The 17th edition of the prestigious Headies Awards unfolded last night at the Landmark Event Centre in Lagos, Nigeria, in a dazzling ceremony celebrating the pinnacle of Nigerian musical talent and its burgeoning global influence. Under the theme “Back 2 Base,” the event marked a triumphant return to Nigerian soil after a two-year stint in Atlanta.
The evening saw a constellation of stars recognized for their outstanding achievements. Global superstar Davido added another feather to his cap, securing the Digital Artiste of the Year award, a testament to his commanding online presence and impactful digital footprint.
Afrobeats sensation Rema continued his stellar run, with his critically acclaimed album “HEIS” clinching the coveted Afrobeats Album of the Year award, lauded for its innovative soundscapes and widespread international appeal. Fellow Afrobeats heavyweight Asake walked away with the Song of the Year award for his chart-topping hit track, solidifying his position as a leading voice in the genre.
The highly anticipated Next Rated category saw the dynamic ODUMODUBLVCK emerge victorious, a clear indication of his rapidly rising star power and promising future within the industry. Zerry DL was also celebrated as the year’s most promising newcomer, taking home the Rookie of the Year award.
The exceptionally talented Tems was recognized for her vocal prowess, winning the Best Vocal Performance (Female) award for her soulful delivery and the profound emotional depth showcased in her recent releases.
In a poignant moment, the late, beloved artist MohBad was posthumously honoured with the Best Street-Hop Artiste award, among other accolades, a heartfelt tribute to his enduring musical legacy and significant contributions to the genre.
Organizers emphasized the eligibility criteria for this year’s awards, stating that only music materials – including singles, videos, live recordings, EPs, and albums – released and distributed on digital streaming platforms or physical media between April 1, 2023, and July 31, 2024, were considered for nomination and selection.
The Headies 2025, with its “Back 2 Base” theme, not only celebrated the immense talent within Nigeria but also underscored the remarkable global impact of Afrobeats, bringing together the industry’s finest for a night of recognition and vibrant celebration.
Check out the full winners list below:
Next Rated
Qing MadiShallipopiOdumodublvck — WINNERAyo MaffNasboi
Rookie of the Year
LlonaKaestyleTavesZerrydl — WINNER
Best Recording of the Year
Tems – Burning — WINNERBurna Boy – HigherAyra Starr & Giveon – Last Heartbreak SongSarz feat. Lojay – Billions
Digital Artiste of the Year
Ayra StarrRemaShallipopiTemsDavido — WINNERKizz DanielAsake
Song of the Year
Showa – Kizz DanielCommas – Ayra StarrEgwu – Chike and MohbadLonely at the Top – Asake — WINNEROzeba – RemaBig Baller – Flavour
Producer of the Year
Sarz – HappinessLondon – Ozeba — WINNERMagicsticks – BasquiatRema/Producer X/Cubeatz/Deatz/Klimperboy – HeheheDibs – Different Pattern
Afrobeats Single of the Year
Young Jonn feat. Kizz Daniel & Seyi Vibez – Big Big ThingsKizz Daniel – Twe Twe RemixChike feat. Mohbad – EgwuAsake – RememberHyce, Boypee & Brown Joel feat. Davido – Ogechi RemixFlavour – Big Baller — WINNER
Afrobeats Album of the Year
Stubborn – VictonyWork of Art – AsakeThe Year I Turned 21 – Ayra StarrHeis – Rema — WINNERJiggy Forever – Young Jonn
Songwriter of the Year
Simi – StrangerQing Madi – Vision — WINNERLlona – Can’t BreatheBloody Civilian – Family MeetingWizard Chan – Stages of Life
Best Rap Single
Shallipopi feat. Odumodublvck – Cast — WINNEROdumodublvck feat. Bloody Civilian & Wale – Blood on the Dance FloorLadipoe, Rozzz & Morrelo – HallelujahMagnito – CanadaJeriq – Ije Nwoke
Best Vocal Performance (Female)
Ayra Starr – Last Heartbreak SongNiniola – LevelSimi – StrangerLiya – I’m Done — WINNERYemi Alade – Tomorrow
Music Video of the Year
Rema – Charm (Dir. Perliks & Folarin Oludare)Jyde Ajala – MetaversePerliks & Emeka Shine Shine – Like Ice SpiceMattmax – OjapianoDirector Pink – Egwu — WINNERTG Omori – ShowaDammy Twitch – Na Money
Best Street-Hop Artiste
Seyi Vibez – Different PatternAyo Maff feat. Fireboy DML – DealerShallipopi feat. Odumodublvck – CastZhus Jdo – JohnbullMohbad – Ask About Me — WINNER
Viewers’ Choice Award
Young Jonn feat. Kizz Daniel & Seyi Vibez – Big Big ThingsHyce, Boypee & Brown Joel feat. Davido – Ogechi RemixChike & Mohbad – Egwu — WINNERRema – OzebaSeyi Vibez – Different PatternKizz Daniel – ShowaTems – Love Me JejeShallipopi feat. Odumodublvck – CastFlavour feat. Fireboy – DealerFlavour – Big Baller
Best Vocal Performance Male
Lojay — Billions — WINNER
Best Movie Soundtrack
A Tribe Called Judah — WINNER
Special Recognition Awards
Babajide Sanwo-Olu, Lagos State GovernorAlex OkosiAmaju PinnickKcee
Humanitarian awards
Temitola Adekunle JohnsonMitchell Mukoro
Best East African Artiste
Bien (Kenya)Diamond Platnumz (Tanzania)Juma Jux (Tanzania) — WINNERBruce Melodie (Rwanda)Azawi (Uganda)
Best Central African Artiste
Innoss’B (DRC) — WINNERGaz Mawete (DRC)Emma’A (Gabon)Eboloko (Gabon)Singuila (Central African Republic)Kocee (Cameroon)
