The countdown to the 2025 All Africa Music Awards (AFRIMA) has officially begun, promising an exciting celebration of African talent. The International Committee of AFRIMA, in collaboration with the African Union Commission (AUC), has unveiled the nominees, featuring a mix of Africa’s biggest superstars and emerging acts.
From Ghana, leading female artists Amaarae, Moliy, and Wendy Shay have been nominated in the Best Female Artiste (Western Africa) category. The male nominees include prominent figures such as Sarkodie, Black Sherif, and Stonebwoy.
This year’s awards received a record-breaking 10,717 submissions, the highest since the event’s inception 12 years ago. A 13-member jury shortlisted 343 nominees across 40 categories, representing Africa’s five regions and the diaspora.
Nigerian artists Burna Boy and Davido, South Africa’s DJ Maphorisa, and Morocco’s El Grande Toto lead the nominations with five each. They are joined by Senegal’s Mia Guissé and Ghana’s Moliy, who also received five nods.
Moliy, one of Ghana’s rising stars, is nominated for five awards, including Best Female Artiste in Western Africa and Song of the Year for her hit “Shake It to the Max.” Other notable multiple nominees include Egypt’s Amr Diab, Tanzania’s Diamond Platnumz, South Africa’s Tyla, and eSwatini’s Uncle Waffles, each with four nominations, showcasing the popularity of Afropop, amapiano, and Afro-house across the continent.
AFRIMA jury member Delani Makhalima commented on the nominations, saying, “Twelve years in, we’re now here. This is global. This is AFRIMA, the biggest music entity on the continent.”
The awards ceremony will take place in Lagos from November 25 to 30, 2025, featuring the AFRIMA Music Village, the Africa Music Business Summit, and the main awards night, which will be broadcast in over 80 countries.
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Ghanaian Nominees
Best Female Artiste (Western Africa)
- Amaarae — S.M.O
- Moliy — “Shake It to the Max” (with Silent Addy, Skillibeng & Shenseea)
- Wendy Shay — “Too Late”
Song of the Year
- Moliy, Shenseea, Skillibeng & Silent Addy — “Shake It to the Max”
Best African Collaboration
- Moliy, Silent Addy, Skillibeng & Shenseea — “Shake It to the Max” (Fly Remix)
Breakout Artiste of the Year
- Moliy — “Shake It to the Max” (with Shenseea, Skillibeng & Silent Addy)
Best African Lyricist (Rapper)
- Sarkodie — “Violence” (ft. Kweku Smoke)
Best African Act — Reggae, Ragga & Dancehall
- Stonebwoy — “Jejereje” (with Ginton)
Best African Artiste, Duo or Group in African Hip Hop
- Sarkodie — “Messiah” (ft. Kweku Flick)
SOURCE: PULSE GHANA
