Kenyan stars have been spotlighted as musical powerhouses, landing them several nominations in the 2025 All Africa Music Awards (AFRIMA).
With Kenya's growing influence in genres such as rap, reggae, and R&B, nine Kenyan artists have been selected as nominees in several categories. Out of the 9, 4 are groups.
The artists include veteran artists Bien and Nyashinski; singer-songwriter and multi-instrumentalist Bensoul and musical duo V-Be; hip-hop group Wakadinali; vocalist, singer, and performer Iyanii; R&B and Afropop artist Bridget Blue; the Kenyan gospel duo Wapendwa Muziki; and Afropop and contemporary R&B group We Are Nubia.
Bien has been nominated for Best Male Artist in Eastern Africa.
The Kenyan artist has been nominated alongside Tanzania's Diamond Platinumz, Jux, Marioo, and Mbosso; Uganda's Joshua Baraka; Rwanda's Element Eleeeh and Bruce Melodie; Burundi's Sat-B; and Ethiopia's Yared Negu.
Kenyan rap powerhouse Nyashinski has been nominated in the Best African Lyricist/Rapper category for his song, "Busy."
He is listed among other prominent African artists such as Nasty C and Sarkodie.
Wakadinali's "Kum Baba" has been nominated in the Best African Act in Reggae, Ragga & Dancehall category.
This nomination highlights the group's growing influence in the African music scene. Iyani also has a nomination in the same category for his song, "Kifo Cha Mende."
In the Best Artist, Duo or Group in African RnB & Soul category, Kenya's own Bensoul and music duo V-Be got the nomination for their song "Kautamu Flani".
Bridget Blue, nominated for Best Female Artist in Eastern Africa, falls in the same category as Tanzania's Zuchu, Lady Jaydee, and Abigae Chams.
The Kenyan R&B and Afropop artist posted a video on September 16, 2025, expressing her gratitude for being recognized and nominated in this category.
Other Kenyan artists, such as Bien and Victoria Kimani, commented on this video, showing their support and sharing the same excitement as the artist.
In the Best African Duo Group Band category, Kenya earned two nominees.
Wapendwa Muziki earned a nomination for their track "Amefanya Mungu," and the Afropop and contemporary R&B group We Are Nubia got nominated for their track, which features Zaituni Wambui, "DND."
Voting is ongoing on AFRIMA's official website (www.afrima.org) and closes on November 29, 2025.
The award ceremony will take place from November 25 to 30, 2025, in Lagos, Nigeria.
