The 17th edition of The Headies Awards took place over the weekend in Lagos—celebrating African music, culture, and unity in grand style. The event brought together fans, industry leaders, and emerging talents for an evening dedicated to the artists and sounds that defined the past year.
Hosted by award-winning actress Nancy Isime, the ceremony kicked off with a lively performance by Blaqbonez, setting the stage for a night of music and cultural pride. Ayomaff, Qing Madi, Odumodublvck, L.A.X, and Juma Jux delivered thrilling performances, while appearances from Shallipopi, Davido and Annie Macaulay kept the momentum high.
This year’s ceremony recognised everything from Afrobeats to street pop, spotlighting both fresh voices and established stars. Odumodublvck took home one of the night’s top honours, winning the coveted Next Rated award, while Tems received Best Recording of the Year for her track “Burning.”
An emotional moment came when Mohbad was posthumously named Best Street Hop Artist. His family accepted the award on his behalf, with his wife delivering a heartfelt tribute that moved many in the audience.
Special Recognition Awards were presented to Governor Babajide Sanwo–Olu, Alex Okosi, Amaju Pinnick, and Kingsley “Kcee” Okonkwo. Humanitarian Awards also went to Temitola Adekunle Johnson and Michelle Mukoro (King Mitchy) for their impactful contributions beyond the stage.
Other major wins on the night included Davido, Rema, Lojay, and Qing Madi.
See the full list of winners below:
Rookie of the Year
Zerry DL — Winner
Taves
Kaestyle
Llona
Soundtrack of the Year
Tribe Called Judah Soundtrack” – TCJ and Abbey Wonder — Winner
“Eledumare” – Teledalase (Anikulapo: Rise of the Spectre)
“Lose to Gain” – Kaline (Breath of Life)
“Kill Boro” – Native Filmworks and Wizard Chan (Kill Boro)
“Orisa” – Beriola (Orisa)
“Emotions” – Tiwa Savage and Asa (Water and Garri)
Best Recording of the Year
“Burning” – Tems — Winner
“Different Patterns” – Seyi Vibez
“Higher” – Burna Boy
“Last Heartbreak Song” – Ayra Starr and Giveon
“Billions” – Sarz and Lojay
Best Vocal Performance (Male)
“Billions” – Lojay — Winner
“Moving” – Omah Lay
“Gratitude” – Anendlessocean
“For You” – Johnny Drille
“Ke Na Ke So” – Timi Dakolo
Best Vocal Performance (Female)
“I’m Done” – Liya — Winner
“Last Heartbreak Song” – Ayra Starr
“Level” – Niniola
“Stranger” – Simi
“Tomorrow” – Yemi Alade
Songwriter of the Year
“Vision” – Chimamanda Pearl Chukwuma (Qing Madi) — Winner
“Stranger” – Simisola Kosoko (Simi)
“Can’t Breathe” – Michael Ajuma Attah (Llona)
“Family Meeting” – Emoseh Khamofu (Bloody Civilian)
“Stages of Life” – Fuayefika Maxwell (Wizard Chan)
Producer of the Year
“OZEBA” – London — Winner
“Happiness” – Sarz
“Basquiat” – Magicsticks
“HEHEHE” – Rema, Producer X, Cubeatz, Deatz, and Klimperboy
“Different Patterns” – Dibs
Afrobeats Album of the Year
HEIS – Rema — Winner
Stubborn – Victony
Work of Art – Asake
The Year I Turned 21 – Ayra Starr
Jiggy Forever – Young Jonn
Music Video of the Year
“EGWU” – Director Pink — Winner
“Charm” – Rema, Perliks, and Folarin Oludare
“Metaverse” – Jyde Ajala
“Like Ice Spice” – Perliks and Emeka Shine Shine
“Ojapiano” – Mattmax
“Showa” – TG Omori
“Na Money” – Dammy Twitch
Afrobeats Single of the Year
“Big Baller” – Flavour — Winner
“Big Big Things” – Young Jonn (feat. Kizz Daniel and Seyi Vibez)
“Charm” – Rema
“Lonely at the Top” – Asake
“City Boys” – Burna Boy
Headies’ Viewers’ Choice
“EGWU” – Chike & Mohbad — Winner
“Charm” – Rema
“Lonely at the Top” – Asake
“Big Baller” – Flavour
“City Boys” – Burna Boy
Headies Next Rated
Odumodublvck — Winner
Qing Madi
Shallipopi
Ayo Maff
Nasboi
Best Digital Artiste of the Year
Davido — Winner
Burna Boy
Rema
Asake
Ayra Starr
Best East African Artiste of the Year
Juma Jux (Tanzania) — Winner
Bien (Kenya)
Diamond Platnumz (Tanzania)
Bruce Melodie (Rwanda)
Azawi (Uganda)
Best Central African Artiste of the Year
Innoss’B (DRC) — Winner
Gaz Mawete (DRC)
Emma’A (Gabon)
Eboloko (Gabon)
Singuila (Central African Republic)
Kocee (Cameroon)
Special Recognition Awards
Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu (Lagos State)
Alex Okosi
Amaju Pinnick
Kingsley “Kcee” Okonkwo
Humanitarian Awards
Temitola Adekunle Johnson
Michelle Mukoro (King Mitchy)
