African Music Awards 2025 Preview

The African Music Awards 2025 are shaping up to be the biggest celebration of African talent yet. Scheduled for November 15 in Johannesburg, South Africa, this year's event promises a night filled with electrifying performances, major surprises, and fierce competition among the continent's top artists.

Major Nominees

Leading the nominations are Nigerian superstar Ayra Starr, Ghana's rising sensation Black Sherif, and South Africa’s amapiano queen Uncle Waffles. All three are competing for the coveted Artist of the Year award, alongside heavyweights like Burna Boy and Diamond Platnumz.

Breakout artists like Tyla, who took the global charts by storm, and Asake, whose unique sound is redefining Afrobeats, are also set to make a major splash in multiple categories, including Best New Artist and Song of the Year.

Performances to Watch

Expect unforgettable performances from across the musical spectrum. Confirmed acts include Wizkid, Tems, Kabza De Small, and Yemi Alade, alongside special international guests. The show promises to fuse traditional African rhythms with futuristic sounds, showcasing the diversity and richness of African music.

New Categories

For the first time, the African Music Awards will introduce a Best Fusion Collaboration category, recognizing cross-genre and cross-border collaborations that are pushing the boundaries of African music worldwide. Another exciting addition is the African Diaspora Excellence Award, celebrating artists of African descent making waves outside the continent.

Predictions

While competition is tough, many predict Ayra Starr could have a historic night, given her chart dominance and international acclaim over the past year. Still, with so much talent nominated, surprises are almost guaranteed.