The All Africa Music Awards (AFRIMA) has set a new benchmark in the continent’s music industry, announcing a record-breaking 10,717 entries for the 2025 edition of Africa’s Global Music Awards. This figure marks a significant rise from the 9,076 submissions received in the previous year, underscoring the growing influence and diversity of African music on the global stage.
AFRIMA, a prestigious platform established to celebrate and promote African music worldwide, opened its entry window on May 27, closing it on August 8 at 23:59 GMT. The submissions, which include songs, albums, and music videos, were received from a wide range of contributors, including artistes, songwriters, music producers, video directors, DJs, dancers, choreographers, recording labels, and unrecorded talents across the continent and its diaspora.
Regional breakdowns reveal West Africa leading with 5,215 entries, accounting for 48.68 per cent of the total, followed by Southern Africa with 2,080 entries (19.42 per cent) and Eastern Africa with 804 entries (7.50 per cent). Northern Africa contributed 267 entries (2.49 per cent), Central Africa 291 entries (2.72 per cent), while Africans in the diaspora submitted 75 entries (0.70 per cent). This distribution highlights the broad participation and regional strength within Africa’s music ecosystem.
The adjudication process commenced on Friday, August 8, in Lagos, overseen by a 13-member International Jury composed of seasoned music industry professionals from across Africa and the diaspora. The jury’s task, which will conclude on Sunday, August 17, involves screening, categorising, and scoring entries based on criteria such as quality, originality, impact, and cultural relevance. This rigorous process will determine the nominees across various regional and continental categories.
Adam Tiran, a jury member representing Southern Africa, expressed enthusiasm about the record turnout, stating, “The record number of entries for AFRIMA 2025 is more than just a statistic; it shows how alive, creative, and unstoppable African music is right now. It’s about growing confidence among artistes that AFRIMA is the stage where their work can be seen, respected, and celebrated on a global scale. It’s clear that African music is not only growing fast but also making a big impact on the global stage.”
The official nominees’ list for AFRIMA 2025 is scheduled for release on August 24, initiating the voting period. From September 5, the AFRIMA Academy and fans worldwide can cast their votes for favourite nominees via the official website, www.afrima.org. The voting window will close 24 hours before the Awards Night on November 30, with an international auditing firm overseeing the process to ensure transparency and credibility.
AFRIMA, in collaboration with the African Union, has forged strategic partnerships with the Federal Republic of Nigeria and Lagos State for the 2025 edition. Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu is leading efforts to host the event, scheduled to take place in Lagos from November 25 to 30. The week-long celebration will feature the Africa Music Business Summit, the AFRIMA Music Village Concert, the Nominees Party, and the grand Awards Night, which will be broadcast live to over 84 countries.
This milestone reflects the evolving landscape of African music, with AFRIMA continuing to serve as a vital platform for talent recognition and cultural exchange.
As the continent’s artistes prepare for the upcoming festivities, the awards promise to showcase the rich diversity and dynamism of African creativity.
