Shekhinah, Maitre Gims top AFRIMA 2018 full list of nominees

The ‘Please Mr’ singer sits at the top of the list with seven nominations and might be poised to dominate the ceremony, which comes up later in the year, as she did at the last South African Music Awards (SAMA).

Shekhinah’s nominations include Songwriter of the Year, Best African Dance/Choreography, Best Artist in African R&B & Soul, Revelation of the African Continent, Best Female Artist in Southern Africa and Album of the Year for 2017’s Rose Gold.

Also perching at the top of the list of nominees with seven nominations is the Democratic Republic of Congo act Maitre Gims. Behind these two are Tanzania’s Diamond Platnumz and Ethiopia’s Betty G with six nominations while Nigeria’s Simi and South Africa’s Nasty C have earned five nominations each.

The full list has been released after two false starts by AFRIMA organisers. An initial announcement saw only six categories released even as journalists gathered in Lagos after honouring an official invitation by the awards body. A subsequent list saw only regional categories released.

“This year, AFRIMA registered a record number of entries in its competition,” said AFRIMA juror Tabu Osusa. “We were very pleased to notice that mostly new talents have entered the competition. The 13 jurors had a hard task going through over 8 000 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 majority. After a lot of sweat, long discussions and late hours, the jurors designated the best artists 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.”

Full list of nominees below:

ALBUM OF THE YEAR

• Betty G – Wegegta
• Bombino – Deran
• Diamond Platnumz – A Boy from Tandale
• Lartiste – Grandestino
• Maitre Gims – Ceinture Noire
• Mr. Leo – Love Original
• Shekhinah – Rose Gold
• Simi Nigeria – Simisola
• Major Lazer & DJ Maphorisa ft Nasty C, Ice Prince, Patoranking & Jidenna US/South Africa/Nigeria – Particula
• Nasty C & Runtown – Said
• Revolution & Magic System – Kelly
• Sauti Sol ft Patoranking – Melanin
• Tiwa Savage ft Wizkid & Spellz – Ma Lo

BEST ARTIST, DUO OR GROUP IN AFRICAN CONTEMPORARY

• Charlotte Dipanda Cameroon – Sista ft Yemi Alade
• Davido – FIA
• Diamond Platnumz – Sikomi
• EX – Tsvigiri
• Ferre Gola – Premiere Classe
• Josey – Jour J-O
• Kidi Ghana – Odo Remix ft Mayorkun & Davido
• Kizz Daniel – No Do
• L’Algérino – Va Bene
• Mafikizolo – Love Potion
• Nandy – Tanzania
• Tekno – Jogodo
• Wande Coal – So Mi So

BEST ARTIST, DUO OR GROUP IN AFRICAN DANCE OR CHOREOGRAPHY

• Black M – Bodyguard
• Cassper Nyovest – Ksazobalit
• Fally Ipupa – Ecole
• Ferre Gola – Premiere classe
• GuiltyBeatz, Mr. Eazi, Patapaa & Pappy Kojo Ghana – Akwaaba
• Mr P – Ebeano
• Olamide – Science Student
• 8 Rouge (Rudi Smit) – Arumtumtum
• 9 Rythmz – Fedeti
• 10 Shekhinah – Please Mr.
• 11 Toofan – Affairage

BEST AFRICAN DJ

• Afrotronix – OyO
• DJ Arafat – Dosabado
• DJ Enimoney – Diet ft Tiwa Savage, Reminince & Slimcase
• DJ Maphorisa – Midnight ft DJ Tira, Busiswa, Moonchild Sanelly
• DJ Moh Green – Por Favor ft Magasco
• DJ Oudy 1er – Tourner Kabato
• DJ Spinall – Nowo ft Wizkid
• DJ Zoumanto – Do Like I Do ft Ko-C & Mimie
• Van – Live Your Dream ft Dub Afrika

BEST ARTIST, DUO OR GROUP IN AFRICAN ELECTRO

• Afrotronix – OyO
• Aminux – Ghanjibo
• Babes Wodumo – Jiva Hezkombhede ft Duma Ntando & Mampintsha
• Distruction Boyz – Omunye ft Benny Maverick & Dladla Mshunqisi
• DJ Enimoney, Tiwa Savage, Reminince & Slimcase – Diet
• DJ Maphorisa – Midnight ft DJ Tira, Busiswa, Moonchild Sanelly
• Gold Fish – Talk to Me
• GuiltyBeatz, Mr. Eazi, Patapaa & Pappy Kojo – Akwaaba
• Lartiste – Mafiosa ft Carolina
• Master KG – Skeleton Move ft Zanda Zakuza
• Mr. Real – Legbegbe
• Patoranking – Available

BEST AFRICAN DUO, GROUP OR BAND

• 4Keus – Mignon Garçon ft Naza, Keblack & Dry
• Distruction Boyz – Omunye ft Benny Maverick & Dladla Mshunqisi
• Fnaïre – Siri Siri
• H-Kayne – Do What You Can’t ft Khaoula
• Mafikizolo – Love Potion
• Mi Casa – Nana
• Revolution – Kelly ft Magic System
• Rythmz – Fedeti
• Sauti Sol – Melanin ft Patoranking
• Toofan – Money

BEST ARTISTE, DUO OR GROUP IN AFRICAN HIP HOP

• Black M – Mama
• Cassper Nyovest – Ksazobalit
• Falz – Next ft Maleek Berry & Medikal
• Khaligraph Jones – Rider ft Petra
• Kwesta – Spirit ft Wale
• M.anifest – Me Ne Woa ft King Promise
• MHD – Bodyguard ft Sidiki Diabaté
• Muslim – Aji M3aya
• Nadia Nakai & Frank Casino – Money Calling
• Shane Eagle – Let it Flow
• Sofiane – Arafricain ft Maître Gims

BEST ARTISTE, DUO OR GROUP IN AFRICAN JAZZ

• Alune Wade – African Fast Food
• Anabela Aya – I Love You Bue
• Betty G – Mengedegna
• Fadhilee – Afirika
• Sibusiso Mashiloane – Niza

BEST AFRICAN RAPPER OR LYRICIST

• Cassper Nyovest – Ksazobalit
• Falz – La Fête
• Khaligraph Jones – Rider ft Petra
• Muslim – Aji M3aya
• Nadia Nakai – Naaa Meeaan ft Cassper Nyovest
• Nasty C – Jungle
• Rouge – Dololo ft Bigstar
• Shane Eagle – Let it Flow

BEST ARTISTE, DUO OR GROUP IN AFRICAN POP

• 2Baba – Amaka ft Peruzzi
• Abu Egypt – 3 Daqat ft Yousra
• Ammara Brown – Akiliz
• Fally Ipupa – Mannequin ft KeBlack & Naza
• Kuami Eugene – Angela
• Lyna Mahyem – Bye Bye ft Medi Meyz
• Maître Gims – La Meme ft Vianney
• MHD & Wizkid – Bella
• Simi – Joromi
• Toofan – Money
• Vanessa Mdee – Wet ft GNako

BEST ARTISTE, DUO OR GROUP IN AFRICAN RAGGA, REGGAE & DANCEHALL

• Burna Boy – Heaven’s Gate ft Lily Allen
• Diamond Platnumz – Hallelujah ft Morgan Heritage
• DJ Moh Green – Kondo ft Locko & Axel Tony
• Jah Prayzah – Angel Lo ft Jah Cure
• MzVee – Sing My Name ft Patoranking
• Patoranking – Suh Different
• Roberto – Contolola ft Patoranking
• Sauti Sol – Melanin ft Patoranking
• Shatta Wale – Ghana Gringo
• Stonebwoy – Hero
• Van – Live Your Dream ft Dub Afrika

BEST ARTIST, DUO OR GROUP IN AFRICAN R ‘N’ B & SOUL

• Asikey – Dark
• Banky W – Love You Baby
• Bruna Tatiana – Amo-te
• Dadju – Bob Marley
• Djodje & Patoranking – Be Mine
• Emtee – Me and You ft Tiwa Savage
• Locko – Je Serai La
• Patty Monroe – Reminiscing
• Praiz – Champagne and Flowers
• Shekhinah – Please Mr.

BEST ARTIST, DUO OR GROUP IN AFRICAN ROCK

• Angelique Kidjo – Once in a Lifetime
• Bebe Cool – Freedom
• Betty G – Ere Manew
• Fokofpolisiekar – Komma
• Hoba Hoba Spirit – Jnouni
• Maryam Saleh, Louca, Tamer Abu, Ghazaleh – Ekaa Maksour
• Rash – Nitachange ft Ruff

BEST ARTIST, DUO OR GROUP IN AFRICAN TRADITIONAL

• Bombino – Tehigren (The Trees)
• Fatoumata Diawara – Nterini
• Harouna Samake – Try Voice
• Irene Namatovu – Nsambila Nyuma Nga Janzi
• Raina Ray – Zhar
• Stephane Akam – Che Woue
• Teni – Fargin
• Themindofay – Sasa
• Wally Seck – Mirna
• Wutah – Bronya

BEST FEMALE ARTIST IN AFRICAN INSPIRATIONAL MUSIC

• Amanda Malela – Kumama
• Charlotte Dipanda – Sista ft Yemi Alade
• DJ Lee – Etege
• Gloria Muliro – Narudisha
• Janet Otieno – Narudi
• Ogecha – Ufedo Mi
• Ruby The Pigeon – Rorisang
• Sandra Nankoma – Kaddugala

BEST MALE ARTIST IN AFRICAN INSPIRATIONAL MUSIC

• Cobhams Asuquo – One Hit
• Degg J Force – Fale
• Falz Nigeria – Child of the World
• Macky2 – Umutima Wandi Ft. Ephraim & Njamba
• Mr. Leo – Pray
• Ochu Sheggy – Mabusu Ya Yuda
• Prosper Menko – Belle Weh Ft. Protek Illasheva
• Sarkodie – Glory ft Yung
• Stephane Akam – Che Woue
• Wazih – Be Happy

MOST PROMISING ARTIST IN AFRICA

• Amanda Malela – Kumama
• Blanche Baily – BonBon
• DJ Zoumanto – Do Like I Do Ft. Ko-C & Mimie
• Gaz Mawete – Paulina
• Kidi – Odo ft Mayorkun & Davido
• King Promise – CCTV Ft. Mugeez
• Ko-C – Bollo C’est Bollo
• Kuami Eugene – Confusion
• Lily – Bad at Love
• Lyna Mahyem – ByeBye ft Medi Meyz
• Tamy – Beautiful Ndozvandiri ft Takura & Dobba Don

PRODUCER OF THE YEAR

• David Scott, DJ Maphorisa, Shekhinah and Luke Goliath – Rose Gold
• DJ Kore – Casablanca
• Fresh VDM – FIA
• GuiltyBeatz – Akwaaba
• Killertunes – Nowo
• Laizer Classic – A Boy from Tandale
• Makwa 6eats – Spirit
• NorthBoi – Soco
• Renaud Rebillaud – La Meme

REVELATION OF THE AFRICAN CONTINENT

• Ammara Brown – Zimbabwe – Akiliz
• Aya Nakamura – Mali – Djadja
• Betty G – Ethiopia – Ere Manew
• Dadju – DRC – Gentlemen 2.0
• Iyenga – DRC – Sorry
• Mayorkun – Nigeria – Bobo
• Mimie – Cameroon – Je m'en Fous
• Shekhinah – South Africa – Please Mr.
• Soul Bangs – Guinea – Kameremba
• Vegedream – Cote d'Ivoire – La Fuite ft DJ Leska

SONG OF THE YEAR

• Daphne – My Lover – Cameroon
• Davido – FIA – Nigeria
• GuiltyBeatz, Mr. Eazi, Patapaa & Pappy Kojo – Akwaaba – Ghana
• Kwesta ft Wale – Spirit – South Africa
• Maître Gims ft Vianney – La Meme – DRC
• Major Lazer & DJ Maphorisa ft Nasty C, Ice Prince, Patoranking & Jidenna – Particula – South Africa
• Nasty C & Runtown – Said – South Africa/Nigeria
• Saad Lamjarred – Casablanca – Morocco
• Sauti Sol ft Patoranking – Melanin – Kenya
• Starboy ft Terry, Spotless, Ceeza Milli & Wizkid – Soco – Nigeria
• Tiwa Savage ft Wizkid & Spellz – Ma Lo – Nigeria

SONGWRITER OF THE YEAR

• Cobhams Asuquo – Nigeria – One Hit (Cobhams Asuquo)
• Daphne Nije, Salatiel – Cameroon – Jusqu'à la Gare (Daphne)
• Maître Gims, Vianney, Renaud Rebillaud – DRC – La Meme (Maître Gims Ft. Vianney)
• Nandy – Tanzania – Kivuruge
• Nasibu Abdul, Juma Issaack – Tanzania – Sikomi (Diamond Platnumz)
• Saim El-Hadj – Algeria – Ya Mraya (Hamza El Fadly)
• Shekhinah Donell, Amon Taulo Chibiya II – South Africa – Different (Shekhinah Ft. Mariechan)
• Simisola – Nigeria – Complete Me (Simi)
• Venancio – Angola – Amo-te (Bruna Tatiana)

AFRICAN FANS FAVOURITE

• Afro B – Cote d’Ivoire – Drogba (Joanna) ft Wizkid
• AKA – South Africa – Fela in Versace ft Kiddominant
• Aminux – Morocco – Ghanhibo
• Hardy Caprio – Sierra Leone – Best Life ft One Acen
• Heavy K – South Africa – Indie ft Bucie & Nokwazi
• IAMDBB – Angola – Shade
• J Hus – Gambia – Dark Vader
• Kojo Funds – Ghana – Stallin’
• Maleek Berry – Nigeria – Pon My Mind
• Nedy Music – Tanzania – One and Only Ft. Ruby
• Not3s – Nigeria – My Lover
• Ommy Dimpoz – Tanzania – Yanje featuring Seyi Shay
• Phyno – Nigeria – N.W.A ft Wale
• Winky D – Zimbabwe – Ngirozi ft Vabati VaJehovah
• Yxng Bane – Angola/DRC – Vroom