Jah Prayzah, ShaSha Shine Bright in AFRIMA 2025 Nominations
Jah Prayzah, ShaSha Shine Bright in AFRIMA 2025 Nominations – By Daphnne Nyakanyanga Zimbabwe’s music scene continues its upward trajectory with at least three artists earning nominations at the 2025 All Africa Music Awards (AFRIMA), marking a significant presence in both regional and continental categories.
The 12th edition of AFRIMA drew a record 10 717 submissions from across the continent and diaspora, with a 13-member jury narrowing them down to 343 nominees across 40 categories.
Among these, Zimbabwe’s Jah Prayzah, Sha Sha and Hanna will be vying for continental honours when voting opens on 10 September.
Award-winning musician Jah Prayzah is one of the country’s biggest contenders this year, with nominations in both regional and continental sections.
He’s in the running for Best Male Artiste in Southern Africa for his song Mandionei, and also competes in the Best Male Artiste in African Inspirational Music category with Mibvunzo.
Zimbabwe’s female artists have also made a strong showing.
Amapiano vocalist Sha Sha returns to the spotlight with Emsakazweni (featuring Nobuhle & Essa Kay), nominated for Best Female Artiste in Southern Africa.
She’s joined by Hanna (Can’t Stop) is also shortlisted in the same category.
In the Best Female Artiste in African Inspirational Music category, Nontokozo Mkhize is the country’s sole representative with her track Esandleni.
This year’s top overall nominees include Burna Boy, Davido, DJ Maphorisa and El Grande Toto, each with five nods, alongside Mia Guissé and Moliy.
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Zimbabwe’s presence, though smaller in numbers, showcases diversity across genres including afro-pop, amapiano and inspirational music.
AFRIMA jury member Delani Makhalima, who hails from Zimbabwe, said this year’s nominations reflected the global reach of African music.
“Twelve years in, we’re now here. This is global. This is AFRIMA, the biggest music entity on the face of the continent,” he said.
The awards will be held in Lagos from 25 to 30 November, and will include the AFRIMA Music Village, the Africa Music Business Summit, and a globally broadcast main ceremony reaching over 80 countries.
