South African artists such as Sjava, Black Motion, Blxckie, and Mthandeni SK are among the prominent nominees, with the event emphasizing the importance of genres like hip hop, amapiano, and Afrobeat.

The Africa Music Awards (AFRIMA) 2025 nominees have been announced, featuring a diverse lineup of 343 artists across 40 categories, representing Africa's five regions and the diaspora, with prominent artists like Burna Boy, Davido, and Rema.

The awards aim to celebrate musical achievements and cultural storytelling, emphasizing inclusivity and diversity, with a focus on amplifying music over noise through a hybrid event format that extends its reach globally.

The event coincides with Women’s Month, highlighting the contributions of women in music and society, and is supported by major organizations such as the Motsepe Foundation, the Department of Sport, Arts and Culture, and SABC.

The nomination process was managed by a virtual jury evaluating entries for artistic merit, innovation, and cultural relevance, with results to be announced in September before the main ceremony in November.

Major categories like Album of the Year, Record of the Year, and Artist of the Year will be revealed next month, with the winners set to be celebrated at a ceremony later in the year.

The awards ceremony will be streamed live on the Sama YouTube channel and social media platforms, featuring performances by headline artists and a virtual nominee reveal.

Notable artists like Priddy Ugly, who recently won Best Hip Hop Album, will headline the event, showcasing the genre’s influence and ongoing success in South Africa.

The event also highlights emerging trends like the dominance of amapiano, reinventions in hip hop, and the rising popularity of Maskandi, reflecting evolving musical directions across Africa.

Fan reactions on social media show strong support for various artists, with discussions around cultural influence, genre loyalty, and the significance of the awards for African music's global visibility.

The ceremony will be hosted by Letuka Dlamini and Zama Naomi, with an all-women team led by director Bokang Phalane, emphasizing empowerment and diversity in the industry.