The anticipation reached a fever pitch at the African Union (AU) headquarters in Addis Ababa, but the destination for the continent's most prestigious music celebration has been confirmed: Lagos, Nigeria, will host the All Africa Music Awards (AFRIMA) 2025, an event that has already shattered records with an unprecedented surge in submissions. Set to take place from November 25 to 30, the awards ceremony—anchored by the theme "Unstoppable Africa"—promises to be the largest celebration of African musical excellence yet, cementing the continent’s undeniable dominance on the global cultural scene.

​The announcement was made by the African Union Commission (AUC) and the International Committee of AFRIMA, following a high-stakes bidding war. Lagos, often dubbed the heart of Afrobeats, was selected for its vibrant energy, modern facilities, and strong history of hosting major international events. The decision comes after a record 10,717 entries were submitted for this year's awards, the highest in AFRIMA's 12-year history, underscoring the platform's burgeoning influence.

​The nominees, announced in late August, set the stage for an intense showdown between established global giants and a wave of electrifying new talent. Nigerian heavyweights Burna Boy and Davido lead the charge with five nominations each, battling across major categories like "Artiste of the Year" and "Album of the Year." They are closely followed by Morocco's El Grande Toto, South Africa’s DJ Maphorisa, and rising sensations like Nigeria's Shallipopi and Ghana’s Moliy, all demonstrating the pan-African diversity of this year's contenders.

​The week-long celebration will be more than just an awards show; it includes the Africa Music Business Summit, a Nominees’ Welcome Soirée, and the massive AFRIMA Music Village/Festival, expected to draw over 60,000 guests. With a global live broadcast expected to reach over 400 million viewers, AFRIMA 2025 is set to be the definitive statement on African music’s "unstoppable" rise.