Kenya’s music scene continues to shine on the continental stage, with six Kenyan artists and groups earning nominations for the 2025 All Africa Music Awards (AFRIMA).

The nominees include Bien, Nyashinski, Bensoul, V-Be, Wakadinali, Iyanii, Bridget Blue, gospel duo Wapendwa Muziki, and We Are Nubia. Their recognition underscores Kenya’s growing influence across genres such as rap, reggae, dancehall, R&B, and Afropop.

Bien, a member of Sauti Sol, secured a nomination for Best Male Artist in Eastern Africa, where he will compete against Tanzania’s Diamond Platnumz, Jux, Marioo, and Mbosso; Uganda’s Joshua Baraka; Rwanda’s Element Eleeeh and Bruce Melodie; Burundi’s Sat-B; and Ethiopia’s Yared Negu.

Kenya’s rap heavyweight Nyashinski earned a nod in the Best African Lyricist/Rapper category for his hit single “Busy”, joining continental giants such as South Africa’s Nasty C and Ghana’s Sarkodie.

Hip-hop group Wakadinali received a nomination for Best African Act in Reggae, Ragga & Dancehall for their track “Kum Baba”, while Iyanii earned a nod in the same category with his song “Kifo Cha Mende.”

Singer-songwriter Bensoul and duo V-Be were nominated in the Best Artist, Duo or Group in African RnB & Soul category for their collaboration “Kautamu Flani.”

R&B and Afropop sensation Bridget Blue was nominated for Best Female Artist in Eastern Africa, competing alongside Tanzania’s Zuchu, Lady Jaydee, and Abigae Chams. Bridget Blue celebrated the news with a heartfelt video on September 16, which was met with congratulatory comments from Bien and Victoria Kimani.

Kenya also secured two nominations in the Best African Duo, Group or Band category — gospel act Wapendwa Muziki for “Amefanya Mungu” and We Are Nubia for their collaboration “DND” featuring Zaituni Wambui.

Voting is currently open on the official AFRIMA website (www.afrima.org) and will close on November 29, 2025. The prestigious award ceremony will run from November 25 to 30, 2025, in Lagos, Nigeria.