr Diab, Ayra Starr, Burna Boy, Davido, DJ Maphorisa, El Grande Toto, Fally Ipupa, Jux, Rema, Shallipopi, Tyla
Breakout Artiste of the Year
Blaq Major, Ciza, Eboloko, Himra, Marioo, Mawhoo, Moliy, Shallipopi, Trap King, VJ
Best African Lyricist Rapper
ALA, Didi B, Jessy B, Klassafan Le Melangeur, Nasty C & Usimaman, Nyashinski, Reminisce, Sarkodie, Switch, Yacou B OG
Best African Artiste, Duo or Group in African Hip Hop
ALA ft. Mootjeyek, Cassper Nyovest, Eboloko, El Grande Toto, Himra, Phyno, Nasty C & Usimaman, Odumodublvck, Sarkodie, Suspect 95
Best African Artiste, Duo or Group in African RnB & Soul
Bensoul & V-Be, Braye, Calema, Emma’a, Kunmie, Manal, Naledi Aphiwe & Mawelele, Rema, Wegz ft. Tayc
Best African Artiste, Duo or Group in African EDM, House, Techno
Asake, Black Coffee & Billie Eilish, DJ Maphorisa & co., Goon Flavour & Master KG, KVNG VINCI ft. ZerryDL, Mawhoo & co., Mbosso, Nomcebo Zikode & Sofiya Nzau ft. Fireboy DML, Sat-B ft. Champuru Makhenzo, Yemi Alade
Best African Act in Diaspora Male
DJ Snake, Gazo, Niska, Tayc, Tiakola, Tif, Werenoi, WizTheMC, L’Algérino, Odeal
Best African Act in Diaspora Female
Aya Nakamura, Annatoria, Choisie Basolua, Darkoo, Deborah Lukalu, Faouzia, Ronisia, The Unveiled, Theodora, Zaho
Best African Duo Group Band
Babylone, Blaq Diamond, Celema, Team Paiya, The Cavemen, Tinariwen, Toofan, Vestine & Dorcas, Wapendwa Muziki, We Are Nubia
