AFRIMA Hits Record-Breaking 10,717 Submissions for 2025 Edition
AFRIMA Hits Record-Breaking 10,717 Submissions for 2025 Edition
The All Africa Music Awards (AFRIMA) has announced a milestone for its 2025 edition, pulling in an unprecedented 10,717 entries, the highest in its history. This marks a significant leap from last year’s 9,076 submissions, underscoring AFRIMA’s growing reputation as the continent’s premier stage for celebrating and elevating African music to the global stage.
The submission window, which ran from May 27 to August 8, attracted a diverse range of works, from singles and albums to music videos. Entries poured in not just from performing artists, songwriters, and producers, but also from video directors, DJs, dancers, choreographers, record labels, and even unsigned talents across Africa and the diaspora.
West Africa led the tally with 5,215 entries (48.68%), followed by Southern Africa (2,080 entries, 19.42%) and Eastern Africa (804 entries, 7.50%). Northern Africa contributed 267 entries (2.49%), Central Africa added 291 (2.72%), and the African diaspora accounted for 75 submissions (0.70%).
A 13-member international jury, comprising seasoned industry professionals from Africa and beyond, began adjudication on August 8 in Lagos. Over a ten-day period, they will screen, categorise, and score submissions on criteria such as quality, originality, impact, and cultural relevance before shortlisting nominees for both regional and continental categories.
The official nominees list will be revealed on August 24, kicking off the voting phase.
From September 5, the AFRIMA Academy and fans worldwide will be able to vote via the official website, with voting closing 24 hours before the Awards Night on November 30. An independent international auditing firm will oversee the process to ensure fairness and transparency.
Backed by Nigerian President Bola Tinubu and hosted in partnership with Lagos State under Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu, AFRIMA 2025 will unfold 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 culminate in the grand Awards Night.
With record-breaking participation and a stacked programme ahead, the 2025 AFRIMA is set to reaffirm its position as a cultural powerhouse for African music.
