The All Africa Music Awards (AFRIMA) is back, and this time it is returning with even greater ambition.
After a two-year pause, the organisers are preparing to deliver one of the most remarkable music awards and culture festivals Africa has ever seen. Tagged “Unstoppable Africa,” the 2025 edition is scheduled to take place in Lagos, Nigeria, from November 25 to November 30.
For many, AFRIMA is more than an award ceremony. It is a platform that brings together the continent’s rich musical diversity under one roof.
Over the years, it has rewarded excellence, celebrated legends, and introduced fresh stars to the global stage. By returning stronger in 2025, the awards seek to reinforce music as a unifying force across cultures, languages, and borders.
The Federal Government of Nigeria has accepted the responsibility of hosting this landmark edition, with the Federal Ministry of Arts, Culture, Tourism, and the Creative Economy pledging full support.
This official backing, according to organisers, signals not only national pride but also a wider recognition of AFRIMA’s role in showcasing Africa’s creative wealth to the world.
One of the most striking indicators of the growing relevance of AFRIMA is the level of interest it attracts. Organisers revealed that entries for the 2025 edition closed on August 8, with a record 10,717 submissions received. This represents one of the highest entry volumes in AFRIMA’s history and reflects how artists across the continent and in the diaspora view the platform as a prestigious stage.
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Breaking down the submissions, West Africa maintained its dominance with 5,215 entries, making up almost half of the total at 48.68 per cent. Southern Africa followed with 2,080 entries, representing 19.42 per cent.
Eastern Africa contributed 804 entries (7.50 per cent), while Central Africa submitted 291 (2.72 per cent). Northern Africa had 267 entries (2.49 per cent), while Africans in the diaspora accounted for 75 submissions (0.70 per cent).
Organisers say this overwhelming participation is proof of AFRIMA’s growing reputation as the most credible award system for African music. It also highlights the increasing confidence musicians and industry stakeholders have in its ability to project African talent onto the world stage.
To ensure transparency and fairness, AFRIMA has refreshed its International Jury, which now consists of 13 respected experts drawn from different regions of the continent and beyond.
Three new members have joined for 2025: Marwane Fachane from Morocco, representing Northern Africa; Asma Lucy Ilado from Kenya, representing Eastern Africa; and Messie Mboukou from Congo Brazzaville, representing Central Africa.
They will sit alongside seasoned figures such as Olisa Adibua, Jury-in-Charge and Associate Producer; Vicensia Shule, representing the African Union; Emil Ngumbah from Cameroon; Joett from Tanzania; Hossam El Gamal from Egypt; Adam Tiran from South Africa; Delani Makhalima from Zimbabwe; Guy Neza from Côte d’Ivoire; Motolani Alake from Nigeria; and Hadja Kobele, representing the diaspora community in North America.
The jury began its adjudication process on Friday, August 8, in Lagos. The exercise, which runs until Sunday, August 17, involves screening, categorising, and scoring each submission.
Judges are evaluating based on quality, originality, cultural relevance, and overall impact. Only the strongest entries will advance to become nominees across regional and continental categories.
In the build-up to the awards, AFRIMA hosted its patron dinner on Thursday, August 14, at the Knowhere Restaurant in Victoria Island, Lagos.
The gathering brought together jury members, media practitioners, and industry players. Beyond networking, it offered an opportunity to highlight the goals of the 2025 edition and to reinforce the message of unity through music.
But AFRIMA 2025 is not just about awards. Organisers are also promising a week-long festival of African culture, music performances, and cross-cultural collaborations.
The event will provide emerging talents with exposure, while also recognising established stars who continue to shape global music trends.
Panels, showcases, and side events are expected to create opportunities for dialogue and networking within the creative economy.
Another highlight is the global reach of AFRIMA. This year’s edition will be broadcast live in more than 84 countries, ensuring that millions of viewers across Africa, Europe, the Americas, and Asia experience the celebration. This wide coverage further strengthens AFRIMA’s position as Africa’s most visible and influential music event.
With plans already in advanced stages, excitement is building. For artists, the awards offer recognition. For fans, they promise entertainment.
And for Africa as a whole, AFRIMA 2025 represents a chance to show the world that the continent’s music is not just unstoppable, it is a global force.
As November draws closer, the stage is set. The lights will soon come on in Lagos, and Africa’s finest voices will unite once more. AFRIMA 2025 is coming, and it promises to be a celebration like no other.
