At the 17th Headies Awards, rapper OdumoduBlvck claimed the prestigious Next Rated award, triumphing over strong contenders like Shallipopi, Qing Madi, Ayo Maff, and Nasboi. His win was presented by Afrobeats icon Davido, who himself won the same award back in 2013—a moment that has since marked the beginning of many superstar careers.
In a now-viral video clip, Davido emphasized the importance of the Next Rated award, pointing out that legends such as Wande Coal and Wizkid were once recipients. For Davido, winning it is a sign that an artist is destined for greatness.
With this recognition, OdumoduBlvck joins an elite group of past winners including Omawumi, Sean Tizzle, Reekado Banks, Rema, Omah Lay, and BNXN. Notably, he becomes the first rapper in Headies history to win both Rookie of the Year and Next Rated, a rare achievement that highlights the remarkable pace and impact of his rise.
Since bursting onto the scene in 2022 with the breakout hit ‘Picanto’ featuring Zlatan, OdumoduBlvck has positioned himself at the forefront of Nigerian and African hip hop. Blending raw street energy with cultural authenticity, his sound has earned him the respect of top-tier artists like Olamide, Wizkid, Burna Boy, and Davido—the latter of whom featured on the fan-favorite track ‘Five’.
In 2023, his acclaimed project ‘Eziokwu’ featured the smash hit ‘Declan Rice’, which not only topped charts but also reached global audiences—most notably being used in Arsenal FC’s high-profile announcement video for the English midfielder’s record-breaking transfer.
Now, with 2025 already off to a blazing start, OdumoduBlvck has released a new body of work titled ‘The Machine Is Coming’, a prelude to his highly anticipated album ‘The Industry Machine’. All signs point to a landmark year for a rapper who is not only reshaping Nigerian hip hop but redefining what it means to be Next Rated.
