Over the years, The Headies have built a reputation and presence that has positioned them as our ‘Grammys’. Over the years, certain categories have stood out and appealed to fans more, and certain conversations come up every time the award is mentioned. An example of one of those awards is the next rated category.
Year after year, the Next Rated category has become more and more debated and anticipated by fans. One can argue that it’s now the most anticipated award from The Headies, as we almost always know who deserves the artist of the year. Most acts nominated for the Next Rated category are almost at superstar level (if not already) and need little to no introduction to the masses.
This year has been a very unique year for Afrobeats however. We’ve found it hard to break out superstars like we used to. We’re struggling as an ecosystem. For the first time in a long time, the major players for the next rated award are not obvious. We’ve never had problems creating superstars.
We enjoyed the Asake and Seyi Vibez competition and debate. We had Victony and Young Jonn. 2022 gave us Bnxn, Ruger, Ayra Starr, Lojay and Zinoleesky. Epic! 2020? Omah Lay, Tems, Oxlade, Bella Shmurda. Clear superstars that need no introduction to any Nigerian.
Recently, we have struggled. Artists have struggled to break out, execs are struggling to do new things and the only people benefitting from what is happening now are the superstars that have the leverage to collect a big bag from foreign investors and the talent to drop an amazing album. It’s why we have had so many amazing albums this year.
What does this mean for us? it means we will be turning our attention to the rookie of the year category. That’s where the party is at, really. The most exciting acts this year have been promising enough to catch attention, but haven’t done enough to be put on an Odumodu level, for example.
This year, we’re going to have a very interesting Rookie Of The year category at the Headies instead. Nobody has done what Shallipopi did in 2023, or a Seyi Vibez in 2022. However, we’ve had interesting acts. Some of which are:
Llona
Llona came onto the scene in 2023. 2024 would be the year the storyteller would warm his way into our hearts with his infectious melodies and skin cutting lyrics. His perspective soon became the story of many and he became the voice of their pain. His album Homeless immediately became a fan favorite and has remained in the top 10 albums on Apple music Nigeria since it’s release.
This might be a problem however, since the rookie of the year category demands that the artist must not have an album released in the year under review, This aside, Llona has been one of the most promising acts of 2024 and if anyone deserves to be nominated, it’s him.
Qing Madi
Qing Madi burst on to the scene in 2023 as a promising 17 year old ready to take on the world with her song writing skills. Fast forward to the present, she has gone on toc do well enough for herself, churning out hits like See Finish, Why, Problem Choke and her national anthem Ole with BNXN. Her talent can not be overstated and she has dominated 2024 as one of the stars to look out for.
Ayo Maff
Everyone loves a ghetto to glamour story and Ayo Maff has one of the best plots we have seen in a while. The Bariga born superstar broke out in 2024 with his collaboration with Fireboy DML on Dealer. The song went on to become a nationwide hit and even popularized a friend of his, Roscoe. He went on to drop his debut EP and capped it off with a spectacular performance at the O2 Arena. The artist has gone on to positioned himself as the new voice of the streets, creating a cult like movement he chooses to call Maffians. 2024 has been good to Ayo Maff, and it’s only right it gives him the nomination as an icing on the cake.
TML Vibez
When Seyi Vibez announced his record label, many felt it was too early and he was rushing things. He however proved them wrong with two of his signings finding mainstream appeal easily. TML Vibez has gone on to make a name for himself with several hit songs on the streets and a good presence on DSPS. Since the drama surrounding Zinoleesky, the position of the voice of the streets has been vacant and TM is doing well enough to fill up that void. He’s definitely one to look out for, and a rookie of the year nomination will not come as a surprise to many.
Taves
Taves came to our notice from a Bnxn co-sign, and then went on to be signed to his label. He’s been in our ears and our faces ever since, delivering melodious drugs from Eleyele to our hearts. His single Folake immediately was a fan favorite, and his recently released EP has done well in the ears of many. An interesting act to watch out for, Taves has been one of the gems of 2024.
Kaestyle
Kaestyle’s career had a slow start, but he’s definitely laid claim to one of those that owned 2024, and in style. His hit single Dealer had a hit remix with Kizz Daniel, and his new single is buzzing on the charts. The artist has had it coming, and is fast becoming a familiar name and face in the music space.
Who’s going to take home the Rookie of the year award at the Headies this year? We’re definitely going to find out soon. We also look forward to the names the Headies are going to nominate, and the debate that comes out of it.
