AFRIMA receives 10,717 entries for 2025 awards

The All Africa Music Awards has announced that it received a record-setting 10,717 entries for the 2025 edition of Africa’s Global Music Awards, representing a substantial increase from the 9,076 entries recorded in the previous edition.

According to AFRIMA on Monday, the surge in submissions reinforces its position as the continent’s most prestigious platform for developing, celebrating, and promoting African music globally.

The entry window, which opened on May 27 and closed on August 8 at 23:59 GMT, welcomed songs, albums, and music videos from across the continent and beyond.

Submissions came from artistes, songwriters, music producers, video directors, DJs, dancers, choreographers, recording labels, and unrecorded talents.

West Africa led the submissions with 5,215 entries (48.68 per cent), followed by Southern Africa with 2,080 entries (19.42 per cent) and Eastern Africa with 804 entries (7.50 per cent). Northern Africa recorded 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).

The 13-member International Jury, comprising seasoned music industry professionals from across Africa and the diaspora, began adjudication on Friday, August 8, in Lagos.

The process, which will run until Sunday, August 17, will screen, categorise, and score entries based on quality, originality, impact, and cultural relevance, before selecting nominees in various regional and continental categories.

Commenting on the record turnout, a jury member representing Southern Africa, Adam Tiran, said, “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 statement added that the official AFRIMA 2025 nominees’ list would be released on August 24, marking the start of the voting period.

“From September 5, the AFRIMA Academy, as well as fans worldwide, can vote for their favourite nominees via the official AFRIMA website, www.afrima.org.

“Voting will close 24 hours before the Awards Night on November 30.

“All results will be monitored and audited by an appointed international auditing firm to ensure transparency and credibility of the process,” the statement read.

AFRIMA, in partnership with the African Union, has secured strategic partnerships with the Federal Republic of Nigeria and Lagos State, with Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu spearheading hosting for the 2025 edition.

The awards will take place in Lagos from November 25 to 30, featuring 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.