Every year, the Headies Awards ignites passionate debates among fans, critics, and artistes themselves.
As Africa’s biggest celebration of musical excellence, the Headies is more than just plaques—it’s a reflection of cultural moments, artistry, emotions and in some cases, politics.
Ahead of the highly anticipated 17th edition (Back to Base, here’s an in-depth look at the nominees, and why some artistes should walk away winners, even if the outcome might differ.
Rookie of the Year
Nominees: Zerry DL, Taves, Kaestyle, Llona
Who Should Win: Llona
Who Would Win: Llona
Llona didn’t just have a good year—he had a breakout year. His sound, a blend of fresh lyricism and inventive production, distinguished him from the crowd of new acts who often sounded too similar.
Llona brought a breath of fresh air into the industry with smart songwriting and emotional depth, showing growth and promise. While Taves had an impressive run as well, Llona’s artistic identity felt more fully formed.
Timing also plays a role—the proximity and performance of his last project to the Headies voting season likely keeps him fresh in voters’ minds.
Best Recording of the Year
Nominees: Tems (Burning), Seyi Vibez (Different Pattern), Burna Boy (Higher), Ayra Starr & Giveon (Last Heartbreak Song), Sarz feat. Lojay (Billions)
Who Should Win: Burning – Tems
Who Would Win: Higher – Burna Boy
Why:
Burning is a masterful piece of music. From the precision of its songwriting to the delicate layering of its production, every element serves the song’s emotional intent. Tems once again proves she understands not just how to sing, but how to craft a moment in sound. While Burna Boy’s Higher is a strong, soulful entry with greater mainstream success, in pure musicality and recording excellence, Burning deserves the nod.
Best R&B Single
Nominees: Qing Madi (Vision), Johnny Drille (For You), Simi (Stranger), Tems (Burning), Ayra Starr ft. Giveon (Last Heartbreak Song)
Who Should Win: Last Heartbreak Song – Ayra Starr & Giveon
Who Would Win: Stranger – Simi
Why:
The chemistry between Ayra Starr and Giveon on Last Heartbreak Song is undeniable. It’s a rare cross-continental R&B duet that feels natural, emotive, and timeless. The production allows both artistes’ distinct voices to shine without overpowering each other. In terms of sheer musical quality, it’s the most refined entry. Simi’s Stranger might have greater local love and Qing Madi’s Vision establishes her as a force to be reckoned with, yet Ayra and Giveon’s collaboration is on another level.
Producer of the Year
Nominees: Sarz, London, Magicstick, Rema/Producer X/Cubeatz/Deatz/Kilmerboy, Dibs
Who Should Win: Dibs
Who would win: London
Why:
If 2024 was a year dominated by Seyi Vibez’s sound (and many releases), then Dibs deserves a massive share of the credit. He didn’t just produce hits; he crafted a sound that many others have since tried to imitate. Beyond quantity, his work showed incredible range and innovation.
While London might be Nigeria’s most technically polished producer today and would most likely walk away with the award, Dibs was at the center of one of the most influential musical runs of the year.
Best Rap Single
Nominees: Cast ft. Odumodublvck – Shallipopi, Blood On The Dance Floor – Odumodublvck, Hallelujah – Ladipoe, Rozzz & Morrelo, Canada – Magnito, Ije Nwoke – Jeriq
Who Should Win: Hallelujah – Ladipoe
Who Would Win: Cast
Why:
Hallelujah feels like a love letter to the rap of Nigeria’s golden era. Ladipoe’s slick delivery, Rozzz’s sharp bars, and Morrelo’s energetic flow marry nostalgia with a fresh spirit. It’s a reminder of the possibilities of pure rap in an Afrobeats-dominated era.
While Cast became a bigger hit, Hallelujah is the better-crafted rap record.
Music Video of the Year
Nominees: Rema (Charm), Olamide (Metaverse), Blaqbonez (Like Ice Spice), Kcee (Ojapiano), Chike & Mohbad (Egwu), Kizz Daniel (Showa), Davido ft. Cavemen & Angelique Kidjo (Na Money)
Who Should Win: Na Money – Davido
Who Should Win: Na Money – Davido
Why:
The Na Money video is a visual masterclass in African luxury storytelling. From its fashion-forward styling to its celebration of African wealth and culture, it’s a rare music video that feels cinematic without losing touch with its core audience.
Best Collaboration
Nominees: Tiwa Savage & Asa (Emotions), Odumodublvck, Bloody Civilian & Wale (Blood on the Dance Floor), Shallipopi & Odumodublvck (Cast), Chike & Mohbad (Egwu), Qing Madi & BNXN (Ole), Kizz Daniel & Davido (Twe Twe Remix), Wizkid & Zlatan (IDK)
Who Should Win: Ole – Qing Madi & BNXN
Who Should Win: Egwu – Chike & Mohbad
Why:
The pairing of Qing Madi and BNXN on Ole was pitch-perfect. They complement each other beautifully, delivering a song that feels both effortless and deeply emotional. However, I fully expect the sentimental attachment to Egwu following Mohbad’s death might tilt the win.
Afrobeats Single of the Year
Nominees: Young Jonn (Big Big Things), Kizz Daniel (Twe Twe Remix), Chike (Egwu), Asake (Remember), Hyce/BoyPee/Brown Joel (Ogechi Remix), Flavour (Big Baller)
Who Should Win: Big Baller – Flavour
Who Would win: Twe Twe Remix
Why:
Big Baller is pure, unfiltered Afrobeats—the kind of music that scatters dance floors and makes street carnivals come alive. Flavour masterfully blends tradition with modern rhythms, delivering a chart-dominating hit that deserves more recognition than it’s getting.
Lyricist on the Roll
No clear winner yet, but Hallelujah stands out for the same reason it does in the Best Rap Single category: smart writing, nostalgic energy
Yet, it’ll be hard to beat MI’s verse on that Cypher
International Artiste of the Year
Nominees: Wale, Skepta, Chris Brown, Travis Scott, Chloe Bailey
Who Should Win: Skepta
Who would win: Travis Scott
Why:
Skepta’s influence on African music is undeniable, and his collaboration with Portable on Tony Montana was a brilliant mix of street and global appeal. Still, Travis Scott’s bigger numbers and collaboration with Asake might make him the actual winner.
Best Rap Album
Nominees: Illbliss (Sideh Kai), Odumodublvck (Eziokwu), Reminisce (Alaye Toh Se Gogo Vol. 1), Erigga (Family Time), Modenine (Shiny Object Syndrome)
Who Should Win: Eziokwu – Odumodublvck
Who would win: Shiny Object Syndrome – Modenine
Why:
Odumodublvck pushed the boundaries of what Nigerian rap could be in 2024 because of his mainstream success. Eziokwu is both experimental and accessible, a true genre-bending project that still respected the core of hip-hop.
Yet, Modenine represents what rap heads think the genre should be about. He has also won many Headies Awards in the rap category and this pedigree would work to his advantage
Next Rated
Who Should Win: Odumodublvck
Why:
It’s hard to find any other nominee who has impacted the culture as much as Odumodublvck. His music, his style, and even his slang dominated the year, creating an undeniable wave.
Song of the Year
Who Should Win: Lonely at the Top – Asake
Who should win: Egwu -Chike and Mohbad
Why:
The song became a cultural reset. It was not just a hit—it was an anthem for dreamers and strivers, touching every age group in Nigeria and beyond.
Album of the Year
Who Should Win: Stubborn – Victony
Who Would win: HEIS -Rema
Why:
Stubborn is a beautifully crafted body of work that explores vulnerability, ambition, and joy. It’s a shame if it doesn’t get its due recognition, but Rema’s HEIS is simply too massive to ignore.
Artiste of the Year
Who Should Win: Rema
Why:
Rema delivered a monster year following his 2023 wins, dominating globally and locally. His range, innovation, and work ethic put him a step ahead of his peers.
Stay locked on Netng for live updates, red carpet moments, and all the reactions from Headies 2025!
