The submission period ran from 27 May to 8 August, covering songs, albums, music videos, and works by songwriters, producers, DJs, video directors, dancers, choreographers, record labels, and emerging artists without formal recordings.

West Africa accounted for the largest share with 5 215 entries (48.68%), followed by Southern Africa with 2 080 (19.42%), East Africa with 804 (7.50%), Central Africa with 291 (2.72%), North Africa with 267 (2.49%), and the diaspora with 75 (0.70%).

A 13-member international jury began adjudication in Lagos on 8 August, with the process scheduled to end on 17 August. Southern Africa’s jury representative, Adam Tiran, said: “The number of entries for AFRIMA 2025 is more than just a statistic; it shows how alive, creative, and unstoppable African music is right now.”

Diaspora representative Hadja Kobele added: “Our criteria are clear: musical quality, originality, impact, and cultural relevance. AFRIMA isn’t about industry politics or social media popularity; it’s about honouring the music, the message, and the creators behind it.”

The list of nominees will be announced on 24 August. Voting will run from 5 September on the AFRIMA website and close 24 hours before the awards night on 30 November. PricewaterhouseCoopers will audit the process.

AFRIMA 2025 will take place in Lagos from 25 to 30 November. The programme will include the Africa Music Business Summit, the Music Village Concert, the Nominees Party, and the awards ceremony, which will be broadcast to more than 84 countries