The Headies, in its bid to recognise the best projects of the year, has included exceptional projects that made waves in Nigeria and abroad in the nominees’ list for the Album of the Year category. The category honors the best solo or group album based on four critical criteria: songwriting, production, rendition, and impact.
This year, the competition is fierce, and the nominees are artists who have made significant contributions to the music landscape, especially during the year in review. They include Afrobeat powerhouses Tems and Ayra Starr, Rema, Asake, and Victony. These artists have captivated listeners both locally and globally with albums that rocked the charts and showcased their diverse talents.
Here are the nominees for ‘Album of the Year’ at the Headies:
1. Tems – Born in the Wild (2024)
First on the list is two-time Grammy winner Tems, who earned a nomination for her 2024 debut album, Born in the Wild. The album also garnered a Grammy nomination for Best Global Music Album at the 2025 Grammys, although it did not win in that category. Featuring hits like “Me & U,” “Love Me Jeje,” “Not An Angel,” “Burning,” and “Get It Right,” the 18-track album also includes collaborations with stars like Asake and J. Cole. Released in June 2024, the album further cemented Tems’s place in global music.
Tems took home her second Grammy Award for Best African Music Performance for the sunny hit “Love Me Jeje,” a song that samples Nigerian pop legend Seyi Sodimu’s 1997 classic of the same name. Yet, all these incredible achievements make her debut album a deserving contender for Album of the Year at this year’s Headies.
2. Rema – Heis (2024)
Rema was nominated for his 2024 album Heis, with the lead single “HEHEHE” taking center stage. Like Tems, Rema also earned a nomination at the 2025 Grammy Awards for Best Global Music Album for Heis.
Released in July 2024, Heis pays tribute to Benin City and its rich history with vibrant rhythms and infectious energy. Tracks like “Benin Boys” featuring Shallipopi and “Ozeba” highlight the album’s diverse sound. The 8-track album also features guest appearances from Shallipopi and OdumoduBlvck (on “War Machine”), with notable tracks like “Azaman,” “March Am,” “Yayo,” and “HEIS.”
3. Ayra Starr – The Year I Turned 21 (2024)
Ayra Starr, the reigning “Sabi Girl,” is making waves with her second studio album, The Year I Turned 21, released on May 31, 2024, and it earned a nomination at the Headies. Featuring hits like “Commas,” “Rhythm & Blues,” and “Last Heartbreak Song,” the album showcases Ayra’s versatility and growth as an artist. It also includes collaborations with global artists like Anitta, Coco Jones, Giveon, and Rauw Alejandro.
Ayra Starr’s distinctive approach of naming her albums after her age has resonated deeply with fans, with The Year I Turned 21 reflecting her age at the time of its release. The album, which blends Afrobeat, R&B, and jazz influences, has quickly become one of the most highly anticipated nominees at this year’s Headies. Her debut album, 19 & Dangerous, was a huge success, with standout tracks like “Bloody Samaritan” and “Beggie Beggie.” The personal touch of her album titles, marking her age at the time of release, adds a unique layer to her music and journey.
4. Victony – Stubborn (2024)
Victony’s Stubborn is another standout album in the running for Album of the Year. Released in June 2024, the debut studio album from the Nigerian artist features tracks like “Risk,” “Stubborn,” and “Pier 46.” Victony’s ability to blend Afrobeat with contemporary sounds has earned him a spot among the best of 2024, and his collaborations with Asake and Shallipopi further add to the album’s star power. Stubborn is a testament to Victony’s lyrical prowess and his growing influence in the Nigerian music industry. The album features guest appearances from Asake, Saint Jhn, Teezo Touchdown, Shallipopi, Ktizo, and Shorae Moore.
5. Asake – Work of Art (2023)
Asake rounds out the Album of the Year nominees with Work of Art. Despite being released in 2023, Asake’s 2023 album, Work of Art, is the only album from 2023 to make the list, which comes as a surprise, featuring tracks like “Lonely at the Top”, “Remember”, “2:30” and “Basquait,” Work of Art showcases Asake’s growth as an artist, it showcased Asake’s lyrical depth and was truly a masterpiece of a project.
His former YBNL boss, Olamide, was the only guest featured on the album. Although Asake released his third studio album, LUNGU BOY, in 2024, it didn’t meet the eligibility criteria for this year’s nominations as it was released in August, while the cutoff was in July. It would have been incredible if Asake’s last two studio albums had been nominated in the same Album of the Year category.
Asake won Album of the Year at the 16th Headies Awards in 2023 for his album Mr. Money with the Vibe. Now, the question remains: who will take over the crown as the holder of the best album of the year?
