AFRIMA Receives Record-Breaking 10,717 Entries for 2025 Edition

The 2025 All Africa Music Awards (AFRIMA) has received a record 10,717 entries, marking the highest number of submissions in the award’s history.

This surpasses last year’s tally of 9,076, reinforcing AFRIMA’s status as one of the most prominent platforms for celebrating African music on a global scale.

The entry window, which ran from May 27 to August 8, attracted songs, albums, and music videos from across the continent and the diaspora. Submissions came from artists, songwriters, producers, video directors, DJs, dancers, choreographers, record labels, and emerging talents.

West Africa led participation with 5,215 entries (48.68%), followed by Southern Africa with 2,080 (19.42%) and Eastern Africa with 804 (7.50%). Northern Africa contributed 267 entries (2.49%), Central Africa 291 (2.72%), and Africans in the diaspora submitted 75 (0.70%).

A 13-member international jury began the adjudication process in Lagos on August 8, which will run until August 17. The panel is tasked with screening, categorising, and scoring entries based on quality, originality, impact, and cultural relevance.

Nominees for the 2025 awards will be announced on August 24, kicking off the public voting period on September 5. Voting will close 24 hours before the Awards Night on November 30, with results verified by an independent auditing firm.

This year’s AFRIMA will take place in Lagos from November 25 to 30, featuring a week of events, including the Africa Music Business Summit, the AFRIMA Music Village Concert, the Nominees Party, and the grand Awards Night.

The event has the backing of President Bola Tinubu, with Lagos State Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu leading preparations as the official host.