The All-Africa Music Awards (AFRIMA) has released nominees for the 2025 edition, setting the stage for what promises to be one of the most competitive events in recent years.

Rwandan music heavyweight Bruce Melodie and acclaimed producer Element Eleeeh are among the notable artists nominated this year, facing off continental giants such as Davido, Burna Boy, Fally Ipupa, Shallipopi, Ayra Starr, and Diamond Platnmuz, among others.

According to the International Committee of AFRIMA, in partnership with the African Union Commission, this year’s nominations were drawn from a record-breaking 10,717 entries—the highest in the award's 12-year history.

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Representing Rwanda in the awards are Bruce Melodie and Element Eleeeh who were nominated in the category of Best Male Artiste in Eastern Africa. They face stiff competition from Bien Aime of Kenya, Joshua Baraka of Uganda, Jux, and Diamond Platnmuz, among others.

Nigeria’s Burna Boy and Davido each secured five nominations. Burna Boy’s "No Sign of Weakness” and Davido’s "5ive” were both nominated for Album of the Year, while their hit singles earned spots in Song of the Year and Best Collaboration categories.

South Africa’s DJ Maphorisa also earned five nominations, including Best African DJ and Album of the Year while Nigeria’s street-pop sensation Shallipopi followed closely with four nominations, including Artiste of the Year and Song of the Year for his hit collaboration 'Laho'.

The diaspora recorded a strong presence this year. French-Malian star Aya Nakamura, UK-based Darkoo, and Canadian-Congolese singer Deborah Lukalu are among the female nominees, while DJ Snake, Tayc, and Niska feature in the male categories.

AFRIMA jury member Delani Makhalima hailed the nominees’ list as a testament to the global influence of African music.

"For years our voices were not heard, but today African music is global. This is AFRIMA, the biggest music entity on the continent,” he said.

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Organised in collaboration with the African Union Commission, AFRIMA 2025 is hosted by the Federal Government of Nigeria and Lagos State as the official host city.

The 2025 edition will run from November 25 to 30, featuring several high-profile events, including the Welcome Soiree, AFRIMA Music Village, Africa Music Business Summit, Host City Tour, Nominees Party, and the Main Awards Ceremony.

The grand finale on November 30 will be broadcast live to over 84 countries worldwide.