• The 17th edition of the Headies Awards, Nigeria’s biggest music award event, was held on Sunday in Lagos to celebrate African musicians. There were performances from rising acts like Qing Madi and Shallipopi. Davido took home the Digital Artiste of the Year award. Tems won Best Recording of the Year, and LoJay snagged the Best Vocal Performance (Male) award.

    The event stretched into 3 am on Monday morning, leading to some awards not being announced.

    However, this is the complete list of the winners of the 17th Headies Awards that have been announced.

    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 Song Heartbreak” – Ayra Starr 
    “Level” – Niniola
    “Stranger” – Simi
    “Tomorrow” – Yemi Alade

    Artiste of the Year

    Davido — Winner

    Ayra Starr
    Asake
    Tems
    Rema
    Burna Boy

    Next Rated Award

    Odumodublvck  — Winner

    Qing Madi
    Shallipopi
    Ayo Maff
    Nasboi

    Rookie of the Year

    Zerry DL — Winner

    taves 
    Kaestyle
    Llona

    Album of the Year

    HEIS – Rema — Winner

    Stubborn – Victony
    Work of Art – Asake
    The Year I turned 21 – Ayra Starr
    Born In the Wild – Tems

    Song of the Year

    “Lonely At The Top – Asake  — Winner

    “Showa” – Kizz Daniel
    “Commas” – Ayra Starr
    “Egwu” – Chike ft. Mohbad
    “Ozeba” – Rema
    “Big Baller” – Flavour

    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)

    Best Collaboration

    “Egwu” – Chike (ft. Mohbad)  — Winner

    “Emotions” – Tiwa Savage (ft. Asa)
    “Blood On the Dance Floor” – OdumoduBlvck (ft. Bloody Civilian and Wale)
    “Cast” – Shallipopi (ft. OdumoduBlvck)
    “Ole” – Qing Madi (ft. BNXN)
    “Twe Twe (Remix)” – Kizz Daniel (ft. Davido)
    “IDK” – Wizkid (ft. Zlatan)

    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

    International Artiste of the Year

    Travis Scott – “Active” (Asake) — Winner

    Wale – “Blood On The dance Floor” (OdumoduBlvck)
    Skepta – “Tony Montana” (ft. Portable)
    Chris Brown – “Hmm” (ft. Davido)
    Chloe Bailey – “Vision (Remix)” (Qing Madi)

    Best Street-hop Artiste

    “Ask About Me” – Mohbad — Winner

    “Different Patterns” – Seyi Vibez
    “Dealer” – Ayo Maff (ft. Fireboy DML)
    “Cast” – Shallipopi (ft. Odumodublvck)
    “Johnbull” – Zhus Jdo

    Afrobeats Single of the Year

    “Big Baller” – Flavour — Winner

    “Big Big Things” – Young Jonn (ft. Kizz Daniel and Seyi Vibez)
    “Twe Twe Remix” – Kizz Daniel
    “Egwu” – Chike (ft. Mohbad)
    “Remember” – Asake
    “Ogechi Remix” – Hyce, Boypee, and Brown Joel (ft. Davido)

    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

    Best Rap Single

    “Cast” – Shallipopi (ft. OdumoduBlvck) — Winner

    “Blood On the Dance Floor” – OdumoduBlvck (ft. Bloody Civilian and Wale)
    “Hallelujah” – Ladipoe (ft. Rozzz and Morello)
    “Canada” – Magnito
    “Ije Nwoke” – Jeriq

    Best Rap Album

    Family Time – Erigga — Winner

    Sideh Kai – iLLBliss
    Eziokwu – OdumoduBlvck
    Alaye Toh Se Gogo Vol. 1 – Reminisce
    Shine Object Syndrome – Modenine

    Producer of the Year

    “OZEBA” – London  — Winner

    “Happiness” – Sarz
    “Basquiat” – Magicsticks 
    “HEHEHE” – Rema, Producer X, Cubeatz, Deatz and Klimperboy
    “Different Patterns” – Dibs

    Digital Artiste of the Year

    Davido — Winner

    Ayra Starr
    Shallipopi
    Rema
    Tems
    Kizz Daniel
    Asake

    Best Performer (LIVE)

    Burna Boy — Winner

    Rema
    Omah Lay
    Flavour
    Wizard Chan
    Femi Kuti & The Positive Force

    Viewers’ Choice

    “Egwu” – Chike & Mohbad — Winner

    “Big Baller” – Flavour
    “Big Big Things” – Young Jonn (ft. Kizz Daniel and Seyi Vibez)
    “Ogechi Remix” – Hyce, Boypee, and Brown Joel (ft. Davido)
    “Showa” – Kizz Daniel
    “Different Pattern” – Seyi Vibez
    “OZEBA” – Rema
    “Love Me Jeje” – Tems
    “Cast” – Shallipopi (ft. Odumodublvck)
    “Dealer” – Ayo Maff (ft. Fireboy DML)

    Soundtrack of the Year

    “Tribe Called Judah Soundtrack” – TCJ and Abbey Wonder (A Tribe Called Judah Soundtrack)  — Winner

    “Eledumare” – Teledalase (Anikulapo: Rise of the Spectre)
    “Lose to Gain” – Kaline (Breathe of Life)
    “Kill Boro” – Native Filmworks and Wizard Chan (Kill Boro)
    “Orisa” – Beriola (Orisa)
    “Emotions” – Tiwa Savage and Asa (Water and Garri)

    Best Inspirational Single

    “You Do This One” – Mercy Chinwo — Winner

    “Gratitude” – Anendlessocean
    “Worthy of My Praise” – Dunsin Oyekan ft. Lawrence Oyor
    “Good God” – Limoblaze ft. Naomi Raine
    “Particularly” – 2Gaise Baba ft. Tope Alabi

    Best Southern African Artiste of the Year

    TitoM (South Africa) — Winner

    Yuppe (South Africa)
    Tyla (South Africa)
    Kelly Kay (Malawi)
    Plutonio (Mozambique)
    Zee Nxumalo (South Africa)

    Best North African Artiste of the Year

    Soolking (Algeria) — Winner

    Mohamed Ramadan (Egypt)
    ElGrandeToto (Morocco)
    Balti (Tunisia)
    Abu (Egypt)

    Best East African Artiste of the Year

    Juma Jux (Tanzania) — Winner

    Bien (Kenya)
    Diamond Platnumz (Tanzania)
    Bruce Melodie (Rwanda)
    Azawi (Uganda)

    Best West African Artiste of the Year

    Himra (Ivory Coast) — Winner

    Black Sherif (Ghana)
    King Promise (Ghana)
    Josey (Ivory Coast)
    Toofan (Togo)

    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 Award Recipients

    Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu of Lagos
    Alex Okosi
    Amaju Pinnick
     Kcee

    Humanitarian Award Recipients

    Temitola Adekunle Johnson
    Michelle Mukoro (King Mitchy)

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  • The Headies Awards are back, and with them comes the ultimate celebration of Nigerian music, talent, and entertainment, after a two-year stint in the U.S. According to executive producer Ayo Animashaun, two award ceremonies will be held in 2025: the 17th edition, which was postponed last year, will take place on April 27, while the 18th edition is scheduled for December. It was initially scheduled for April 5, but the organizers announced the rescheduling in March.

    As the industry continues to evolve, the 2025 nominations reflect a dynamic mix of established stars and rising talents ready to leave their mark.

    From chart-topping hits to genre-defying collaborations, this year’s nominations span a variety of categories, giving fans and industry insiders plenty to talk about.

    Whether you’re rooting for your favourite artist or curious about who made the cut, here’s your complete list of the 17th Headies Awards nominees.

    Rookie of the Year

    Zerry DL 

    taves 

    Kaestyle

    Llona

    Next Rated

    Qing Madi

    Shallipopi

    OdumoduBlvck

    Ayo Maff

    Nasboi

    Artiste of the Year

    Davido

    Ayra Starr

    Asake

    Rema

    Tems

    Burna Boy

    Best Recording of the Year

    “Burning” – Tems

    “Different Patterns” – Seyi Vibez

    “Higher” – Burna Boy

    “Last Heartbreak Song” – Ayra Starr and Giveon

    “Billions” – Sarz and Lojay

    Producer of the Year

    “Happiness” – Sarz

    “OZEBA” – London

    “Basquiat” – Magicsticks 

    “HEHEHE” – Rema, Producer X, Cubeatz, Deatz and Klimperboy

    “Different Patterns” – Dibs

    Song of the Year

    “Commas” – Ayra Starr

    “Big Baller” – Flavour

    “Lonely At The Top” – Asake

    “OZEBA” – Rema

    “EGWU” – Chike (ft. Mohbad)

    “Showa” – Kizz Daniel

    Songwriter of the Year

    “Stranger” – Simisola Kosoko (Simi)

    “Vision” – Chimamanda Pearl Chukwuma (Qing Madi)

    “Can’t Breathe” – Michael Ajuma Attah (Llona)

    “Family Meeting” – Emoseh Khamofu (Bloody Civilian)

    “Stages of Life” – Fuayefika Maxwell (Wizard Chan)

    Best R&B Single

    “Vision” – Qing Madi 

    “For You” – Johnny Drille

    “Stranger” – Simi

    “Burning” – Tems

    “Last Heartbreak Song” – Ayra Starr (ft. Giveon)

    Best Rap Single 

    “Cast” – Shallipopi (ft. OdumoduBlvck)

    “Blood On the Dance Floor” – OdumoduBlvck (ft. Bloody Civilian and Wale)

    “Hallelujah” – Ladipoe (ft. Rozzz and Morello)

    “Canada” – Magnito

    “Ije Nwoke” – Jeriq

    Best Vocal Performance (Female)

    “Last Song Heartbreak” – Ayra Starr 

    “Level” – Niniola

    “Stranger” – Simi

    “I’m Done” – Liya

    “Tomorrow” – Yemi Alade

    Best Vocal Performance (Male)

    “Billions” – Lojay 

    “Moving” – Omah Lay

    “Gratitude” – Anendlessocean

    “For You” – Johnny Drille

    “Ke Na Ke So” – Timi Dakolo

    Music Video of the Year

    “Charm” – Rema, Perliks and Folarin Oludare

    “Metaverse” – Jyde Ajala

    “Like Ice Spice” – Perliks and Emeka Shine Shine

    “Ojapiano” – Mattmax

    “EGWU” – Director Pink

    “Showa” – TG Omori

    “Na Money” – Dammy Twitch

    Best Collaboration

    “Emotions” – Tiwa Savage (ft. Asa)

    “Blood On the Dance Floor” – OdumoduBlvck (ft. Bloody Civilian and Wale)

    “Cast” – Shallipopi (ft. OdumoduBlvck)

    “Egwu” – Chike (ft. Mohbad)

    “Ole” – Qing Madi (ft. BNXN)

    “Twe Twe (Remix)” – Kizz Daniel (ft. Davido)

    “IDK” – Wizkid (ft. Zlatan)

    Best Street-Hop Artiste

    “Different Patterns” – Seyi Vibez

    “Dealer” – Ayo Maff (ft. Fireboy DML)

    “Cast” – Shallipopi (ft. Odumodublvck)

    “Johnbull” – Zhus Jdo

    “Ask About Me” – Mohbad

    Afrobeats Single of the Year

    “Big Big Things” – Young Jonn (ft. Kizz Daniel and Seyi Vibez)

    “Twe Twe Remix” – Kizz Daniel

    “Egwu” – Chike (ft. Mohbad)

    “Remember” – Asake

    “Ogechi Remix” – Hyce, Boypee, and Brown Joel (ft. Davido)

    “Big Baller” – Flavour

    Afrobeats Album of the Year

    Stubborn – Victony

    Work of Art – Asake

    The Year I turned 21 – Ayra Starr

    HEIS – Rema

    Jiggy Forever – Young Jonn

    Best Digital Artiste of the Year

    Ayra Starr

    Rema

    Shallipopi

    Tems

    Davido

    Kizz Daniel

    Asake

    Lyricist on the Roll

    “Efeleme” – Alpha Ojini

    “Mogadishu” – A-Q

    “Chocolate City Cypher” – M.I Abaga

    “Chocolate City Cypher” – Blaqbonez

    “Hallelujah” – Ladipoe

    Best Rap Album

    Sideh Kai – iLLBliss

    Eziokwu – OdumoduBlvck

    Alaye Toh Se Gogo Vol. 1 – Reminisce

    Family Time – Erigga

    Shine Object Syndrome – Modenine

    Best Inspirational Single

    “Gratitude” – Anendlessocean

    “Worthy of My Praise” – Dunsin Oyekan (ft. Lawrence Oyor)

    “Good God 2” – Limoblaze (ft. Naomi Raine)

    “Particularly” – Gaise Baba (ft. Tope Alabi)

    “You Do This One” – Mercy Chinwo

    Album of the Year

    Stubborn – Victony

    Work of Art – Asake

    The Year I turned 21 – Ayra Starr

    HEIS – Rema

    Born In the Wild – Tems

    Headies’ Viewers’ Choice

    “Big Baller” – Flavour

    “Big Big Things” – Young Jonn (ft. Kizz Daniel and Seyi Vibez)

    “Ogechi Remix” – Hyce, Boypee, and Brown Joel (ft. Davido)

    “Egwu” – Chike & Mohbad

    “Showa” – Kizz Daniel

    “Different Pattern” – Seyi Vibez

    “OZEBA” – Rema

    “Love Me Jeje” – Tems

    “Cast” – Shallipopi (ft. Odumodublvck)

    “Dealer” – Ayo Maff (ft. Fireboy DML)

    Soundtrack of the Year

    “Eledumare” – Teledalase (Anikulapo: Rise of the Spectre)

    “Lose to Gain” – Kaline (Breathe of Life)

    “Kill Boro” – Native Filmworks and Wizard Chan (Kill Boro)

    “Orisa” – Beriola (Orisa)

    “Emotions” – Tiwa Savage and Asa (Water and Garri)

    “Tribe Called Judah Soundtrack” – TCJ and Abbey Wonder (A Tribe Called Judah Soundtrack)

    Best West African Artiste of the Year

    Black Sherif (Ghana)

    King Promise (Ghana)

    Himra (Ivory Coast)

    Josey (Ivory Coast)

    Toofan (Togo)

    Best East African Artiste of the Year

    Bien (Kenya)

    Diamond Platnumz (Tanzania)

    Juma Jux (Tanzania)

    Bruce Melodie (Rwanda)

    Azawi (Uganda)

    Best North African Artiste of the Year

    Mohamed Ramadan (Egypt)

    Elgrande Toto (Morocco)

    Soolking (Algeria)

    Balti (Tunisia)

    Abu (Egypt)

    Best South African Artiste of the Year

    Titom (South Africa)

    Yuppe (South Africa)

    Tyla (South Africa)

    Kelly Kay (Malawi)

    Plutonio (Mozambique)

    Zee Nxumalo (South Africa)

    Best Central African Artiste of the Year

    Innoss’B (DRC)

    Gaz Mawete (DRC)

    Emma’A (Gabon)

    Singuila (Central African Republic)

    Kocee (Cameroon)

    International Artiste of the Year

    Wale – “Blood On The dance Floor” (OdumoduBlvck)

    Skepta – “Tony Montana” (ft. Portable)

    Chris Brown – “Hmm” (ft. Davido)

    Travis Scott – “Active” (Asake)

    Chloe Bailey – “Vision (Remix)” (Qing Madi)

    ALSO READ: The Headies: A History of Highs, Lows and Controversies

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  • We’re feeling a bit generous with our faves bagging awards left and right. Take this quiz, and we’ll tell you what award you deserve.

  • While Nigerians were chilling on the 1st of January, the recently concluded Headies awards became an Oshodi street fight between Don Jazzy and Olamide.

    https://www.instagram.com/p/BADfTGYOBsT/?taken-by=thesmilinghat

    Before you start thinking only Nigerians like to fight on stage, Kanye West in 2009, snatched the mic from Taylor Swift at the Grammys. Why? He felt his darling little sister, Beyonce deserved the award instead.

    It wasn’t even his award or nomination. Sorry oh, elder Kanye.

    And because sequels are more interesting, Nicki Minaj went lower and called Miley Cyrus out at the VMAs in 2015.

    LMAO.

    On the very first day of 2016, during the Headies awards, drama and all her children came well prepared for their biggest performance yet.

    Wait for it!

    This time around, another passionate elder brother felt very pained his beloved little bro didn’t win the award he deserved.

    https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=b7Puh-FaBhM
    Olamide felt Lil Kesh of his record label YBNL deserved to win the award of Next rated artist that was presented to Reekado Banks of the Mavins crew.

    However, the daddy of the award winner caught the randomly flying shade and dealt a lower blow.

    https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ob6HZw4MiJY
    LOL!” Come and take the car”.

    Olamide then took matters to twitter and rained words of rage on Don Jazzy.

    During his angry rant, he launched the newest slang of 2016, “Leave trash for LAWMA”.

    The people of twitter weren’t kind to Di’ja for her little dance after Don Jazzy’s shade.

    https://twitter.com/s_yewande/status/683180666708738048

    Some took sides as expected.

    https://twitter.com/chuzzus/status/683112400405528576

    Some of them had really deep insights to the fight.

    They are anticipating a diss mixtape from both sides.

    https://twitter.com/thatsureboy/status/683112470538510338

    For creative people, the fight only opened brilliant marketing ideas.

    [zkk_poll post=14937 poll=content_block_standard_format_20]