The Headies Awards is Nigeria’s most prestigious music ceremony, celebrating the best talents in the African music industry. The 17th edition of the Headies Awards, scheduled for April 5, 2025, promises to be a night of glamour and electrifying performances. In this post, we will explore the nominees for various categories, highlight standout artists, and give you a glimpse of what to expect from this year’s event.
Overview of the Headies Awards
The Headies Awards, founded in 2006, have become a cultural institution that recognizes and celebrates the achievements of musicians in genres ranging from Afrobeats to R&B. Over the years, the event has expanded to include new categories, reflecting the diversity and growth of Nigerian and African music.
In 2025, the awards continue their tradition of celebrating the past while embracing new talent. This year’s nominees list reflects a dynamic and innovative industry, full of exciting collaborations and fresh sounds.
Headies Award 2025 Nominees List
Here is the full nominations list for the Headies Award 2025:
BEST RECORDING OF THE YEAR
- TEMS – BURNING
- SEYI VIBEZ – DIFFERENT PATTERN
- BURNA BOY – HIGHER
- AYRA STARR & GIVEON – LAST HEARTBREAK SONG
- SARZ FEATURING LOJAY – BILLIONS
PRODUCER OF THE YEAR
- SARZ – HAPPINESS
- LONDON – OZEBA
- MAGICSTICKS – BASQUIAT
- REMA/PRODUCER X/CUBEATZ/DEATZ/KLIMPERBOY – HEHEHE
- DIBS – DIFFERENT PATTERN
SONGWRITER OF THE YEAR
- SIMISOLA KOSOKO – STRANGER (SIMI)
- CHIMAMANDA PEARL CHUKWUMA – VISION (QING MADI)
- MICHAEL AJUMA ATTAH – CAN’T BREATHE (LLONA)
- EMOSEH KHAMOFU – FAMILY MEETING (BLOODY CIVILIAN)
- FUAYEFIKA MAXWELL – STAGES OF LIFE (WIZARD CHAN)
BEST R&B SINGLE
- QING MADI – VISION
- JOHNNY DRILLE – FOR YOU
- SIMI – STRANGER
- TEMS – BURNING
- AYRA STARR – LAST HEARTBREAK SONG FT. GIVEON
ROOKIE OF THE YEAR
- LLONA
- KAESTYLE
- TAVES
- ZERRYDL
BEST RAP SINGLE
- CAST – ODUMODUBLVCK FEAT SHALLIPOPI
- BLOOD ON THE DANCE FLOOR – ODUMODUBLVCK FEAT BLOODY CIVILIAN & WALE
- HALLELUJAH – LADIPOE, ROZZZ & MORRELO
- CANADA – MAGNITO
- IJE NWOKE – JERIQ
BEST VOCAL PERFORMANCE (FEMALE)
- AYRA STARR – LAST HEARTBREAK SONG
- NINIOLA – LEVEL
- SIMI – STRANGER
- LIYA – I’M DONE
- TOMORROW – YEMI ALADE
MUSIC VIDEO OF THE YEAR
- CHARM – (REMA X PERLIKS X FOLARIN OLUDARE)
- METAVERSE – (JYDE AJALA)
- LIKE ICE SPICE – (PERLIKS & EMEKA SHINE SHINE)
- OJAPIANO – (MATTMAX)
- EGWU – (DIRECTOR PINK)
- SHOWA – (TG OMORI)
- NA MONEY – (DAMMY TWITCH)
BEST COLLABORATION
- EMOTIONS – TIWA SAVAGE FEAT. ASA
- BLOOD ON THE DANCE FLOOR – ODUMODUBLVCK, BLOODY CIVILIAN, AND WALE
- CAST – SHALLIPOPI FT ODUMODUBLVCK
- EGWU – CHIKE & MOHBAD
- OLE – QING MADI & BNXN
- TWE TWE REMIX – KIZZ DANIEL & DAVIDO
- IDK – WIZKID FT. ZLATAN
BEST STREET-HOP ARTISTE
- SEYI VIBEZ – DIFFERENT PATTERNS
- AYO MAFF – DEALER (FT. FIREBOY DML)
- SHALLIPOPI – CAST (FT. ODUMODUBLVCK)
- ZHUS JDO – JOHNBULL
- MOHBAD – ASK ABOUT ME
AFROBEATS SINGLE OF THE YEAR
- BIG BIG THINGS – YOUNG JONN FT. KIZZ DANIEL AND SEYI VIBEZ
- TWE TWE REMIX – KIZZ DANIEL
- EGWU FEAT. MOHBAD – CHIKE
- REMEMBER – ASAKE
- OGECHI REMIX – HYCE, BOYPEE, AND BROWN JOEL FT. DAVIDO
- BIG BALLER – FLAVOR
LYRICIST ON THE ROLL
- MOGADISHU – A-Q
- CHOCOLATE CITY CYPHER – M.I ABAGA
- CHOCOLATE CITY CYPHER – BLAQBONEZ
- HALLELUJAH – LADIPOE
- EFELEME – ALPHA OJINI
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
VIEWERS CHOICE AWARDS
- BIG BIG THINGS – YOUNG JONN FT. KIZZ DANIEL AND SEYI VIBEZ
- OGECHI REMIX – HYCE, BOYPEE, AND BROWN JOEL FT. DAVIDO
- EGWU – CHIKE & MOHBAD
- OZEBA – REMA
- DIFFERENT PATTERN – SEYI VIBEZ
- SHOWA – KIZZ DANIEL
- LOVE ME JEJE – TEMS
- CAST – SHALLIPOPI FT. ODUMODUBLVCK
- DEALER – FLAVOUR FT. FIREBOY
- BIG BALLER – FLAVOUR
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 SOUTHERN 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)
- EBOLOKO (GABON)
- SINGUILA. (CENTRAL AFRICAN REPUBLIC)
- KOCEE (CAMEROON)
BEST RAP ALBUM
- SIDEH KAI – ILLBLISS
- EZIOKWU – ODUMODUBLVCK
- ALAYE TOH SE GOGO VOL. 1 – REMINISCE
- FAMILY TIME – ERIGGA
- SHINY OBJECT SYNDROME – MODENINE
HEADIES NEXT RATED
- QING MADI
- SHALLIPOPI
- ODUMODUBLVCK
- AYO MAFF
- NASBOI
AFROBEATS ALBUM OF THE YEAR
- STUBBORN – VICTONY
- WORK OF ART – ASAKE
- THE YEAR I TURNED 21 – AYRA STARR
- HEIS – REMA
- JIGGY FOREVER – YOUNG JONN
DIGITAL ARTISTE OF THE YEAR
- AYRA STARR
- REMA
- SHALLIPOPI
- TEMS
- DAVIDO
- KIZZ DANIEL
- ASAKE
BEST PERFORMER (LIVE)
- REMA
- OMAH LAY
- FLAVOUR
- WIZARD CHAN
- BURNA BOY
- FEMI KUTI & THE POSITIVE FORCE
SONG OF THE YEAR
- SHOWA – KIZZ DANIEL
- COMMAS – AYRA STARR
- EGWU – CHIKE AND MOHBAD
- LONELY AT THE TOP – ASAKE
- OZEBA – REMA
- BIG BALLER – FLAVOUR
INTERNATIONAL ARTISTE OF THE YEAR
- WALE – BLOOD ON THE DANCE FLOOR (ODUMODUBLVCK)
- SKEPTA – TONY MONTANA (FT. PORTABLE)
- CHRIS BROWN – HMMM (FT. DAVIDO)
- TRAVIS SCOTT – ACTIVE (ASAKE)
- CHLOE BAILEY – VISION REMIX (QING MADI)
ALBUM OF THE YEAR
- BORN IN THE WILD – TEMS
- HEIS – REMA
- THE YEAR I TURNED 21 – AYRA STARR
- STUBBORN – VICTONY
- WORK OF ART – ASAKE
These nominations highlight the diversity of musical expression in Nigeria, ranging from soulful ballads to energetic party anthems.
Producer of the Year
- Sarz – Happiness
- London – Ozeba
- Magicsticks – Basquiat
- Rema/Producer X/Cubeatz/Deatz/Klimperboy – Hehehe
- Dibs – Different Pattern
The Producer of the Year category celebrates the unsung heroes of the music industry, showcasing those responsible for creating some of the biggest hits.
Songwriter of the Year
- Simisola Kosoko – Stranger (Simi)
- Chimamanda Pearl Chukwuma – Vision (Qing Madi)
- Michael Ajuma Attah – Can’t Breathe (Llona)
- Emoseh Khamofu – Family Meeting (Bloody Civilian)
- Fuayefika Maxwell – Stages of Life (Wizard Chan)
This category recognizes the exceptional talent behind the lyrics of some of the most memorable songs of the year.
Spotlight on the Top Nominees
Odumodublvck
Leading the pack this year is Odumodublvck, who received five nominations, including Best Rap Single and Best Collaboration. His hit songs Cast (featuring Shallipopi) and Blood on the Dance Floor (featuring Bloody Civilian and Wale) have been lauded for their lyrical depth and innovative sound.
Mohbad
The late Ilerioluwa Aloba, better known as Mohbad, has received three posthumous nominations. His collaboration with Chike on Egwu is nominated for Best Collaboration, ensuring that his musical legacy lives on.
Ayra Starr
Ayra Starr continues her meteoric rise with three nominations, including Best R&B Single for Last Heartbreak Song (featuring Giveon) and Best Vocal Performance (Female).
Rising Stars to Watch
The Rookie of the Year category is always an exciting indicator of future stars. This year’s nominees include:
- Llona
- Kaestyle
- Taves
- ZerryDL
These artists represent the future of Nigerian music and are sure to make waves in the coming years.
What to Expect from the 2025 Headies Awards
The Headies Awards are more than just a celebration of music—they are a cultural event that brings together artists, fans, and industry leaders. Here’s what you can expect from the 17th edition:
- Live Performances: The Headies are known for their unforgettable live performances. Expect electrifying sets from some of the biggest names in the industry.
- Tributes and Honors: This year’s ceremony will likely include tributes to the late Mohbad and other industry veterans.
- Fashion Extravaganza: The Headies red carpet is a showcase of style and glamour, with artists and celebrities pulling out all the stops.
- Diverse Awards: With a wide range of categories, the awards celebrate everything from songwriting to music video production.
Final Thoughts
The Headies Awards 2025 promise to be a night of celebration, creativity, and cultural pride. Whether you’re a fan of Afrobeats, R&B, or rap, there’s something for everyone. Stay tuned for more updates and highlights as the event approaches!
By celebrating the best of African music, the Headies continue to inspire the next generation of artists and music lovers alike. Don’t miss this year’s event—it’s sure to be unforgettable!
FAQs About the Headies Awards 2025
Q: When is the 2025 Headies Awards ceremony?
A: The event is scheduled for April 5, 2025, in Lagos.
Q: Who are the top nominees?
A: Odumodublvck leads with five nominations, followed by Mohbad and Ayra Starr with three each.
Q: Where can I watch the Headies Awards?
A: Stay tuned for official broadcast details from the Headies organizers.
Make sure to bookmark this page for future updates on the Headies Awards 2025!
