A new round of AFRIMA nominations is here, and yes, familiar names like Davido, Burna Boy, Ayra Starr, and Rema are on the list. But this year’s roster puts a spotlight on something bigger: a diverse set of voices shaping the continent’s music scene. It feels like a crossroads moment, legacy artists, rising artists, and cross-border voices all standing together.
Nigeria’s Power and Pop Surge
Burna Boy and Davido lead Nigeria’s lineup with five nominations each, both in Album of the Year and Song of the Year categories. That’s the kind of consistency and reach that still anchors the genre. Shallipopi has four nods, including Artist of the Year and Song of the Year, proving street-pop can headline big. Rema brings three nominations, and Ayra Starr adds two, already affirming the newer generation’s grip on global playlists.
Ghanaian Artists Making Their Mark
Ghana’s presence is strong this year. Moliy leads the pack with five nominations, a clear sign of her rising impact. Amaarae, Wendy Shay, and Black Sherif also secured nominations, showing Ghana’s breadth across styles, from alt-pop and soulful grooves to mood-driven vocals and rap-influenced storytelling. Each name carries its own story and fan resonance.
A Record Number of Submissions
With 10,717 entries this year, AFRIMA has seen the most submissions in its 12-year history. That outpouring reflects expanding creativity: independent releases, mixtapes, regional scenes, viral tracks, all feeding into what AFRIMA nominates. It speaks to music’s democratization across the continent, more voices, more angles, more sonic textures getting a chance.
The Bigger Picture
And yes, it’s tilted toward Nigeria, but not without reason. They’re hosting the show this year, in Lagos. Public voting opens September 10 and ends November 30. (Heads-up: home advantage might still nudge the results.)
Here’s the part you don’t often hear: this isn’t a nostalgia list, it’s the next chapter. These nominations show AFRIMA is honoring past triumphs and ushering in who’s shaping the now. Nigeria’s veterans. Rising pop disruptors. Global-day hustlers like Rema. Ghana’s breakout stars like Moliy are the voices of what Afrobeats and African music sound like right now.
