The All-Africa Music Awards (AFRIMA) has set a new milestone with 10,717 entries for its 2025 edition, marking the highest in the award’s history. This surpasses the previous record of 9,076 entries recorded last year.
According to the organisers, the entry period, which opened on May 27 and closed on August 8, attracted songs, albums, and music videos from across Africa and beyond. Submissions came from artistes, songwriters, music producers, video directors, DJs, dancers, choreographers, record labels, and even unrecorded talents.
West Africa topped the list with 5,215 entries (48.68%), followed by Southern Africa with 2,080 (19.42%), and Eastern Africa with 804 (7.50%). Northern Africa submitted 267 entries (2.49%), Central Africa 291 (2.72%), and Africans in the Diaspora 75 (0.70%).
The 13-member AFRIMA jury began the adjudication process on Friday, August 8, in Lagos, with screening set to conclude on Sunday, August 17. Entries will be evaluated based on quality, originality, impact, and cultural relevance, before nominees are announced on August 24.
Commenting on the record turnout, Southern Africa jury member 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 clear that African music is not only growing fast, but also making a big impact on the global stage.”
Voting will open on September 5 for both the AFRIMA Academy and fans worldwide at www.afrima.org, closing 24 hours before the Awards Night on November 30. The weeklong celebration will also feature the Africa Music Business Summit, AFRIMA Music Village Concert, Nominees Party, and the grand Awards Night, which will be broadcast live to over 84 countries.
