Davido, Burna Boy, Shallipopi, and Ayra Starr Dominate 2025 AFRIMA Nominations

The stage is set for one of Africa’s biggest nights in music as Nigerian superstars Davido, Burna Boy, Shallipopi, Ayra Starr, and Rema emerge among the top contenders for the 11th All Africa Music Awards (AFRIMA).

This year’s nominations reflect Nigeria’s undeniable dominance on the African music scene. Burna Boy and Davido lead the pack with five nominations each, while Shallipopi, who has had a meteoric rise in 2025, secured four nominations, including Artiste of the Year and Song of the Year.

Rema continues his global run with three nominations, including a shot at Artiste of the Year, while Ayra Starr earned two nominations, cementing her place among Africa’s leading voices. She will face off against the likes of Burna Boy, Davido, and Morocco’s El Grande Toto in the Artiste of the Year category.

Voting opens to the global public on September 10, with the grand awards ceremony scheduled to take place in Nigeria from November 25 to 30, 2025.

Opinion

This year’s AFRIMA nominations are more than just a list—they are a mirror of how Afrobeats and Nigerian music have become the pulse of Africa’s sound.

For Burna Boy and Davido, the nominations are no surprise; they are veterans who continue to push boundaries. But the real story lies in the new wave of stars like Shallipopi and Ayra Starr. Shallipopi’s rise from street anthems to being in the same category as Davido and Burna Boy shows how fast the industry is evolving, while Ayra Starr’s consistency proves she is no longer just a “Gen Z star,” but a powerhouse in her own right.

AFRIMA has always been about celebrating African excellence, and this year feels particularly special—because it showcases a blend of Africa’s legends and its fresh voices. Whether you’re team Davido, Burna, Ayra, Rema, or Shallipopi, one thing is clear: Nigerian music is carrying Africa’s torch with unmatched fire.

November promises not just an awards night, but a celebration of how far African music has come—and how much further it can still go.