Burna Boy, Ayra Starr, Tyla, Fally Ipupa & More – Who Deserves Artiste of the Year at AFRIMA 2025?

The All Africa Music Awards (AFRIMA) 2025 is almost here, and the spotlight is firmly on the Artiste of the Year category — arguably the most anticipated award of the night. This year’s nominees list is a perfect reflection of the rich diversity of African music, blending Afrobeats, Amapiano, Bongo Flava, Rumba, and North African pop into one global stage.

From the streets of Lagos to the heart of Cairo, Kinshasa, Johannesburg, Dar es Salaam, and beyond, these stars have not only dominated the African airwaves but also made history on international platforms.

Nominees at a glance:

Davido – Still one of Afrobeats’ strongest exports, delivering hit after hit with unmatched consistency.
Ayra Starr – The celestial rising queen, whose “sability” has carried Afrobeats into new frontiers.
Burna Boy – A Grammy-winning giant who keeps redefining African music on a global scale.
Rema – The futuristic sound pioneer, Afro Rave star, and Billboard Hot 100 regular.
Shallipopi – The street king turned superstar, shaping culture with his unapologetic style.
Tyla – The South African diamond whose Grammy-winning Water proved Amapiano’s global takeover.
Amr Diab – A legend of Arab pop and African music, with decades of dominance.
DJ Maphorisa – The production genius who shaped Amapiano into an international wave.
Elgrandetoto – North Africa’s rap heavyweight, fusing Moroccan vibes with global trap energy.
Fally Ipupa – The Congolese superstar keeping Rumba alive while adapting to modern Afropop.
Himra – Côte d’Ivoire’s rising sensation, representing Francophone Africa in style.
Jux – The African Boy who embodies Bongo Flava’s soul while appealing to global listeners.

With a lineup this stacked, the competition is fierce. Will Nigeria continue its dominance with Davido, Burna, Ayra, Rema, or Shallipopi? Or will South Africa’s Tyla or Maphorisa steal the spotlight? Could Fally Ipupa or Amr Diab spring a surprise for Central or North Africa?

The stage is set for one of the most competitive AFRIMA editions in recent years.

So, who gets your vote for Artiste of the Year 2025?