Three of Nigeria’s biggest music exports, Ayra Starr, Burna Boy, and Davido, have emerged as frontrunners in the race for Artiste of the Year at the upcoming 11th edition of the All Africa Music Awards (AFRIMA), set to be hosted in Nigeria from November 25 to 30, 2025.
The nominations, released earlier this month, have already sparked excitement and debate among fans and industry watchers, as the competition promises to be one of the most hotly contested in the history of the prestigious continental awards.
Nigerian Stars Dominate the Nominations
The 2025 AFRIMA nominations were dominated by Nigerian talent, underlining the country’s continued influence on global Afrobeats and African music culture. Grammy-winning superstar Burna Boy and Afrobeats global ambassador Davido both bagged five nominations each, placing them among the most recognized artistes this year. Rising street-hop sensation Shallipopi followed closely with four nominations, including nods in the highly coveted Artiste of the Year and Song of the Year categories.
Breakout star Rema, who has continued to enjoy international acclaim following the success of his smash hit Calm Down, secured three nominations, including Artiste of the Year, making him one of the youngest artistes to consistently hold a place among Africa’s elite performers.
Meanwhile, Ayra Starr, who has carved out a name for herself as one of Afrobeats’ leading female voices, earned two nominations, one of which places her directly in contention for the Artiste of the Year crown. She will be going head-to-head with industry heavyweights Burna Boy and Davido, as well as Moroccan rap sensation El Grande Toto, making the category a diverse and competitive field.
Spotlight on Artiste of the Year
The Artiste of the Year category has always been the most anticipated segment of AFRIMA, celebrating the performer whose music, impact, and global reach have stood out over the year. For 2025, the inclusion of both established icons and emerging talents reflects the evolving landscape of African music.
Davido, known for his chart-topping hits and electrifying performances, has been on a successful world tour, selling out arenas in Europe and North America. His consistent delivery of hits such as Unavailable and Feel has kept him at the forefront of Afrobeats.
Burna Boy, who continues to push the boundaries of African music globally, has had another landmark year. His sold-out stadium tours in London, Paris, and the United States, coupled with his critically acclaimed singles, reinforce his reputation as one of Africa’s most successful international exports.
Ayra Starr, often dubbed “Sabi Girl,” has also enjoyed a stellar year. From gracing international festival stages to featuring on global charts with hits like Rush and Commas, she has proven herself not only as a star of the new generation but also as a serious contender for Africa’s biggest accolades.
Rema’s continued dominance, particularly on international streaming platforms, places him as a favorite among younger audiences, while El Grande Toto brings North African flair and a growing fan base to the competition, underscoring AFRIMA’s commitment to showcasing pan-African talent.
Voting Opens September 10
Organizers have announced that global public voting for AFRIMA 2025 will officially commence on September 10, giving fans across the continent and the diaspora an opportunity to support their favorite artistes. The voting process is entirely digital and will remain open until a few days before the awards ceremony in November.
“AFRIMA is more than an awards show; it is a cultural movement that celebrates African talent on a global stage,” said Mike Dada, Executive Producer of AFRIMA, during the unveiling of the nominations. “We are excited about the incredible talent represented in this year’s list. The diversity and quality of the nominees reflect the strength and dynamism of African music.”
Nigeria to Host AFRIMA 2025
This year’s edition of AFRIMA will once again return to Nigeria, the birthplace of Afrobeats, from November 25 to 30, 2025. The six-day celebration of African music and culture will include a mix of concerts, cultural showcases, music business panels, and the glamorous awards ceremony itself.
Hosting the event in Nigeria is expected to attract thousands of visitors from across Africa and beyond, further cementing the country’s position as a global hub for entertainment and culture. Hotels, event venues, and local businesses are already preparing for the influx of international stars, industry professionals, and fans who will descend on Lagos for the festivities.
Fans Anticipate Fierce Competition
The announcement of the nominations has already ignited passionate debates on social media, particularly around the Artiste of the Year category. Davido’s fan base, known as the “30BG,” Burna Boy’s “Outsiders,” Ayra Starr’s “Sabi Nation,” and Rema’s “Ravers” have all taken to various platforms to campaign and rally support for their favorites.
Entertainment analyst Ifeanyi Akinwale told Africalivenews that the 2025 edition could be historic:
“This is the first time we are seeing such a balanced mix of established legends and fresh stars in the Artiste of the Year category. Whoever wins will not just be crowned the best of 2025 but also represent the future direction of African music.”
Celebrating African Music on the World Stage
Since its inception, AFRIMA has been dedicated to honoring and promoting African music and culture on a global scale. Over the years, it has recognized legends such as Angelique Kidjo, Wizkid, Sarkodie, and Diamond Platnumz, while also providing a platform for rising stars.
As anticipation builds towards November, all eyes will be on how fans vote and which artistes will ultimately walk away with the continent’s most prestigious music honors.
With Burna Boy, Davido, Ayra Starr, Rema, Shallipopi, and El Grande Toto all in contention, the 2025 AFRIMA awards promise to be a thrilling showcase of African talent at its finest.
Africalivenews will provide full coverage of AFRIMA 2025, including live updates, red carpet highlights, and exclusive interviews.
