The competition promises to be fiercer than ever, with Africa’s heavyweight stars like Davido, Burna Boy, El Grande Toto, Amr Diab, Fally Ipupa, Rema, and DJ Maphorisa now facing strong challenges from rising sensations such as Shallipopi, Himra, Molly, Ayra Starr, Juma Jux and Mia Guissé as the International Committee of the All Africa Music Awards, AFRIMA, in partnership with the African Union Commission (AUC), unveiled the Official Nominees List for the 2025 edition.
This year’s nominations followed a record-breaking 10,717 entries, the highest since the inception of AFRIMA 12 years ago. A 13-member International Jury, after 10 days of adjudication, shortlisted 343 nominees across 40 categories, representing Africa’s five regions and the diaspora.
The International Committee of AFRIMA confirmed that public voting will open globally on September 10, 2025, via the official AFRIMA website (www.afrima.org). Music lovers across Africa and the diaspora will be able to participate in determining the winners in the various categories. Voting will close on the eve of the main awards on November 30.
Nigeria’s Burna Boy and Davido both secured five nominations each. Burna Boy’s album No Sign of Weakness and Davido’s 5ive were both nominated for Album of the Year, while their hit singles also earned them spots in Song of the Year and Best Collaboration.
South Africa’s DJ Maphorisa matched them with five nods, including Best African DJ and Album of the Year. Morocco’s rap star El Grande Toto also secured five nominations, with his album Salgoat and hit Diplomatico catching global attention.
Nigeria’s fast-rising street-pop sensation Shallipopi also stood tall with four nominations, including Artiste of the Year and Song of the Year for his collaboration Laho.
Senegal’s Mia Guissé and Ghana’s Moliy joined the top bracket with five nominations each, proving that female acts are now commanding major influence on the continent’s music stage.
One of the best-selling artists in the whole of the Middle East, Egypt’s Amr Diab scooped four nominations, just as Côte d’Ivoire’s Himra picked up three nominations, including Album of the Year. His album Big Aka 4 Aka Kai and hip-hop collaborations have made him one of the strongest newcomers in this year’s race.
Tanzania’s Diamond Platnumz grabbed four nominations, continuing his dominance in East Africa. South Africa’s breakout star Tyla and Eswatini’s Uncle Waffles each earned four nominations, confirming the rising power of amapiano and Afro-house sounds.
Cote d’Ivoire’s Didi B got three nominations, including Best Male Artiste in West Africa and Album of the Year, while Gabon’s Eboloko was listed for Breakout Artiste of the Year among his three nods, just as Emma’a also received three nominations, including Best Female Artiste in Central Africa.
DR Congo’s heavyweights are not left out. Fally Ipupa bagged three nominations, including Artiste of the Year, while Ferre Gola earned three nods, among them Songwriter of the Year.
In North Africa, Morocco’s Jaylann received three nominations, while Tanzania’s Juma Jux also scored three, including Song of the Year for Ololufe mi. South Africa produced two triple nominees: Mawhoo, recognised for her hit Bengicela, and rap star Nasty C, who got three nods for his track Soft.
Nigeria’s Rema also emerged with three nominations, including Artiste of the Year and Best Male in West Africa.
Ayra Starr has two nominations, but she is competing for the Artiste of the Year Award against big stars including Davido, Burna Boy, and El Grande Toto.
The diaspora also shone brightly on the list, with male nominees such as DJ Snake, Gazo, Niska, Tayc, Tiakola, Tif, Werenoi, WizTheMC, L’Algérino, and Odeal making the cut. On the female side, the nominees include Aya Nakamura, Annatoria, Choisie Basolua, Darkoo, Deborah Lukalu, Faouzia, Ronisia, The Unveiled, Theodora, and Zaho.
AFRIMA jury member Delani Makhalima, who represents the Southern African region on the panel, described the 2025 nominees’ list as proof of how far African music has come.
“It’s been a dream of ours for a long time to work this hard to get to a place where African music can be heard by everyone. We were marginalised for so many years; our voices were not heard as artists, as creators, as songwriters, as producers, as engineers, as video makers, as filmmakers. Twelve years in, we’re now here. This is global. This is AFRIMA, the biggest music entity on the face of the continent,” he said.
In collaboration with the African Union Commission, AFRIMA 2025 is being organised alongside the Federal Government of Nigeria and the Official Host City, Lagos State.
The 2025 celebration will run from November 25 to 30, 2025, featuring the Welcome Soiree, the AFRIMA Music Village, the Africa Music Business Summit, a Host City Tour, the Nominees Party, and the Main Awards Ceremony. The grand finale on November 30 will be broadcast live to over 84 countries worldwide.
See the official list below:
| AFRIMA2025 NOMINEES LIST | |||||
| Regional Category | |||||
| Best Male Artiste in Central Africa | |||||
| S/NO | ARTISTE | TRACK TITLE | COUNTRY | ||
| 1 | C4 PEDRO | SEM QUERER | ANGOLA | ||
| 2 | EBOLOKO | SATANANA (FT. DRE-A) | GABON | ||
| 3 | GIMS | NINAO | DRC | ||
| 4 | GERILSON INSRAEL | AROMA INSANO | ANGOLA | ||
| 5 | KOCEE | STRANGER (WITH KS BLOOM) | CAMEROON | ||
| 6 | L’OISEAU RARE | NIAMATOS | GABON | ||
| 7 | FALLY IPUPA | LE TEMPS | DRC | ||
| 8 | MAGASCO | DIRTY WHINE (FT. MIMIE) | CAMEROON | ||
| 9 | SINGUILA | ON FAIT COMMENT | THE CONGO | ||
| 10 | WERRASON | TOUT SE PAIE ICI-BAS | DRC | ||
| Best Female Artiste in Central Africa | |||||
| S/NO | ARTISTE | TRACK TITLE | COUNTRY | ||
| 1 | ANNA JOYCE | OUTRA VEZ | ANGOLA | ||
| 2 | BLANCHE BAILLY | LÈVE TOI (FT. LADY PONCE) | CAMEROON | ||
| 3 | CHARLOTTE DIPANDA | DIS MOI (FT. TAYC) | CAMEROON | ||
| 4 | CINDY LE COEUR | POUPIYE (FT. KOFFI OLOMIDÉ) | DRC | ||
| 5 | DEBORAH LUKALU | GOD IS GOOD | DRC | ||
| 6 | EMMA’A | ÇA M’A LAISSÉ | GABON | ||
| 7 | JESSY B | LA VIE EST BELLE (FT. BLACK M) | THE CONGO | ||
| 8 | KRYS M | MERCI | CAMEROON | ||
| 9 | LIRIANY | SUPER HOMEM | ANGOLA | ||
| 10 | REBO | MOBAMBO | DRC | ||
| Best Male Artiste in Eastern Africa | |||||
| S/NO | ARTISTE | TRACK TITLE | COUNTRY | ||
| 1 | BIEN | ALL MY ENEMIES ARE SUFFERING | KENYA | ||
| 2 | DIAMOND PLATNUMZ | BABU (FT. MASTERPIECE_YVK) | TANZANIA | ||
| 3 | ELEMENT ELEÉEH | TOMBE | RWANDA | ||
| 4 | JOSHUA BARAKA | WRONG PLACES | UGANDA | ||
| 5 | JUX | GOD DESIGN (WITH PHYNO) | TANZANIA | ||
| 6 | MARIOO | HA HA HA | TANZANIA | ||
| 7 | MBOSSO | OVA | TANZANIA | ||
| 8 | BRUCE MELODIE | BEAUTY ON FIRE (FT. JOEBOY) | RWANDA | ||
| 9 | SAT-B | KIRISESE (FT. CHAMPURU MAKHENZO) | BURUNDI | ||
| 10 | YARED NEGU | ALEMDIM | ETHIOPIA | ||
| Best Female Artiste in Eastern Africa | |||||
| S/NO | ARTISTE | TRACK TITLE | COUNTRY | ||
| 1 | ABIGAIL CHAMS | ME TOO (WITH HARMONIZE) | TANZANIA | ||
| 2 | BRIDGET BLUE | I CHOOSE YOU (WITH BIEN) | KENYA | ||
| 3 | DENISE | MATOKY ZAGNAHARY | MADAGASCAR | ||
| 4 | HALELUYA TEKLETSADIK | YELEBE | ETHIOPIA | ||
| 5 | LADY JAYDEE | PO PO | TANZANIA | ||
| 6 | MAHLET WENDIMU | ZIM | ETHIOPIA | ||
| 7 | SALEMIA | ALEM BIRE | ETHIOPIA | ||
| 8 | WEEHA | DIMAMA | ETHIOPIA | ||
| 9 | WINNIE NWAGI | CONTROL IT | UGANDA | ||
| 10 | ZUCHU | AMANDA | TANZANIA | ||
| Best Male Artiste in Northern Africa | |||||
| S/NO | ARTISTE | TRACK TITLE | COUNTRY | ||
| 1 | A.L.A. | MAKINA (FT. MOOTJEYEK) | TUNISIA | ||
| 2 | ADVISER | NDILLEN (FT. MIA GUISSÉ) | MAURITANIA | ||
| 3 | AMR DIAB | BABA | EGYPT | ||
| 4 | CHEB MOMO | ATITEHA L’AMOUR | ALGERIA | ||
| 5 | EL GRANDETOTO | DIPLOMATICO | MOROCCO | ||
| 6 | HAMZA NAMIRA | SHAMS W HAWA | EGYPT | ||
| 7 | LBENJ | RWINI (FT. MOUNIM SLIMANI) | MOROCCO | ||
| 8 | MOHAMED RAMADAN | ANA ENTA | EGYPT | ||
| 9 | STORMY | PIRATE | MOROCCO | ||
| 10 | WEGZ | ELWA3D | EGYPT | ||
| Best Female Artiste in Northern Africa | |||||
| S/NO | ARTISTE | TRACK TITLE | COUNTRY | ||
| 1 | CHIRINE LAJMI | ECHEH ECHEH | TUNISIA | ||
| 2 | INEZ | AH MIN HALA | MOROCCO | ||
| 3 | JANNAT | K2NAK ROH | EGYPT | ||
| 4 | JAYLANN | HA WLIDI | MOROCCO | ||
| 5 | MANAL | CABARET | MOROCCO | ||
| 6 | MERYEM ABOULOUAFA | HORSES | MOROCCO | ||
| 7 | SHERINE | BATMANA ANSAK | EGYPT | ||
| 8 | ZINA DAOUDIA | SUR SCÈNE | MOROCCO | ||
| Best Male Artiste in Southern Africa | |||||
| S/NO | ARTISTE | TRACK TITLE | COUNTRY | ||
| 1 | ANDERSON MÁRIO | CHOROU | MOZAMBIQUE | ||
| 2 | JAH PRAYZAH | MANDIONEI | ZIMBABWE | ||
| 3 | MANANA | LITTLE THINGS | ESWATINI | ||
| 4 | NASTY C | SOFT (WITH USIMAMANE) | SOUTH AFRICA | ||
| 5 | TEDDY MAKADI | DESIRE | MALAWI | ||
| 6 | TYLER ICU | AWUNGEKE (WITH VISCA FT. LEEMCKRAZY, MR NATION THINGZ, VEERSA, CUBA BEATS, BUDDY KAY, TYRONE DEE & 2WOSHORT) | SOUTH AFRICA | ||
| 7 | WANITWAMOS | MFAZI WEPHEPHA (WITH NKOSAZANA DAUGHTER & MASTER KG FT. BIGZULU & ZEE NXUMALO ) | SOUTH AFRICA | ||
| 8 | YO MAPS | MR & MRS | ZAMBIA | ||
| 9 | ZEZE KINGSTON | ACHISALE (WITH LEUMAS FT. NAE RAE) | MALAWI | ||
| 10 | KAZBA DE SMALL | NGYOZAMA (WITH DLALA THUKZIN FT. SYKES, YOUNG STUNNA, NKOSAZANA DAUGHTER, TRACY & THATOHATSI) | SOUTH AFRICA | ||
| Best Female Artiste in Southern Africa | |||||
| S/NO | ARTISTE | TRACK TITLE | COUNTRY | ||
| 1 | BABALWA M | BO THATA (FT. STIXX & NVCHO) | SOUTH AFRICA | ||
| 2 | HANNA | CAN’T STOP | ZIMBABWE | ||
| 3 | MAKHADZI | JEALOUS DOWN (FT. DR SKARO) | SOUTH AFRICA | ||
| 4 | NKOSAZANA DAUGHTER | EMSAKAZWENI (FT. NOBUHLE & ESSA KAY) | SOUTH AFRICA | ||
| 5 | NONTOKOZO MKHIZE | ESANDLENI | SOUTH AFRICA | ||
| 6 | SHA SHA | EGLASINI (FT. TYLER ICU, 2WOSHORT, SCOTTS MAPHUMA & TYRONE DEE) | ZIMBABWE | ||
| 7 | TEMWAH | MONEY ANTHEM (FT. MIC MASH) | MALAWI | ||
| 8 | TYLA | PUSH 2 START | SOUTH AFRICA | ||
| 9 | UNCLE WAFFLES | BAPHI (FT. ROYAL MUSIQ, COWBOII, MARK KHOZA & UNCOOL MC) | ESWATINI | ||
| 10 | ZEE NXUMALO | NGISAKUTHANDA (WITH TBO, PYY LOG DRUM KING FT. DJ TEARZ & DR. THULZ) | SOUTH AFRICA | ||
| Best Male Artiste in Western Africa | |||||
| S/NO | ARTISTE | TRACK TITLE | COUNTRY | ||
| 1 | ASAKE | UHH YEAH | NIGERIA | ||
| 2 | AXEL MERRYL | TITULAIRE (FT. MIA GUISSÉ & BASS THIOUNG) | BENIN | ||
| 3 | BLACK SHERIF | REBEL MUSIC | GHANA | ||
| 4 | BURNA BOY | UPDATE | NIGERIA | ||
| 5 | DAVIDO | WITH YOU (FT. OMAH LAY) | NIGERIA | ||
| 6 | DIDI B | HOLIDAY SEASON | COTE D’IVOIRE | ||
| 7 | DJODJE | LUA | CAPE VERDE | ||
| 8 | REMA | BABY (IS IT A CRIME) | NIGERIA | ||
| 9 | VJ | KAAY WAAY | SENEGAL | ||
| 10 | WIZKID | KESE | NIGERIA | ||
| Best Female Artiste in Western Africa | |||||
| S/NO | ARTISTE | TRACK TITLE | COUNTRY | ||
| 1 | AMAARAE | S.M.O | GHANA | ||
| 2 | AYRA STARR | ALL THE LOVE | NIGERIA | ||
| 3 | DJELYKABA BINTOU | UNIQUE (FT. MIA GUISSÉ) | GUINEA | ||
| 4 | JOSEY | NE TOUCHE PAS MA SŒUR (WITH NEJ) | COTE D’IVOIRE | ||
| 5 | MARIAM BA LAGARÉ | MON CHOIX (FT. WALLY SECK) | MALI | ||
| 6 | MIA GUISSÉ | CHOIX (FT. WALLY SECK) | SENEGAL | ||
| 7 | MOLIY | SHAKE IT TO THE MAX (WITH SILENT ADDY, SKILLIBENG & SHENSEEA) | GHANA | ||
| 8 | TIWA SAVAGE | YOU 4 ME | NIGERIA | ||
| 9 | VIVIANE CHIDID | MANDOU | SENEGAL | ||
| 10. | WENDY SHAY | TOO LATE |
| AFRIMA2025 NOMINEES LIST | ||||
| Continental Category | ||||
| Best Male Artiste in African Inspirational Music | ||||
| 1 | S/NO | ARTISTE | TRACK TITLE | COUNTRY |
| 1 | CHRISTIAN MUKUNA | TOMBWAMA | DRC | |
| 2 | DJUNNY BEATZ | PRAY FOR MOZ (FT. NIKOTINA KF) | MOZAMBIQUE | |
| 3 | GAISE BABA | NO TURNING BACK II (WITH LAWRENCE OYOR) | NIGERIA | |
| 4 | ISRAEL MBONYI | KAA NAMI | RWANDA | |
| 5 | JAH PRAYZAH | MIBVUNZO | ZIMBABWE | |
| 6 | JOEL LWAGA | OLODUMARE | TANZANIA | |
| 7 | KOCEE | STRANGER (WITH KS BLOOM) | CAMEROON/COTE D’IVOIRE | |
| 8 | LAWRENCE OYOR | FAVOUR | NIGERIA | |
| 9 | MILO | C’EST MON ANNÉE | COTE D’IVORIE | |
| 10 | SJAVA | UYENA | SOUTH AFRICA | |
| Best Female Artiste in African Inspirational Music | ||||
| 2 | S/NO | ARTISTE | TRACK TITLE | COUNTRY |
| 1 | ADA EHI | YES SIR (MERCY CHINWO) | NIGERIA | |
| 2 | CHOISIE BASOLUA | EKOMAMA | DRC | |
| 3 | KRYS M | MERCI | CAMEROUN | |
| 4 | MARTHA MWAIPAJA | KUSHINDA LAZIMA | TANZANIA | |
| 5 | MERCY CHINWO | WE MOVE | NIGERIA | |
| 6 | MORIJAH | ADN DU TRÈS HAUT | COTE D’IVOIRE | |
| 7 | NONTOKOZO MKHIZE | ESANDLENI | SOUTH AFRICA | |
| 8 | ROSELINE LAYO | ZOE | COTE D’IVOIRE | |
| 9 | VESTINE & DORCAS | YEBO (NITAWALE) | RWANDA | |
| Best African Artiste, Duo or Group in African Jazz | ||||
| 3 | S/NO | ARTISTE | TRACK TITLE | COUNTRY |
| 1 | ADRIAN YOUNGE & ALI SHAHEED MUHAMMAD | OBI DO WOA (IF SOMEONE LOVES YOU) (FT. EBO TAYLOR) | GHANA | |
| 2 | HADDINQO | TIZITA THE KEBENA (FT. MOSEB BAND) | ETHIOPIA | |
| 3 | MÁDÉ KUTI | WAIT AND SEE | NIGERIA | |
| 4 | RORISANG SECHELE | AFRICAN ORCHID | SOUTH AFRICA | |
| 5 | SIBUSISO MASH MASHILOANE | KWANDEBELE | SOUTH AFRICA | |
| 6 | THE CAVEMEN | MEDICINE | NIGERIA | |
| 7 | ALUNE WADE | BOOGIE & JUJU | SENEGAL | |
| 8 | NOMFUNDO XALUVA | WENDILE | SOUTH AFRICA | |
| 9 | KYLE SHEPHERD TRIO | TEARDROP | SOUTH AFRICA | |
| Best African Artiste Duo or Group in African Pop | ||||
| 4 | S/NO | ARTISTE | TRACK TITLE | COUNTRY |
| 1 | ADVISER | NDILLEN (FT. MIA GUISSÉ) | MAURITANIA | |
| 2 | AMADEUS | JËLI (FT. WALLY B. SECK) | SENEGAL | |
| 3 | AMR DIAB | BABA | EGYPT | |
| 4 | BURNA BOY | CHANGE YOUR MIND (FT. SHABOOZEY) | NIGERIA | |
| 5 | GIMS | NINAO | CONGO DRC | |
| 6 | LBENJ | RWINI (FT. MOUNIM SLIMANI) | MOROCCO | |
| 7 | MANAMBA KANTÉ | KOUMA | GUINEA | |
| 8 | SEYI VIBEZ | SHAOLIN | NIGERIA | |
| 9 | MOHAMED RAMADAN | ANA ENTA | EGYPT | |
| 10 | SAAD LMJARRED | RISKIN | MOROCCO | |
| Best Artiste, Duo or Group in African Contemporary | ||||
| 5 | S/NO | ARTISTE | TRACK TITLE | COUNTRY |
| 1 | FIREBOY DML | ISEOLUWA | NIGERIA | |
| 2 | AXEL MERRYL | TITULAIRE (FT. MIA GUISSÉ & BASS THIOUNG) | BENIN | |
| 3 | ESPE BASS | LE TEMPS DES NOCES (FT. EXTRA MUSICA | CONGO B | |
| 4 | BIEN | ALL MY ENEMIES ARE SUFFERING | KENYA | |
| 5 | JAYLANN | HA WLIDI | MOROCCO | |
| 6 | KIZZ DANIEL, ANGÉLIQUE KIDJO & JOHNNY DRILLE | POLICE | NIGERIA | |
| 7 | MBOSSO | OVA | TANZANIA | |
| 8 | FERRE GOLA & RAYVANNY | MOBONDO | DRC | |
| 9 | DIDINE CANON 16 | SMAHT OU MCHIT | ALGERIA | |
| 10 | WENDY SHAY | TOO LATE | GHANA | |
| Best Soundtrack in Movie Series Documentary | ||||
| 6 | S/NO | ARTISTE | TRACK TITLE | COUNTRY |
| 1 | IGHO’LE TRAP MIX VERSION (“TO KILL A MONKEY”: SERIES) | OSCAR HEMAN-ACKAH (FT. PRESIDENT EMS & UZIKWENDU) | GHANA | |
| 2 | EL MA2AS (“THE START”: FILM) | TAMER HOSNY, REDA ELBAHRAWY | EGYPT | |
| 3 | YOU ARE (“IYANU”: THE ANIMATED SERIES) | YEMI ALADE | NIGERIA | |
| 4 | TIMPI TAMPA (“TIMPI TAMPA”: THE FILM) | ISMAËL LO | SENEGAL | |
| 5 | TORI IFE (“SEVEN DOORS”: SERIES) | TOLU OBANRO | NIGERIA | |
| 6 | SAATTE RAGOUJ (“THE LAST OF THE MOHICANS” FILM) | KAFON | TUNISIA | |
| Songwriter of the Year | ||||
| 7 | S/NO | ARTISTE | TRACK TITLE | COUNTRY |
| 1 | BAKHAW DIOUM | CHOIX (MIA GUISSÉ FT. WALLY B. SECK) | SENEGAL | |
| 2 | EMEL, JEHNNY BETH & CAMILLE BERTHOMIER | FALL IN THE LIGHT (EMEL FT. JEHNNY BETH) | TUNISIA | |
| 3 | EMMA’A | TROP D’AMOUR | GABON | |
| 4 | EMMANUEL AYOBAMI ALLI-HAKEEM | ZA (ANENDLESSOCEAN) | NIGERIA | |
| 5 | FERRE GOLA | AMOUR ILLUSOIRE (FERRE GOLA) | DRC | |
| 6 | MOHAMMED ISMAIL SHARRIF | REBEL MUSIC (BLACK SHERIF) | GHANA | |
| 7 | MUGISHA FRED ROBINSON | TOMBÉ (ELEMENT ELEÉEH) | RWANDA | |
| 8 | OLAMIDE ADEDEJI | HASSIBUNALLAH (OLAMIDE) | NIGERIA | |
| 9 | PRINCE OMOFERI & NWAMU FRANCIS CHUKWUDUBEM | IT HURTS (JOHNNY DRILLE & DON JAZZY) | NIGERIA | |
| 10 | VICTOR NGATUVESE KAUNE | OPUTURI “QUEENS” (ONE BLOOD NAMIBIA) | NAMIBIA | |
| Best Global Act | ||||
| 8 | S/NO | ARTISTE | TRACK TITLE | COUNTRY |
| 1 | ROSÉ | APT (WITH BRUNO MARS) | SOUTH KOREA/USA | |
| 2 | JOÉ DWÈT FILE | 4 KAMPÉ | HAITI | |
| 3 | LADY GAGA & BRUNO MARS | DIE WITH A SMILE | USA | |
| 4 | FANTOMEL & KATE LINN | DAME UN GRR | ROMANIA | |
| 5 | DRAKE | NOKIA | CANADA | |
| 6 | ALEX WARREN | ORDINARY | USA | |
| 7 | DOECHII | ANXIETY | USA | |
| 8 | ED SHEERAN | AZIZAM | UK | |
| 9 | YUNG BREDDA | THE GREATEST BEND OVER | TRINIDAD & TOBAGO | |
| African Fans’ Favourite | ||||
| 9 | S/NO | ARTISTE | TRACK TITLE | COUNTRY |
| 1 | ALI JITA | HUBBI AISHA | NIGERIA | |
| 2 | BARNABA | SALAMA (FT. DIAMOND PLATNUMZ) | TANZANIA | |
| 3 | BNXN & REMA | FI KAN WE KAN | NIGERIA | |
| 4 | CHELLA | MY DARLING | NIGERIA | |
| 5 | DLALA THUKZIN | SOHLALA SISONKE | SOUTH AFRICA | |
| 6 | INNOSS’B | CHILLING | DRC | |
| 7 | KIZZ DANIEL | MARHABA | NIGERIA | |
| 8 | PARAZAR | GHIR HAK | ALGERIA | |
| 9 | FACELESS | VENUS (FT. SERØTONIN) | NIGERIA | |
| 10 | TUL8TE | MATEEGY A3ADY ALEIKY | EGYPT | |
| 10 | Best African DJ | |||
| S/NO | ARTISTE | TRACK TITLE | COUNTRY | |
| 1 | DJ MALVADO | MUSSOLA (WITH & DJ AKA-M FT. DODY) | ANGOLA | |
| 2 | DJ MAPHORISA | DLALA KA YONA (WITH XDUPPY & ENNY MAN DA GUITAR FT. FOCALISTIC, RICKY LENYORA, UNCOOL MC) | SOUTH AFRICA | |
| 3 | DJ MOH GREEN | KELELE | ALGERIA | |
| 4 | DJ MOMBOCHI | LIFOLI (FT. PATERNE MAESTRO) | THE CONGO | |
| 5 | DJ TUNEZ | ONE CONDITION (DJ TUNEZ, WIZKID & FOLA) | NIGERIA | |
| 6 | DJ YK MULE | OBLEE REMIX (FT. SLIMCASE, QDOT & CASH COMING) | NIGERIA | |
| 7 | KELVIN MOMO | BO GOGO (WITH DA MUZIQAL CHEF FT. TRACY AND THATOHATSI) | SOUTH AFRICA | |
| 8 | OSCAR MBO | VUKA (WITH JAZZWORX FT. THUKUTHELA) | SOUTH AFRICA | |
| 9 | UNCLE WAFFLES | ZENZELE ( FT. COWBOII, ROYAL MUSIQ, UNCOOL MC & XDUPPY) | ESWATINI | |
| 10 | WOODBLOCK DJS | SKUTA BABA (FT. BUZZI LEE, KANE KEID, CASSPER NYOVEST, KWESTA, TONY DAYIMANE, MVELOST, SET OFF & SOMOLOLO) | SOUTH AFRICA | |
| 11 | Producer of the Year | |||
| S/NO | ARTISTE | TRACK TITLE | COUNTRY | |
| 1 | BENETH SERAPHIN AKATCHÉ KOFFI | KAAY WAAY (VJ) | SENEGAL | |
| 2 | BUTTERNUT, XOLANI MAJOZI | SKUTA BABA (REMIX) (WOODBLOCK DJS FT. BUZZI LEE, KANE KEID, CASSPER NYOVEST, KWESTA, TONY DAYIMANE, MVELOST, SET OFF & SOMOLOLO] | SOUTH AFRICA | |
| 3 | DINA ONE | KOUMA (MANAMBA KANTÉ) | MALI | |
| 4 | ELEMENT ELEÉEH & MUGISHA FRED ROBINSON | TOMBÉ ELEMENT ELEÉEH | RWANDA | |
| 6 | JAZZWORX | BENGICELA (MAHWOO, GL CEEJAY & THUKUTHELA FT. JAZZWORX)) | SOUTH AFRICA | |
| 7 | PROGREX | LAHO (SHALLIPOPI) | NIGERIA | |
| 8 | DAVINCI | SUPER HOMEM (LIRIANY) | ANGOLA | |
| 9 | TEMPOE | WITH YOU (DAVIDO FT. OMAH LAY) | NIGERIA | |
| 10 | THEMBA SEKOWE, GOMOLEMO JOY GUMEDE, KABELO MOTHA | ABANTWANA BAKHO (DJ MAPHORISA, XDUPPY, KABZA DE SMALL FT. THATOHATSI, YOUNGSTUNNA, NKOSAZANA DAUGHTER) | SOUTH AFRICA | |
| 12 | Album of the Year | |||
| S/NO | ARTISTE | TRACK TITLE | COUNTRY | |
| 1 | AMR DIAB | EBTADENA | EGYPT | |
| 2 | BURNA BOY | NO SIGN OF WEAKNESS | NIGERIA | |
| 3 | DAVIDO | 5IVE | NIGERIA | |
| 4 | DIDI B | DIYILEM & BAZARHOFF: GENIUS | COTE D’IVOIRE | |
| 5 | DJ MAPHORISA & XDUPPY | NGOMOYA | SOUTH AFRICA | |
| 6 | EL GRANDE TOTO | SALGOAT | MOROCCO | |
| 7 | HIMRA | BIG AKA 4 AKA KAI | COTE D’IVOIRE | |
| 8 | KELVIN MOMO | THATO YA MODIMO | SOUTH AFRICA | |
| 10 | TINARIWEN | IDRACHE (TRACES OF THE PAST) | MALI | |
| 13 | Best African Video of the Year | |||
| S/NO | ARTISTE | TRACK TITLE | COUNTRY | |
| 1 | BABS DIRECTION (AWUDU MUSA) | REBEL (BLACK SHERIF) | GHANA | |
| 2 | BONGANI TSHABALALA AND VUYO MPANTSHA | META (NOMCEBO ZIKODE & SOFIYA NZAU FT. FIREBOY DML) | SOUTH AFRICA | |
| 3 | DIRECTOR PINK | KI LO WA WA (YEMI ALADE) | NIGERIA | |
| 4 | EDRINE PAUL DIRECTOR | SOMEBODY (SHEEBAH) | UGANDA | |
| 5 | FOLE X | OVA (MBOSSO) | TANZANIA | |
| 6 | FOLE X | OLOLUFE (JUMA JUX & DIAMOND PLATNUMZ) | TANZANIA | |
| 7 | TG OMORI | SHAOLIN (SEYI VIBEZ) | NIGERIA | |
| 8 | WLDRB | STK STK (DIZZY DROS, KEKRA & NORFAFRICA) | MOROCCO | |
| 14 | Song of the Year | |||
| S/NO | TRACK TITLE | ARTISTE | COUNTRY | |
| 1 | ABANTWANA BAKHO | DJ MAPHORISA, XDUPPY, KABZA DE SMALL (FT. THATOHATSI,YOUNGSTUNNA,NKOSAZANA | SOUTH AFRICA | |
| 2 | BENGICELA | MAWHOO GL CEEJAY & THUKUTHELA (FT. JAZZWORX) | SOUTH AFRICA | |
| 3 | CHOIX | MIA GUISSÉ (FT. WALLY SECK) | SENEGAL | |
| 4 | DIPLOMATICO | EL GRANDE TOTO | MOROCCO | |
| 5 | KAAY WAAY | VJ | SENEGAL | |
| 6 | LAHO | SHALLIPOPI | NIGERIA | |
| 7 | OLOLUFE MI | JUX & DIAMOND PLATNUMZ | TANZANIA | |
| 8 | PUSH 2 START | TYLA | SOUTH AFRICA | |
| 9 | SHAKE IT TO THE MAX | MOLIY, SHENSEEA, SKILLIBENG & SILENT ADDY | GHANA | |
| 10 | WITH YOU | DAVIDO (FT. OMAH LAY) | NIGERIA | |
| 15 | Best African Dance/Choreography | |||
| S/NO | ARTISTE | TRACK TITLE | COUNTRY | |
| 1 | JAYLANN | HA WLIDI | MOROCCO | |
| 2 | LADY PONCE | JE VEUX DANSER | CAMEROON | |
| 3 | REBO | MOBAMBO | DRC | |
| 4 | SERGE BEYNAUD | TAPER DEDANS | COTE D’IVOIRE | |
| 5 | TOOFAN | DEODORANT | TOGO | |
| 6 | TYLA | PUSH 2 START | SOUTH AFRICA | |
| 7 | UNCLE WAFFLES & ROYAL MUSIQ | ZENZELE (FT. COWBOII, XDUPPY & UNCOOL MC) | ESWATINI | |
| 8 | WEEHA | DIMAMA | ETHIOPIA | |
| 9 | WERRASON | TOUT SE PAIE ICI BAS | DRC | |
| 10 | WIZKID | KESE | NIGERIA | |
| 16 | Best African Act Reggae, Ragga & Dancehall | |||
| S/NO | ARTISTE | TRACK TITLE | COUNTRY | |
| 1 | MAGASCO | DIRTY WHINE (FT. MIMIE) | CAMEROON | |
| 2 | MOLIY, SHENSEEA, SKILLIBENG & SILENT ADDY | SHAKE IT TO THE MAX REMIX | GHANA | |
| 3 | RUGER & KRANIUM | DUDU | NIGERIA | |
| 4 | SEAN MORGAN | VUU | MALAWI | |
| 5 | BLACK SHERIF | REBEL MUSIC | GHANA | |
| 6 | TAKANA ZION | ON MY EYES | GUINEA | |
| 7 | TIWA SAVAGE | FORGIVENESS | NIGERIA | |
| 8 | WAKADINALI | KUM BABA (FT. ABBAS KUBAF, WAKUU, PEPELA & MASTERPIECE KING) | KENYA | |
| 9 | YEMI ALADE | BADDIE (REMIX) (FT. KONSHENS AND FEMI ONE) | NIGERIA | |
| 10 | IYANII, MWANAA (VIJANA BARUBARU) & CEDO | KIFO CHA MENDE | KENYA | |
| 17 | Best African Artiste, Duo or Group in African Rock | |||
| S/NO | ARTISTE | TRACK TITLE | COUNTRY | |
| 1 | LAEKE | ESKENEKA | ETHIOPIA | |
| 2 | IZLAN | AMEZYAN | ALGERIA | |
| 3 | FRANCK BIYONG | STRUGGLE 4 MONEY | CAMEROON | |
| 4 | RASH | DO OR DIE | KENYA | |
| 5 | MDOU MOCTAR | IMOUHAR (INJUSTICE VERSION) | NIGER | |
| 6 | CHRISSY ZEBBY TEMBO & THE NGOZI FAMILY | I AM NOT MADE OF IRON | ZAMBIA | |
| 18 | Best Artiste Duo or Group in African Traditional | |||
| S/NO | ARTISTE | TRACK TITLE | COUNTRY | |
| 1 | BIG ZULU | NG’SALE NOBANI (FT. ZEH MCGEBA & ZEE NXUMALO) | SOUTH AFRICA | |
| 2 | CHIRINE LAJMI | ECHEH ECHEH | TUNISIA | |
| 3 | LADY PONCE | JE VEUX DANSER | CAMEROON | |
| 4 | LAMA SHREIF | JAYEK LAHSSEB (FT. CHEB BACHIR) | TUNISIA | |
| 5 | LARRY GAAGA, FLAVOUR & QUEEN THERESA ONUORAH | OBODO (FT. PHYNO) | NIGERIA | |
| 6 | SONA TATA | NAINAI BANA | GUINEA | |
| 7 | STONEBWOY | JEJEREJE (WITH GINTON) | GHANA | |
| 8 | TINARIWEN | AMOSS IDJRAW | MALI | |
| 9 | TONTON PAL & BINGUINI BAKHAGA | COURONNE | MALI | |
| 10 | VERONICA ADANE | KANTE LELA | ETHIOPIA | |
| 19 | Best African Collaboration | |||
| S/NO | ARTISTE | TRACK TITLE | COUNTRY | |
| 1 | BLANCHE BAILLY & LADY PONCE | LÈVE TOI | CAMEROUN | |
| 2 | GOON FLAVOUR, MASTER KG & EEMOH | NGISHUTHENI | SOUTH AFRICA | |
| 3 | MIA GUISSÉ FT. WALLY SECK | CHOIX | SENEGAL | |
| 4 | MOLIY, SILENT ADDY, SKILLIBENG & SHENSEEA | SHAKE IT TO THE MAX (FLY) (REMIX) | GHANA | |
| 5 | PAKI CHENZU FT. HIMRA | ASSAUT (ENCORE ET ENCORE) | TOGO/COTE D’IVOIRE | |
| 6 | SHALLIPOPI FT. BURNA BOY | LAHO | NIGERIA | |
| 7 | UNCLE WAFFLES FT. COWBOII, ROYAL MUSIQ, UNCOOL MC & XDUPPY | ZENZELE | ESWATINI | |
| 8 | DAVIDO FT. OMAH LAY | WITH YOU | NIGERIA | |
| 9 | MAWHOO, GL CEEJAY & THUKUTHELA FT. JAZZWORX | BENGICELA | SOUTH AFRICA | |
| 10 | BENNY ADAM & KHADIJA EL WARZAZIA | MOK YA MOK | MOROCCO | |
| 20 | Most Promising Artiste of the Year | |||
| S/NO | ARTISTE | TRACK TITLE | COUNTRY | |
| 1 | CYSOUL | KOULOS | CAMEROUN | |
| 2 | JOSHUA BARAKA | WRONG PLACES | UGANDA | |
| 3 | KING LUCA | FRAGILE | CAMEROUN | |
| 4 | L’OISEAU RARE | NIAMATOS | GABON | |
| 5 | LWAH NDLUNKULU | MNAKWETHU | SOUTH AFRICA | |
| 6 | MASSAMBA AMADEUS | DAARU DUNYA | SENEGAL | |
| 7 | QING MADI, VALORANT | EGO | NIGERIA | |
| 8 | RYM | TAJ LI WATANI | MOROCCO | |
| 9 | KUNMIE | ARIKE | NIGERIA | |
| 10 | FOLA | WHO DOES THAT? (FT BELLA SHMURDA) | NIGERIA | |
| 21 | Artiste of the Year | |||
| S/NO | ARTISTE | TRACK TITLE | COUNTRY | |
| 1 | AMR DIAB | KHATFOONY (FT. JANA DIAB) | EGYPT | |
| 2 | AYRA STARR | ALL THE LOVE | NIGERIA | |
| 3 | BURNA BOY | UPDATE | NIGERIA | |
| 4 | DAVIDO | WITH YOU (FT. OMAH LAY) | NIGERIA | |
| 5 | DJ MAPHORISA | DLALA KA YONA (WITH XDUPPY & ENNY MAN DA GUITAR FT. FOCALISTIC, RICKY LENYORA, UNCOOL MC) | SOUTH AFRICA | |
| 6 | EL GRANDE TOTO | DIPLOMATICO | MOROCCO | |
| 7 | FALLY IPUPA | LE TEMPS | DRC | |
| 8 | JUX | OLOLUFE MI (WITH DIAMOND PLATNUMZ) | TANZANIA | |
| 9 | REMA | BABY (IS IT A CRIME) | NIGERIA | |
| 10 | SHALLIPOPI | LAHO | NIGERIA | |
| TYLA | PUSH 2 START | SOUTH AFRICA | ||
| 22 | Breakout Artiste of the Year | |||
| S/NO | Artist | Track Title | Country | |
| 1 | BLAQ MAJOR | SDAKIWE SBALI (FT. BLESS THE GENTLEMAN & DJ KAP) | SOUTH AFRICA | |
| 2 | CIZA | ISAKA (6AM) WITH JAZZWORX & THUKUTHELA | SOUTH AFRICA | |
| 3 | EBOLOKO | SATANANA (FT. DRE-A) | GABON | |
| 4 | HIMRA | YOROBO | COTE D IVOIRE | |
| 5 | MARIOO | NAIROBI | TANZANIA | |
| 6 | MAWHOO | BENGICELA (WITH GL CEEJAY & THUKUTHELA FT. JAZZWORX) | SOUTH AFRICA | |
| 7 | MOLIY | SHAKE IT TO THE MAX (WITH SHENSEEA, SKILLIBENG & SILENT ADDY ) | GHANA | |
| 8 | SHALLIPOPI | LAHO | NIGERIA | |
| 9 | TRAP KING | HUSTLIN | ALGERIA | |
| 10 | VJ | KAAY WAAY | SENEGAL | |
| 23 | Best African Lyricist Rapper | |||
| S/NO | Artiste | Track Title | Country | |
| 1 | ALA | TFADHEL | TUNISIA | |
| 2 | DIDI B | PADRÉ VELI | CôTE D’IVOIRE | |
| 3 | JESSY B | LA VIE EST BELLE (FT. BLACK M) | CONGO B | |
| 4 | KLASSAFAN LE MELANGEUR | WON SOUKHOU | GUINEA | |
| 5 | NASTY C & USIMAMANE | SOFT | SOUTH AFRICA | |
| 6 | NYASHINSKI | BUSY | KENYA | |
| 7 | REMINISCE | KUPE | NIGERIA | |
| 8 | SARKODIE | VIOLENCE (FT. KWEDU SMOKE | GHANA | |
| 9 | SWITCH | ZENZANA | LIBYA | |
| 10 | YACOU B OG | KILIMANDJARO | MALI | |
| 24 | Best African Artiste, Duo or Group in African HipHop | |||
| S/NO | Artiste | Track Title | Country | |
| 1 | ALA FT. MOOTJEYEK | MAKINA | TUNISIA | |
| 2 | CASSPER NYOVEST | KUSHO BANI | SOUTH AFRICA | |
| 3 | EBOLOKO | 3X NDOSS (FT. YORSSYANTF) | GABON | |
| 4 | EL GRANDE TOTO | DIPLOMATICO | MOROCCO | |
| 5 | HIMRA | YOROBO | COTE D IVOIRE | |
| 6 | PHYNO | TROUBLE MAKER | NIGERIA | |
| 7 | NASTY C & USIMAMANE | SOFT | SOUTH AFRICA | |
| 8 | ODUMODUBLVCK | LEGOLAS | NIGERIA | |
| 9 | SARKODIE | MESSIAH (FT. KWEKU FLICK) | GHANA | |
| 10 | SUSPECT 95 | MONLISA (FT. HIMRA) | COTE D’IVORIE | |
| 25 | Best African Artiste, Duo or Group in African RnB & Soul | |||
| S/NO | Artiste | Track Title | Country | |
| 1 | BENSOUL & V- BE | KAUTAMU FLANI | KENYA | |
| 2 | BIG ZULU FT. MALUNGELO | AZALA | SOUTH AFRICA | |
| 3 | BRAYE | I WISH I HAD MORE TIME | NIGERIA | |
| 4 | CALEMA | AMAR PELA METADE | SAO TOME | |
| 5 | EMMA’A | ÇA M’A LAISSÉ | GABON | |
| 6 | KUNMIE | ARIKE | NIGERIA | |
| 7 | MANAL | CABARET | MOROCCO | |
| 8 | NALEDI APHIWE & MAWELELE | ROMEO & JULIET | SOUTH AFRICA | |
| 9 | REMA | BABY (IS IT A CRIME) | NIGERIA | |
| 10 | WEGZ FT. TAYC | GIRLFRIEND | EGYPT | |
| 26 | Best African Artiste, Duo or Group in African EDM, House, Techno | |||
| S/NO | Artiste | Track Title | Country | |
| 1 | ASAKE | UHH YEAH | NIGERIA | |
| 2 | BLACK COFFEE, BILLIE EILISH | CHHIRO | SOUTH AFRICA | |
| 3 | DJ MAPHORISA, XDUPPY & ENNY MAN DA GUITAR FT. FOCALISTIC, RICKY LENYORA, UNCOOL MC. | DLALA KA YONA | SOUTH AFRICA | |
| 4 | GOON FLAVOUR, MASTER KG & EEMOH | NGISHUTHENI | SOUTH AFRICA | |
| 5 | KVNG VINCI FT. ZERRYDL | HAUSAPIANO (REMIX) | NIGERIA | |
| 6 | MAWHOO, GL CEEJAY & THUKUTELA FT. JAZZWORX | BENGICELA | SOUTH AFRICA | |
| 7 | MBOSSO | AVIOLA | TANZANIA | |
| 8 | NOMCEBO ZIKODE & SOFIYA NZAU FT. FIREBOY DML | META | SOUTH AFRICA/KENYA/NIGERIA | |
| 9 | SAT-B FT. CHAMPURA MAKHENZO | KIRISESE | BURUNDI | |
| 10 | YEMI ALADE | KI LO WA WA | NIGERIA | |
| 27 | Best African Act in Diaspora Male | |||
| S/NO | Artiste | Track Title | Country | |
| 1 | DJ SNAKE | NOVENTA (FT. J BALVIN) | FRANCE/ALGERIA | |
| 2 | GAZO | NANANI NANANA | FRANCE/GUINEA | |
| 3 | NISKA | ADRIANO | FRANCE/DRC | |
| 4 | TAYC | FORÉVÀ | FRANCE/CAMEROON | |
| 5 | TIAKOLA | MBIFE (WITH GENEZIO) | FRANCE/DRC | |
| 6 | TIF | KAFINI (WITH EL GRANDE TOTO) | FRANCE/ALGERIA/MOROCCO | |
| 7 | WERENOI | PONEY | FRANCE/CAMEROON | |
| 8 | WIZTHEMC | SHOW ME LOVE (WITH BEES & HONEY) | SOUTH AFRICA/CANADA | |
| 9 | L’ALGÉRINO | AU SOLEIL (WITH JOSAS) | ALGERIA/FRANCE | |
| 10 | ODEAL | BLAME U | NIGERIA/UK | |
| 28 | Best African Act in Diaspora Female | |||
| S/NO | Artiste | Track Title | Country | |
| 1 | AYA NAKAMURA | BADDIES (WITH JOÉ DWÈT FILÉ) | MALI/FRANCE | |
| 2 | ANNATORIA | HARK NOW HEAR | ZIMBABWE/ENGLAND | |
| 3 | CHOISIE BASOLUA | EKOMAMA | DRC | |
| 4 | DARKOO | FAVOURITE GIRL (FT. REMA) | NIGERIA/UK | |
| 5 | DEBORAH LUKALU | GOD IS GOOD | DRC | |
| 6 | FAOUZIA | UNETHICAL | CANADA/MOROCCO | |
| 7 | RONISIA | SWIPE | CAPE VERDE/FRANCE | |
| 8 | THE UNVEILED | NDIKHOKHELE (FT. LIL ELIANA) | SOUTH AFRICA | |
| 9 | THEODORA | KONGOLESE SOUS BBL (FT. JEEZ SUAVE) | DRC/FRANCE | |
| 10 | ZAHO | DIOR AND ZAWAJ (WITH YOUV) | ALGERIA/CANADA | |
| 29 | Best African Duo Group Band | |||
| S/NO | Artiste | Track Title | Country | |
| 1 | BABYLONE | TELLEMENT NDARIT | ALGERIA | |
| 2 | BLAQ DIAMOND | PIKI PIKI | SOUTH AFRICA | |
| 3 | CELEMA | AMAR PELA METADE | SAO TOME & PRINCIPE | |
| 4 | TEAM PAIYA | MAISON B FT. TEAM MAISON B, TEAM 2 POY | CÔTE D’IVOIRE | |
| 5 | THE CAVEMEN | MEDICINE | NIGERIA | |
| 6 | TINARIWEN | TENHERT | MALI | |
| 7 | TOOFAN | DEODORANT | TOGO | |
| 8 | VESTINE & DORCAS | YEBO -NITAWALE | RWANDA | |
| 9 | WAPENDWA MUZIKI | AMEFANYA MUNGU | KENYA | |
| 10 | WE ARE NUBIA | DND (FT. ZAITUNI WAMBUI) | KENYA |
