The International Executive Committee of the All Africa Music Awards (AFRIMA), in conjunction with the African Union Commission (AUC), on Wednesday September 14, released the official list of nominees for the 2022 edition.
Culled from a total of 9,067 entries submitted- the highest number ever recorded by the awards, since its inception – the AFRIMA jury selected a total of 382 nominations across 39 categories, to represent all five regions in Africa, as well as in the diaspora.
Leading the nominations on a regional basis this year is the Western African region, with 134 nominations, representing 35 percent; while the Eastern African region follows closely with 69 nominations, representing 18 percent; the Southern African region races closely with 68 nominations, representing 17.8 percent; while Central Africa pulls in its weight with 52 nominations, representing 13.6 percent; while the Northern African region follows closely with 49 nominations, representing 12.8 percent.
Dominating the list with the most nominations, this year, is the South African maverick, Costa Titch, with six nominations for his 2021 smash hit, Big Flexa, in “Song of the Year”; “Breakout Artiste of the Year”; “Best African Collaboration”: “Best Artiste, Duo or Group in African Electro”; and “Best Artiste, Duo or Group in Use of African Dance/Choreography”.
Interestingly, the Congolese maestro, Dadju, ties with six nominations, as well, in “Best Male in Central Africa”; “Song of the Year”; “Album of the Year”; “Artiste of the Year”; “Best African Act in the Diaspora”; and “Best Soundtrack in a Movie, Series, or Documentary”.
Other artistes with four nominations are the Nigerian mavericks, Burna Boy in “Best Male Artiste in Western Africa”; “Song of the Year”; “Album of the Year”; and “Artiste of the Year”); Fireboy in “Best Male Artiste in Western Africa”; “Song of the Year”; “Producer of the Year”; “Artiste of the Year”; and “Best African Collaboration”; Kizz Daniel in “Best Male Artiste in Western Africa”; “Song of the Year”; “Artiste of the Year”; “Best African Collaboration”; and “Best Artiste, Duo or Group in African Pop”; and Tiwa Savage in “Best Female Artiste in Western Africa”; “Artiste of the Year”; “Best African Collaboration”; and “Best Artiste, Duo or Group in African RnB/Soul”.
The other African superstars with four nominations are Zakes Bantwini (South Africa) in “Best Male Artiste in Southern Africa”; “Best African DJ”; “Artiste of the Year”; and “Best Artiste, Duo or Group in African Electro”; Marwan Moussa (Egypt) in “Best Male Artiste in Northern Africa”; “Best African Rapper/Lyricist”; “Breakout Artiste of the Year”; and “Best Artiste, Duo or Group in African Hip Hop”; and Nomfundo Moh (South Africa) in “Best Female Artiste in Southern Africa”; “Album of the Year”; “Breakout Artiste of the Year”; and “Best Artiste, Duo or Group in African RnB/Soul”.
Importantly, the public voting portal for the 2022 AFRIMA edition would be live on Sunday, 25th September 2022, at 12:00 pm CAT. African music lovers within the continent, and around the world, can visit the official website www.afrima.org to vote. Voting closes at 12.00 (CAT), December 10, 2022, before the AFRIMA main awards ceremony.
“Overall, we are very proud and confident in our work, and we would continue to intensify our efforts to ensure AFRIMA remains the ultimate recognition of African music globally in line with its vision,” Head of Culture, African Union Commission on the Jury, Angela Martins, said.
Meanwhile, 2022 All Africa Music Awards will now be held from the 8th to 11th December 2022. A special announcement will be made on the host country and location for the awards, on Wednesday, 28th September 2022.
The AFRIMA awards ceremony will feature a 4-day fiesta of music, glitz, and glamour aimed at celebrating Africa, recognising talents and expanding the economic frontiers of the culture and creative industry on the continent. The event is scheduled to commence with the welcome soiree, followed by the AFRIMA Music Village, the host city tour, Africa Music Business Summit, and the exclusive nominees’ party and concluded with the live awards ceremony broadcast to over 84 countries around the world.
In partnership with the African Union Commission, AFRIMA is a youth-focused music platform that recognizes and rewards the work and talents of African artistes across generations.
Best Male Artist in Central Africa
- C4 Pedro
- Dadju
- Fally Ipupa
- Innoss’B
- Gaz Mawete
- Matias Damasio
- Ninho
- Roga Roga & Extra Musica
- Tayc
- Tenor ft. Innoss’B
Best Female Artist in Central Africa
- Asaba
- Blanche Bailly ft. Joeboy
- Emma’a
- Espoir La Tigresse
- Pérola
- Shay
- Vernyuy Tina
- Zara Williams ft. C4 Pedro
Best Male Artist in Eastern Africa
- Addis Legesse
- Bien (& Aaron Rimbui)
- Diamond Platnumz ft. Zuchu
- Eddy Kenzo
- Kassmasse
- King Saha
- Marioo ft. Jovial
- Mbosso ft. Costa Titch & Phantom Steeze
- Nyashinski ft. Femi One
- Rayvanny ft. Vjollca
Best Female Artist in Eastern Africa
- Betty G
- Tanasha Donna
- Frida Amani
- Hewan Gebrewold
- C4 Pedro
- Dadju
- Fally Ipupa
- Innoss’B
- Gaz Mawete
- Matias Damasio
- Ninho
- Roga Roga & Extra Musica
- Tayc
- Tenor ft. Innoss’B
Best Female Artist in Central Africa
- Asaba
- Blanche Bailly ft. Joeboy
- Emma’a
- Espoir La Tigresse
- Pérola
- Shay
- Vernyuy Tina
- Zara Williams ft. C4 Pedro
Best Male Artist in Eastern Africa
- Addis Legesse
- Bien (& Aaron Rimbui)
- Diamond Platnumz ft. Zuchu
- Eddy Kenzo
- Kassmasse
- King Saha
- Marioo ft. Jovial
- Mbosso ft. Costa Titch & Phantom Steeze
- Nyashinski ft. Femi One
- Rayvanny ft. Vjollca
Best Female Artist in Eastern Africa
- Betty G
- Tanasha Donna
- Frida Amani
- Hewan Gebrewold
- Muthaka
- Nandy
- Nikita Kering
- Rosa Ree
- Spice Diana ft. DJ Seven
- Zuchu ft. Bontle Smith & Tyler
Best Male Artist in Northern Africa
- Ali Loka
- Ahmed Saad ft. 3enba & Double Zuksh
- A.L.A
- DJ Snake
- Draganov
- El Grande Toto
- Marwan Moussa
- Snor
- Soolking
- Wegz
Best Female Artist in Northern Africa
- Faouzia
- Jaylann
- Kenza Morsli ft. DJ Adel
- Lyna Mahyem
- Manal
- Marwa Loud & Moha K
- Ruby
- Rym
Best Male Artist in Southern Africa
- A-Reece
- Blxckie feat A-Reece
- DJ Tarico
- Gemini Major
- Focalistic
African Fans Favourite
- ‘Dibango Dibanga’ – Bello Falcao
- ‘Tempela’ – Ch’cco, Mellow, Sleazy Nkao
- ‘Ameno Amapiano’ – Goya Menor & Nektunez
- ‘Sip (Alcohol)’ – Joeboy
- ‘Monalisa (Remix)’ – Lojay X Sarz ft. Chris Brown
- ‘Overloading (Overdose)’ – Mavins; Ayra Starr, Boy Spyce, Crayon, Ladipoe, Magixx
- ‘Ku Lo Sa’ – Oxlade
- ‘Nack’ – The Therapist
- ‘Dada’ – Young Jonn
- ‘Adiwele’ – Young Stunna ft. Kabza De Small, DJ Maphorisa
Album of the Year
- 9: Esan – Brymo
- Love, Damini – Burna Boy
- Cullilan – Dadju
- First of All – Diamond Platnumz
- History – Dadi B
- KOA II – Kabza De Small
- Amagama – Nomfundo Moh
- Timbuktu – Oumou Sangare
- Sans Visa – Soolking
- Rave & Roses – Rema
Artist of the Year
- Burna Boy
- CKay
- Dadju
- Diamond Platnumz
- Fireboy DML
- Kabza De Small
- Manal
- Tiwa Savage
- Wegz
- Zakes Batwini
Best African Collaboration
- ‘Al Moulouk’ – Ahmed Saad ft. 3enba & Double Zuksh
- ‘Onde Anda’ – Onde Anda
- ‘Big Flexa’ – Costa Titch ft. C’buda M, Alfa Kat, Banaba Des, Sdida & Man T
- ‘Champion Sound’ – Davido ft. Focalistic
- ‘Peru Remix’ – Fireboy ft. Ed Sheeran
- ‘Tigini (Remix)’ – Kikimoteleba ft. Franglish
- ‘Buga’ – Kizz Daniel ft. Tekno
- ‘Mi Amour’ – Marioo ft. Jovial
- ‘Moyo’ – Mbosso, Costa Titch, Phantom Steeze
- ‘Somebody’s Son’ – Tiwa Savage ft. Brandy
Best African Act in Diaspora (Female)
- Aya Nakamura
- Bey T
- Darkoo
- Faouzia
- Moha K, Marwa Loud
- Nata
- Rimon
- Ronisia
- Shay
- Soraia Ramos
Best African Act in Diaspora (Male)
- Calema
- Dadju
- Dafencii
- DJ Snake
- Gil Semedo
- Jae5
- Ninho
- Soolking
- Tion Wayne
- Ya Levia
Best African Band, Duo or Group
- Calema & Zé Felipe
- Disco Misr, Aziz Maraka
- Jano Band
- Mafikizolo
- Major League DJz
- Ridimz
- The Cavemen
- Toofan
- Umoja Sounds
- Wanavakali
Best African DJ
- DJ Lito
- DJ P2N
- DJ Snake
- DJ Tarica
- DJ Yessonia
- Major League DJz
- DJ Zinhle
- DJ Spinall
- Uncle Waffles
- Zakes Batwini
Best African Rapper/Lyricist
- A-Reece
- Dafencii
- Didi B
- Dip Doundou Guiss
- Marwan Moussa
- Ladipoe
- LAMB (Loose Kaynon, A-Q, MI, Blaqbonez)
- Nata
- Nay Wa Mitego
- Youssoupha
Best Artist, Duo or Group in African Dance or Choreography
- Ans-T Crazy
- Costa Titch
- Eltee Skhillz
- Kamo Mphela
- Portable X Poco Lee
- Roga Roga & Extra Musica
- Serge Beynaud
- Simi
- Spice Diana
- Toofan
Best Artist, Duo or Group in African Electro
- Asake
- Costa Titch
- Davido
- DJ Maphorisa
- DJ Snake
- DJ Yessonia
- Felo Le Tee
- Mbosso
- Tresor
- Zakes Bantwini
Best Artist, Duo or Group in African Hip Hop
- Black Sherif
- Blxckie
- Cdrik Kodjo
- Darkoo
- Didi B
- KikiMoteleba ft. Franglish
- Marwan Moussa
- Nay Wa Mitego
- Ninho
Best Artist, Duo or Group in African Pop
- Adekunle Gold, Davido
- CKay
- Kizz Daniel & Tekno
- Kouz1
- Matias Damasio
- Pheelz, BNXN
- Ronisia
- Roseline Layo
- Soraia Ramos
- Tenor ft. Innoss’B
Best Artist, Duo or Group in African Reggae, Ragga, Dancehall
- DJ Lito, Bebe Cool, Sheilah Gashumba, SlickStuartRoja
- Fave
- Femi One, King Kaka & Mbithi
- KiDi
- Navy Kenzo
- Nutty O
- Rosa Ree
- Ruger
- Teddy Afro
- Winky D
Best Artist, Duo or Group in African RnB & Soul
- Ahmed Basyoni & Hussein Gamal
- Bridget Blue
- C4 Pedro
- Frida Amani x Mayunga
- Lil Jay
- Tayc
- Tiwa Savage, Amaarae
- Nomfundo Moh, ShaSha & Ami Faku
- Omah Lay
- Ya Levis
Best Artist, Duo or Group in African Rock
- Amir Eid
- Clay
- Daniel Baron
- Franck Biyong
- RASH
- Reën & Refentse Morake
Best Artist, Duo or Group in African Traditional
- Azaya, Djelykaba Bintou
- Betty G
- Josey ft. Bonigo
- Lencho Gemechu
- Manamba Kante
- Flavour
- Oumr Sangare
- Rokia Kone & Jacknife Lee
- Royalty
- Stewart Sukuma
Best Artist, Duo or Group in African Contemporary
- Adekunle Gold ft. Fatoumata Dawara
- Alikiba
- Brymo
- Fadilee Itulya, Fidq & Goemi
- Fally Ipuppa
- Fior 2 Bior
- Roga Roga & Extra Musica
- Sidiki Diabate
- Wallly B. Seck, Viviane
Best Artist, Duo or Group in African Jazz
- Addis Legesse
- Elida Almeida, Jimmy P
- Franck Biyong
- Guta Abera
- Jano Band
- Jimmy Dludlu, Rhodalia Silvestre, Dx Nuvunga, Mano Tsotsi
- Kelvin Momo, TBO, JaySax
- Somi
- Thapelo Lekoane
- The Cavemen, Made Kuti
Best Soundtrack Movies, Series or Documentary
- ‘AlMoulouk’ (Moon Knight) – Ahmed Saad ft. 3enba & Double Zuksh
- ‘A Body, A Coffin’ (Black Panther Wanda Forever Prologue EP) – Amaarae & Marvel
- ‘Ima’ – Dadju
- ‘ODG’ (The Blood Covenant Movie) – Eltee Skhillz
- ‘EL Ghazala Raye2a’ ( Zeko) – Mohamed Osama & Karim Mahmoud (Ahmed Tarik Yahia)
- ‘Speed Life (Sonic 2 Film)
- ‘No Woman, No Cry’ (Black Panther Wanda Forever Prologue EP) – Tems & Marvel
- ‘B3oda Ya Belady’ (Captains of Zaatari) – Wegz
Best African Music Video
- ‘Moustahil’ – Amine Boumediene
- ‘Big Flexa’ – Casta Titch
- ‘Woman’ – Simi
- ‘Nwoke Oma’ – Chike
- ‘Disco Maghreb’ – DJ Snake
- ‘Sewasew’ – Maranta Da Silva
- ‘ Suavamente’ – Soolking
- ‘Buga’ – Kizz Daniel ft. Tekno
Breakout Artist of the Year
- Asake
- Camidoh
- Costa Titch
- Daliwonga
- El Grande Toto
- Fior 2 Bior
- Hewan Gebrewold
- Marwan Moussa
- Nomfundo Moh
- Pheelz
Most Promising Artist
- Ans-T Crazy
- Dafencii
- Fave
- Frida Amani
- Jeeba
- Khanyisa
- Kikimoteleba
- Lloyiso
- Magixx
- Zara Williams
Producer of the Year
- C4 Pedro
- CKay & BMH
- Kimambo Beats
- Nyadjiko & Dadju
- Rahal
- Reward Beatz
- Sdida & Man T
- Serge Beynaud
- Stan-E Kibulu & William Grigahcine
Song of the Year
- ‘Kwaku The Traveller’ – Black Sherif
- ‘Last Last’ – Burna Boy
- ‘Big Flexa’ – Costa Titch ft. C’buda M, Alfa Kat, Banaba Des, Sdida & Man T
- ‘Ambassadeur’ – Dadju
- ‘Tala’ – Didi B
- ‘Disco Maghreb’ – DJ Snake
- ‘Peru’ (Remix) – Fireboy DML ft. Ed Sheeran
- ‘Buga’ – Kizz Daniel ft. Tekno
- ‘Mi Amor’ – Marioo ft. Jovial
- ‘Calm Down’ – Rema
- ‘Suavemente’ – Soolking
- ‘El Bakht’ – Wegz
Songwriter of the Year
- Bridget Blue and Jibril Blessing
- Daniel Baron
- Lloyiso Mandlovandile Gigana, Luke Goliath
- Martin Obudho, Muthaka
- Matias Damasio
- Mordecai ‘Dex’ Mwini
- Olawale Olofo’ro
- Rokia Kone, Garret Lee
- Iba One
- Sidy Diop
Best Global Act
- Anitta
- Brandy
- Chris Brown
- Drake
- Ed Sheeran
- Justin Bieber
- Maluma
- Popcaan
- Tyga
- Vitaa
Best Female Artist in Africa Inspirational Music
- Bridget Blue
- Chaama & Eljoee
- Diana Hamilton
- DJ Zinle
- Irene Robert
- Janet Otieno
- Makhadzi
- Manal
- TY Bello
Best Male Artist in Africa Inspirational Music
- Davido
- Grace Lokwa
- Kassmasse
- KS Bloom, Chike
- Nathaniel Bassey
- Noel Nderitu
- Samthing Soweto
- Wave Rhyder
