There is no doubt that the All Africa Music Awards (AFRIMA) has returned with renewed determination to reward and unite African countries through music after a two-year hiatus.
Ahead of a more robust and intentional edition scheduled for November 2025, organisers of AFRIMA have embarked on a journey to give Africa one of the best music awards and culture festivals in Lagos, Nigeria.
For the 2025 edition, which has been dubbed ‘Unstoppable Africa,’ plans are in top gear for the initiative to run between November 25, 2025 and November 30, 2025.
Already, the Federal Government of Nigeria has received and accepted the responsibilities of the host country, while the Federal Ministry of Arts, Culture, Tourism and the Creative Economy have also thrown its weight behind the 2025 edition.
With entry submissions closed on August 8, organisers revealed that a total of 10,717 entries were received.
According to the organisers, the surge in submissions reinforces AFRIMA’s position as the continent’s most prestigious platform for developing, celebrating, and promoting African music globally.
West Africa led the submissions with 5,215 entries (48.68 per cent), followed by Southern Africa with 2,080 entries (19.42 per cent) and Eastern Africa with 804 entries (7.50 per cent). Northern Africa recorded 267 entries (2.49 per cent), Central Africa 291 entries (2.72 per cent), while Africans in the diaspora submitted 75 entries (0.70 per cent).
Ahead of its 2025 Adjudication Process, organisers appointed new music experts to join its International Jury panel. The three new jury members are Marwane Fachane, who represents Morocco (Northern Africa); Asma Lucy Ilado from Kenya (Eastern Africa); and Messie Mboukou from Congo Brazzaville (Central Africa).
Other members of the jury include Olisa Adibua, Jury-in-Charge/Associate Producer; Vicensia Shule, African Union representative; Emil Ngumbah from Cameroon, representing Central Africa; Joett from Tanzania, representing Eastern Africa and Hossam El Gamal from Egypt, representing Northern Africa.
Others are Adam Tiran from South Africa, representing Southern Africa, Delani Makhalima from Zimbabwe, representing Southern Africa, Guy Neza from Cote d’Ivoire, representing Western Africa, Motolani Alake from Nigeria, representing Western Africa and Hadja Kobele, Diaspora, representing North America.
The 13-member International Jury began adjudication on Friday, August 8, in Lagos.
The process, which will run until Sunday, August 17, will screen, categorise, and score entries based on quality, originality, impact, and cultural relevance, before selecting nominees in various regional and continental categories.
On Thursday, August 14, organisers held the 2025 AFRIMA’s patron dinner with the Jury at the Knowhere Restaurant on Victoria Island. The event had several attendees, including members of the jury as well as media practitioners.
All is set for AFRIMA 2025, and the five-day-long event will be broadcast in more than 84 countries around the world.
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