AFRIMA 2018: Simi Leads Nigeria With 5 Nominations! See Full List

The full nomination list for the 5th edition of AFRIMA has been released and from the list, South African Shekhinah and DRC’s Maitre Gims are the most nominated artsites. They are followed by Tanzania’s Diamond Plantinumz, Ethiopia’s Betty G, Nigeria’s Simi and South Africa’s Nasty C.

Democratic Republic of Congo-born international recording artiste and rapper, Maître Gims and South Africa’s fast-rising songstress and songwriter, Shekhinah, have received seven nominations each to emerge highest nominated artistes for the 5th edition of the All Africa Music Awards, AFRIMA.

This was made known when the African Union Commission, AUC, and the International Jury of the All Africa Music Awards, AFRIMA released the highly anticipated full list of the Regional and Continental Categories of the annual awards ceremony to the public on Tuesday, August 28, 2018.

Closely following the top contenders are Tanzania’s Diamond Platnumz and Ethiopia’s Betty G who each earned six nominations; while Simi (Nigeria) and Nasty C (South Africa) got on the 5th AFRIMA nominees list with five nominations apiece.

In its position as the biggest awards event on the continent, AFRIMA rewards the continent’s music professionals in 36 Regional and Continental categories including four new awards categories namely African DJ of the Year; Best African Dance/Choreography; African Lyricist/Rapper of the Year and Best African Act in Diaspora, introduced in June 2018 by the African Union and the International Committee of AFRIMA to give room for expansion and inclusiveness in the African music industry.

The Regional Category, which consists of Best Female artistes and Best Male artistes in the five regions of Africa, features 79 nominees while the Continental Category which honours exceptional work in different African music genres, boasts of 260 nominees with both categories making up a total number of 339 music professionals and songs nominated for the 2018 edition of the continental awards.

This year, through the 8,009 entries submitted by African music professionals across the globe and the painstaking work of the International Jury of AFRIMA embodied by 13 renowned African music and culture professionals assessing the submitted entries, the 5th AFRIMA Nominees List has remained true to the AFRIMA tradition of discovering authentically fresh African voices and music while also recognising the hard work and diligence of consistent chart-topping music makers.

Commenting on the final nominee’s list for the 5th AFRIMA and how the jury arrived at finding the best musical works within the year under review, AFRIMA Juror representing Eastern Africa, Mr. Tabu Osusa, said, “This year, AFRIMA registered a record number of entries in its competition. We were very pleased to notice that mostly new talents have entered the competition. The 13 jurors had a hard task going through over 8000 talented and creative entries. It resulted in heated sessions and far from unanimous decisions. Being an odd number of jurors revealed to be a blessing allowing us to make decisions by the majority. After a lot of sweat, long discussions and late hours, the jurors designated the best artistes in each given genre. It is now up to the public to go through this process and help to find the new African talents!”
We are convinced that these new artists with unique capabilities are stamping their mark in the various genres. They are and will definitely continue giving the established musicians a run for their money”, the veteran music producer from Kenya concluded.

Leading the nomination pack, Maître Gims’ has received nods for Album of the Year (for his March 2018 released ‘Ceinture Noire’ album); Artiste of the Year, Best Artiste in African Pop, Song of the Year, Song Writer of the Year, Best African Collaboration and Best Male Artiste in Central Africa.

Similarly, Shekhinah’s seven nominations also gave her a slot each in the Album of the Year category and Producer of the Year (for her October 2017 released ‘Rose Gold’ album); these are as well as Song Writer of the Year; Best African Dance/Choreography; Best Artiste in African RnB & Soul; Revelation of the African Continent; Producer of the Year; and Best Female Artiste in Southern Africa.

Diamond Platinumz gets an Album of the Year nomination for his 2017 compilation titled ‘A boy from Tandale’, in addition, are his nominations for Artiste of the Year; Best Artiste in African Contemporary; Best Artiste in African Reggae, Ragga & Dancehall; Song Writer of the Year and Best Male Artiste in Eastern Africa.

Betty G, Ethiopia’s jazz artiste, is amongst the top nominees with six nominations including, Album of the Year (for Wegegta, June 2018); Artiste of the Year; Best Artiste in African Jazz; Best Artiste in African Rock; Revelation of the African Continent and Best Female Artiste in Eastern Africa.

Nigeria’s Simi has earned five nominations namely: Album of the Year (For Simisola’ released in September 2018), Artiste of the Year, Song Writer of the Year, Best Artiste in African Pop, and Best Female Artiste in Western Africa.

South Africa’s rap artiste Nasty C received five nominations from the categories of Artiste of the Year, Song of the Year, Best African Collaboration for his song featuring the Nigerian artiste, Runtown, Best Male Artiste in Southern Africa, and the Best African Lyricist/Rapper of the Year, Many of the continent’s music chart-toppers who are also previous AFRIMA winners and nominees such as Davido (Nigeria); Fally Ipupa (DRC); Tiwa Savage (Nigeria); Cassper Nyovest (South Africa); Wizkid/Starboy (Nigeria); Daphne (Cameroon); Saad Lamjarred (Morocco); Sauti Sol (Kenya); DJ Arafat (Cote d’Ivoire); Charlotte Dipanda (Cameroon); Angelique Kidjo (Benin); DJ Maphorisa (South Africa) and more, have received nominations for the 5th AFRIMA. They are joined by AFRIMA nomination debutantes and fresh music faces such as Kuami Eugene (Ghana); Aya Nakamura (Mali); Shane Eagle (South Africa); Betty G (Ethiopia); Rash (Kenya); Afrotronix (Chad); L’Algérino (Algeria); DJ Enimoney (Nigeria); Nadia Nakai (South Africa); Teni (Nigeria) and others.

Public voting will commence on the AFRIMA website on Saturday, September 1, where both continental and regional nominees in the 36 AFRIMA awarding categories will compete against one another for the coveted 23.9 carat gold-plated AFRIMA Trophy. Nominees will depend on their fans and followers spread across the globe to vote for them in an open voting process via the AFRIMA website, www.afrima.org

In its fifth year, AFRIMA, is scheduled to hold in late November 2018, other activities scheduled for the main awards events include the Africa Music Business Summit, a combination of musical conference and trade expo where stakeholders in the creative and arts industry come together to discuss the business of music in Africa. There is also the AFRIMA Music Village, a music concert and cultural festival which accommodates over 40,000 music lovers across the continent who will witness live performances from their favourite African artistes.

SEE FULL NOMINATION LIST:

ALBUM OF THE YEAR
Name of Artiste Country Album title
1 Betty G Ethiopia Wegegta
2 Bombino Niger Deran
3 Diamond Platnumz Tanzania A Boy from Tandale
4 Lartiste Morocco Grandestino
5 Maitre Gims DRC Ceinture Noire
6 Mr. Leo Cameroon Love Original
7 Shekhinah South Africa Rose Gold
8 Simi Nigeria Simisola

ARTISTE OF THE YEAR
Name of Artiste Country Track title
1 Betty G Ethiopia Wegegta
2 Daphne Cameroon My Lover
3 Davido Nigeria FIA
4 Diamond Platnumz Tanzania Sikomi
5 Kwesta South Africa Spirit Ft. Wale
6 Maître Gims DRC La Meme Ft. Vianney
7 Nasty C South Africa Jungle
8 Saad Lamjarred Morocco Casablanca
9 Starboy Nigeria Soco Ft. Terry, Spotless, Ceeza Milli & Wizkid
10 Tiwa Savage Nigeria Ma Lo Ft. Wizkid & Spellz

BEST AFRICAN VIDEO
Name of Video Director Track Title (Artiste) Country
1 Armsdeal Let It Flow (Shane Eagle) South Africa
2 Cedrick Kayla Affairage (Toofan) Togo
3 Clarence Peters Melanin (Sauti Sol) Nigeria
4 Felicite Ben Rejeb Price Django (Dadju Ft. Franglish) Congo
5 Jacob Bain Nterini (Fatoumata Diawara) Mali
6 Lebogang Rasethaba Money Calling (Nadia Nakai & Franck Casino) South Africa
7 Meji Alabi Ma Lo (Tiwa Savage Ft. Wizkid) Nigeria
8 OneMovie Nosso Momento (Bruna Tatiana) Angola
9 Sasha Vybz Freedom (Bebe Cool) Uganda
10 Sesan Gringo (Shatta Wale) Nigeria
11 Walid Ayoub Ya Mraya (Hamza El Fadly) Morocco

BEST AFRICAN ACT IN DIASPORA
Name of Artiste Country Track title
1 Afrotronix Chad OyO Ft. Seydina
2 Aya Nakamura Mali Oumou Sangare
3 Chick Nick Cameroon Contrôler
4 Dadju DRC Bob Marley
5 Franglish DRC Elle
6 Hazel Mak Malawi Jaiva Ft. Roberto & Tay Grin
7 L’Algérino Algeria Va Bene
8 Oudy 1er Guinea Tourner Kabato

BEST AFRICAN COLLABORATION
Names of Artistes Country Track Title
1 Balti Ft. Hamouda Tunisia Ya Lili
2 DJ Moh Green Ft. Magasco Algeria/Cameroon Por Favor
3 DJ Spinall & Wizkid Nigeria Nowo
4 Fally Ipupa Ft. KeBlack & Naza DRC Mannequin
5 GuiltyBeatz, Mr. Eazi, Patapaa & Pappy Kojo Ghana/Nigeria Akwaaba
6 Maître Gims Ft. Vianney DRC/France La Meme
7 Major Lazer & DJ Maphorisa Ft. Nasty C, Ice Prince, Patoranking & Jidenna US/South Africa/Nigeria Particula
8 Nasty C & Runtown South Africa/Nigeria Said
9 Revolution & Magic System Cote d’Ivoire Kelly
10 Sauti Sol Ft. Patoranking Kenya/Nigeria Melanin
11 Tiwa Savage Ft Wizkid & Spellz Nigeria Ma Lo

BEST ARTISTE, DUO OR GROUP IN AFRICAN CONTEMPORARY
Name of Artiste Country Track Title
1 Charlotte Dipanda Cameroon Sista Ft. Yemi Alade
2 Davido Nigeria FIA
3 Diamond Platnumz Tanzania Sikomi
4 EXQ Zimbabwe Tsvigiri
5 Ferre Gola DRC Premiere Classe
6 Josey Cote d’Ivoire Jour J-O
7 Kidi Ghana Odo Remix Ft. Mayorkun & Davido
8 Kizz Daniel Nigeria No Do
9 L’Algérino Algeria Va Bene
10 Mafikizolo South Africa Love Potion
11 Nandy kivuruge Tanzania
12 Tekno Nigeria Jogodo
13 Wande Coal Nigeria So Mi So

BEST ARTISTE, DUO OR GROUP IN AFRICAN DANCE OR CHOREOGRAPHY
Name of Artiste Country Track Title
1 Black M Guinea Bodyguard
2 Cassper Nyovest South Africa Ksazobalit
3 Fally Ipupa DRC Ecole
4 Ferre Gola DRC Premiere classe
5 GuiltyBeatz, Mr. Eazi, Patapaa & Pappy Kojo Ghana Akwaaba
6 Mr P. Nigeria Ebeano
7 Olamide Nigeria Science Student
8 Rouge (Rudi Smit) South Africa Arumtumtum
9 Rythmz Cameroon Fedeti
10 Shekhinah South Africa Please Mr.
11 Toofan Togo Affairage

BEST AFRICAN DJ
Name of DJ Country Track Title
1 Afrotronix Chad OyO
2 DJ Arafat Cote d’Ivoire Dosabado
3 DJ Enimoney Nigeria Diet Ft. Tiwa Savage, Reminince & Slimcase
4 DJ Maphorisa South Africa Midnight Ft. DJ Tira, Busiswa, Moonchild Sanelly
5 DJ Moh Green Algeria Por Favor Ft. Magasco
6 DJ Oudy 1er Guinea Tourner Kabato
7 DJ Spinall Nigeria Nowo Ft. Wizkid
8 DJ Zoumanto Cameroon Do Like I Do Ft. Ko-C & Mimie
9 Van Morocco Live Your Dream Ft. Dub Afrika

BEST ARTISTE, DUO OR GROUP IN AFRICAN ELECTRO
Name of Artiste Country Track title
1 Afrotronix Chad OyO
2 Aminux Morocco Ghanjibo
3 Babes Wodumo South Africa Jiva Hezkombhede Ft. Duma Ntando & Mampintsha
4 Distruction Boyz South Africa Omunye Ft. Benny Maverick & Dladla Mshunqisi
5 DJ Enimoney, Tiwa Savage, Reminince & Slimcase Nigeria Diet
6 DJ Maphorisa South Africa Midnight Ft. DJ Tira, Busiswa, Moonchild Sanelly
7 Gold Fish South Africa Talk to Me
8 GuiltyBeatz, Mr. Eazi, Patapaa & Pappy Kojo Ghana Akwaaba
9 Lartiste Morocco Mafiosa Ft. Carolina
10 Master KG South Africa Skeleton Move Ft. Zanda Zakuza
11 Mr. Real Nigeria Legbegbe
12 Patoranking Nigeria Available

BEST AFRICAN DUO, GROUP OR BAND
Name of Duo/Group/Band Country Track Title
1 4Keus DRC Mignon Garçon Ft. Naza, Keblack & Dry
2 Distruction Boyz South Africa Omunye Ft. Benny Maverick & Dladla Mshunqisi
3 Fnaïre Morocco Siri Siri
4 H-Kayne Morocco Do What You Can’t Ft. Khaoula
5 Mafikizolo South Africa Love Potion
6 Mi Casa South Africa Nana
7 Revolution Cote d’Ivoire Kelly Ft. Magic System
8 Rythmz Cameroon Fedeti
9 Sauti Sol Kenya Melanin Ft. Patoranking
10 Toofan Togo Money

BEST ARTISTE, DUO OR GROUP IN AFRICAN HIP HOP
Name of Artiste Country Track title
1 Black M Guinea Mama
2 Cassper Nyovest South Africa Ksazobalit
3 Falz Nigeria Next Ft. Maleek Berry & Medikal
4 Khaligraph Jones Kenya Rider Ft. Petra
5 Kwesta South Africa Spirit Ft. Wale
6 M.ANIFEST FT KING PROMISE Ghana ME NE WOA
7 MHD Guinea Bodyguard Ft. Sidiki Diabaté
8 Muslim Morocco Aji M3aya
9 Nadia Nakai & Frank Casino South Africa Money Calling
10 Shane Eagle South Africa Let it Flow
11 Sofiane Algeria Arafricain Ft. Maître Gims

BEST ARTISTE, DUO OR GROUP IN AFRICAN JAZZ
Name of Artiste Country Track title
1 Alune Wade Senegal African Fast Food
2 Anabela Aya Angola I Love You Bue
3 Betty G Ethiopia Mengedegna
4 Fadhilee Kenya Afirika
5 Sibusiso Mashiloane South Africa Niza

BEST AFRICAN RAPPER OR LYRICIST
Name of Artiste Country Track title
1 Cassper Nyovest South Africa Ksazobalit
2 Falz Nigeria La Fête
3 Khaligraph Jones Kenya Rider Ft. Petra
4 Muslim Morocco Aji M3aya
5 Nadia Nakai South Africa Naaa Meeaan Ft. Cassper Nyovest
6 Nasty C South Africa Jungle
7 Rouge South Africa Dololo Ft. Bigstar
8 Shane Eagle South Africa Let it Flow

BEST ARTISTE, DUO OR GROUP IN AFRICAN POP
Name of Artiste Country Track title
1 2Baba Nigeria Amaka Ft. Peruzzi
2 Abu Egypt 3 Daqat Ft. Yousra
3 Ammara Brown Zimbabwe Akiliz
4 Fally Ipupa DRC Mannequin Ft. KeBlack & Naza
5 Kuami Eugene Ghana Angela
6 Lyna Mahyem Algeria Bye Bye Ft. Medi Meyz
7 Maître Gims DRC La Meme Ft. Vianney
8 MHD & Wizkid Guinea Bella
9 Simi Nigeria Joromi
10 Toofan Togo Money
11 Vanessa Mdee Tanzania Wet Ft GNako

BEST ARTISTE, DUO OR GROUP IN AFRICAN RAGGA, REGGAE & DANCEHALL
Name of Artiste Country Track title
1 Burna Boy Nigeria Heaven’s Gate Ft. Lily Allen
2 Diamond Platnumz Tanzania Hallelujah Ft. Morgan Heritage
3 DJ Moh Green Algeria Kondo Ft. Locko & Axel Tony
4 Jah Prayzah Zimbabwe Angel Lo Ft. Jah Cure
5 MzVee Ghana Sing My Name Ft. Patoranking
6 Patoranking Nigeria Suh Different
7 Roberto Zambia Contolola Ft. Patoranking
8 Sauti Sol Kenya Melanin Ft Patoranking
9 Shatta Wale Ghana Gringo
10 Stonebwoy Ghana Hero
11 Van Morocco Live Your Dream Ft. Dub Afrika

BEST ARTISTE, DUO OR GROUP IN AFRICAN R ‘N’ B & SOUL
Name of Artiste Country Track title
1 Asikey Nigeria Dark
2 Banky W Nigeria Love You Baby
3 Bruna Tatiana Angola Amo-te
4 Dadju DRC Bob Marley
5 Djodje & Patoranking Cape Verde Be Mine
6 Emtee South Africa Me and You Ft. Tiwa Savage
7 Locko Cameroon Je Serai La
8 Patty Monroe South Africa Reminiscing
9 Praiz Nigeria Champagne and Flowers
10 Shekhinah South Africa Please Mr.

BEST ARTISTE, DUO OR GROUP IN AFRICAN ROCK
Name of Artiste Country Track title
1 Angelique Kidjo Benin Once in a Lifetime
2 Bebe Cool Uganda Freedom
3 Betty G Ethiopia Ere Manew
4 Fokofpolisiekar South Africa Komma
5 Hoba Hoba Spirit Morocco Jnouni
6 Maryam Saleh, Maurice Louca, Tamer Abu Ghazaleh Egypt Ekaa Maksour
7 Rash Kenya Nitachange Ft. Ruff

BEST ARTISTE, DUO OR GROUP IN AFRICAN TRADITIONAL
Name of Artiste Country Track title
1 Bombino Niger Tehigren (The Trees)
2 Fatoumata Diawara Mali Nterini
3 Harouna Samake Mali Try Voice
4 Irene Namatovu Uganda Nsambila Nyuma Nga Janzi
5 Raina Ray Morocco Zhar
6 Stephane Akam Cameroon Che Woue
7 Teni Nigeria Fargin
8 Themindofay Nigeria Sasa
9 Wally Seck Senegal Mirna
10 Wutah Ghana Bronya

BEST FEMALE ARTISTE IN AFRICAN INSPIRATIONAL MUSIC
Name of Artiste Country Track title
1 Amanda Malela DRC Kumama
2 Charlotte Dipanda Cameroon Sista Ft. Yemi Alade
3 DJ Lee Ethiopia Etege
4 Gloria Muliro Kenya Narudisha
5 Janet Otieno Kenya Narudi
6 Ogecha Nigeria Ufedo Mi
7 Ruby The Pigeon Namibia Rorisang
8 Sandra Nankoma Uganda Kaddugala

BEST MALE ARTISTE IN AFRICAN INSPIRATIONAL MUSIC
Name of Artiste Country Track Title
1 Cobhams Asuquo Nigeria One Hit
2 Degg J Force Guinea Fale
3 Falz Nigeria Child of the World
4 Macky2 Zambia Umutima Wandi Ft. Ephraim & Njamba
5 Mr. Leo Cameroon Pray
6 Ochu Sheggy Tanzania Mabusu Ya Yuda
7 Prosper Menko Cameroon Belle Weh Ft. Protek Illasheva
8 Sarkodie Ghana Glory Ft. Yung
9 Stephane Akam Cameroon Che Woue
10 Wazih Cameroon Be Happy

MOST PROMISING ARTISTE IN AFRICA
Name of Artiste Country Track Title
1 Amanda Malela DRC Kumama
2 Blanche Baily Cameroon BonBon
3 DJ Zoumanto Cameroon Do Like I Do Ft. Ko-C & Mimie
4 Gaz Mawete DRC Paulina
5 Kidi Ghana Odo Ft. Mayorkun & Davido
6 King Promise Ghana CCTV Ft. Mugeez
7 Ko-C Cameroon Bollo C’est Bollo
8 Kuami Eugene Ghana Confusion
9 Lily Malawi Bad at Love
10 Lyna Mahyem Algeria ByeBye Ft Medi Meyz
11 Tamy Zimbabwe Beautiful Ndozvandiri Ft. Takura & Dobba Don

PRODUCER OF THE YEAR
Producer Country Track or Album Title
1 David Scott, DJ Maphorisa, Shekhinah and Luke Goliath South Africa Rose Gold
2 DJ Kore Morocco Casablanca
3 Fresh VDM Togo Fia
4 GuiltyBeatz Ghana Akwaaba
5 Killertunes Nigeria Nowo
6 Laizer Classic Tanzania A Boy from Tandale
7 Makwa 6eats South Africa Spirit
8 NorthBoi Nigeria Soco
9 Renaud Rebillaud DRC La Meme
10 Yamiu Mola Ethiopia Wegegta

REVELATION OF THE AFRICAN CONTINENT
Name of Artiste Country Track title
1 Ammara Brown Zimbabwe Akiliz
2 Aya Nakamura Mali Djadja
3 Betty G Ethiopia Ere Manew
4 Dadju DRC Gentlemen 2.0
5 Iyenga DRC Sorry
6 Mayorkun Nigeria Bobo
7 Mimie Cameroon Je m’en Fous
8 Shekhinah South Africa Please Mr.
9 Soul Bangs Guinea Kameremba
10 Vegedream Cote d’Ivoire La Fuite Ft. DJ Leska

SONG OF THE YEAR
Artiste Track Title Country
1 Daphne My Lover Cameroon
2 Davido FIA Nigeria
3 GuiltyBeatz, Mr. Eazi, Patapaa & Pappy Kojo Akwaaba Ghana
4 Kwesta Ft. Wale Spirit South Africa
5 Maître Gims Ft. Vianney La Meme DRC
6 Major Lazer & DJ Maphorisa Ft. Nasty C, Ice Prince, Patoranking & Jidenna Particula South Africa
7 Nasty C & Runtown Said South Africa/Nigeria
8 Saad Lamjarred Casablanca Morocco
9 Sauti Sol Ft. Patoranking Melanin Kenya
10 Starboy Ft. Terry, Spotless, Ceeza Milli & Wizkid Soco Nigeria
11 Tiwa Savage ft Wizkid & Spellz Ma Lo Nigeria

SONGWRITER OF THE YEAR
Name of Songwriter Country Song Title (& Artiste)
1 Cobhams Asuquo Nigeria One Hit (Cobhams Asuquo)
2 Daphne Nije, Salatiel Cameroon Jusqu’à la Gare (Daphne)
3 Maître Gims, Vianney, Renaud Rebillaud DRC La Meme (Maître Gims Ft. Vianney)
4 Nandy Tanzania kivuruge
5 Nasibu Abdul Juma Issaack Tanzania Sikomi (Diamond Platnumz)
6 Saim El-Hadj Algeria Ya Mraya (Hamza El Fadly)
7 Shekhinah Donell, Amon Taulo Chibiya II South Africa Different (Shekhinah Ft. Mariechan)
8 Simisola Nigeria Complete Me (Simi)
9 Venancio Angola Amo-te (Bruna Tatiana)

AFRICAN FANS’ FAVOURITE
Name of Artist Country Track title
1 Afro B Cote d’Ivoire Drogba (Joanna) Ft. Wizkid
2 AKA South Africa Fela in Versace Ft. Kiddominant
3 Aminux Morocco Ghanhibo
4 Hardy Caprio Sierra Leone Best Life Ft. One Acen
5 Heavy K South Africa Indie Ft. Bucie & Nokwazi
6 IAMDBB Angola Shade
7 J Hus Gambia Dark Vader
8 Kojo Funds Ghana Stallin’
9 Maleek Berry Nigeria Pon My Mind
10 Nedy Music Tanzania One and Only Ft. Ruby
11 Not3s Nigeria My Lover
12 Ommy Dimpoz Tanzania Yanje featuring Seyi Shay
13 Phyno Nigeria N.W.A. Ft. Wale
14 Winky D Zimbabwe Ngirozi Ft Vabati VaJehovah
15 Yxng Bane Angola/DRC Vroom