As anticipation peaked ahead of the 17th edition of the Headies Awards, NETNG critics released a comprehensive list of predictions, splitting their picks into “Who Should Win” and “Who Would Win.”
These choices weren’t just speculative—they were thoughtful assessments of artistry, popularity, timing, and cultural impact. Now that the winners have been revealed, we dive into how accurate those forecasts were, category by category.
If you missed the actual predictions, you can check out the article below
Rookie of the Year
Prediction: Who Should & Would Win: Llona
Actual Winner: Zerry DL
Accuracy: Missed
Despite Llona’s standout year marked by emotional depth and lyrical maturity, Headies voters leaned toward Zerry DL, thanks to the influence of grassroots popularity and street appeal, which Zerry has in abundance. Moreover, the predictions rested heavily on the recency of Llona’s last project
Best Recording of the Year
Prediction: Should Win: Tems – “Burning” | Would Win: Burna Boy – “Higher”
Actual Winner: Tems – “Burning”
Accuracy: Partial Win
Our pick for who should win hit the mark. Tems’ artistry continues to resonate with critics and fans alike. Though we thought Burna might take it due to mainstream pull, voters prioritised sonic excellence over popularity.
Best R&B Single
Prediction: Should Win: Ayra Starr & Giveon – “Last Heartbreak Song” | Would Win: Simi – “Stranger”
Actual Winner: Ayra Starr & Giveon – “Last Heartbreak Song”
Accuracy: Partial win
Though we spotlighted Simi for her vocal strength and emotional delivery, the chemistry between Ayra Starr and Giveon on Last Heartbreak Song is undeniable. The production allows both artists’ distinct voices to shine without overpowering each other. In terms of sheer musical quality, it’s the most refined entry, and we are glad the Headies voters agreed.
Producer of the Year
NETNG Prediction: Should Win: Dibs | Would Win: London
Actual Winner: London
Accuracy: Spot On
NETNG nailed it. Dibs’ work defined the Seyi Vibez wave, but London’s polish and consistent chart presence earned him the trophy.
Best Rap Single
Prediction: Should Win: “Hallelujah” – Ladipoe | Would Win: “Cast” – Shallipopi ft. Odumodublvck
Actual Winner: “Cast”
Accuracy: Spot On
Once again, we accurately separated critical quality from commercial viability—and called both correctly.
Music Video of the Year
Prediction: Should & Would Win: “Na Money” – Davido ft. Cavemen & Angelique Kidjo
Actual Winner: “Egwu” – Chike & Mohbad
Accuracy: Missed
While “Na Money” was visually grand, emotional resonance and the tribute to Mohbad in “Egwu” likely influenced voters.
Best Collaboration
Prediction: Should Win: “Ole” – Qing Madi & BNXN | Would Win: “Egwu” – Chike & Mohbad
Actual Winner: “Egwu” – Chike & Mohbad
Accuracy: Spot On
Our critics understood the emotional climate. While “Ole” was technically excellent, “Egwu” benefited from a powerful backstory and mainstream popularity.
Afrobeats Single of the Year
Prediction: Should Win: “Big Baller” – Flavour | Would Win: “Twe Twe Remix” – Kizz Daniel ft. Davido
Actual Winner: “Big Baller” – Flavour
Accuracy: Partial Win
Their “should win” call proved prescient. Flavour’s cultural banger earned its flowers, though “Twe Twe” remained a strong contender.
Lyricist on the Roll
Prediction: Should Win: “Hallelujah” – Ladipoe | Would Win: “Chocolate City Cypher” – MI
Actual Winner: “Hallelujah” – Ladipoe
Accuracy: Correct
Although MI was cited as a favourite, NETNG’s critics’ admiration for “Hallelujah” came through—and so did the award.
International Artist of the Year
Prediction: Should Win: Skepta | Would Win: Travis Scott
Actual Winner: Travis Scott
Accuracy: Spot On
Commercial metrics win here. Travis Scott’s collab with Asake and global dominance made his win inevitable.
Best Rap Album
Prediction: Should Win: “Eziokwu” – Odumodublvck | Would Win: “Shiny Object Syndrome” – Modenine
Actual Winner: “Family Time” – Erigga
Accuracy: Missed
A surprising upset, Erigga’s win speaks to his consistency and cult following rather than critical or commercial momentum.
Next Rated
Prediction: Odumodublvck
Actual Winner: Odumodublvck
Accuracy: Spot On
This was a no-brainer. Odumodublvck was a cultural movement in 2024.
Song of the Year
Prediction: Should Win: “Lonely at the Top” – Asake | Would Win: “Egwu” – Chike & Mohbad
Actual Winner: “Lonely at the Top”
Accuracy: Partial Win
NETNG’s “should win” call won. While we assumed sentimentality would favour “Egwu,” Asake’s dominance couldn’t be denied.
Album of the Year
Prediction: Should Win: “Stubborn” – Victony | Would Win: “HEIS” – Rema
Actual Winner: “HEIS” – Rema
Accuracy: Spot On
Our critic predicted the industry wouldn’t ignore the cultural footprint of “HEIS”—and they were right.
Artiste of the Year
Prediction: Rema
Actual Winner: Davido
Accuracy: Missed
Though Rema had a stellar year, Davido’s consistency, global reach, and cultural relevance swayed the Headies voters.
With a prediction accuracy of nearly 70%, our critics demonstrated an impressive understanding of the cultural and industry pulse.
Their blend of artistic merit and realistic forecasting made for a compelling pre-awards commentary—and an even more satisfying post-awards analysis.
