The Headies Announces Highly Anticipated Return with Star-Studded 17th Edition Nominations
After a one-year break, Nigeria’s most prestigious music award show, The Headies, has revealed the nominees for its 17th edition, which is set to take place on April 5, 2025, in Lagos.
The eagerly awaited awards return after a hiatus, with the organizers choosing to bring the event back to Nigeria, following previous editions held in the United States.
This year’s nomination list showcases a diverse mix of both local and international artists who have made significant contributions to the music scene over the past year. Leading the pack with an impressive five nominations is hip-hop artist Tochukwu Ojogwu, better known as Odumodu Blvck. His recognition is a clear testament to his impact on the industry.
In a touching tribute to the late Ilerioluwa Aloba, widely known as Mohbad, the awards have posthumously honored the artist with three nominations, nearly two years after his tragic passing in September 2023. Meanwhile, Ayra Starr looks to add another accolade to her growing list with three nominations, while breakout star Crown Uzama, also known as Shallipopi, also earned three nods.
Newcomers such as Taves, Zerrydl, Kaestyle, and Llona have made their mark, with each earning a nomination in the coveted Rookie of the Year category.
Although the event has traditionally been held annually, The Headies was postponed in 2024, with the 17th edition now scheduled for 2025.
Here’s a look at some of the top categories and nominees:
Best Recording of the Year
- TEMS – Burning
- SEYI VIBEZ – Different Pattern
- BURNA BOY – Higher
- AYRA STARR & GIVEON – Last Heartbreak Song
- SARZ ft. 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 – Odumodu Blvck ft. Shallipopi
- Blood on the Dance Floor – Odumodu Blvck ft. 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
Best 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 ft. Asa
- Blood on the Dance Floor – Odumodu Blvck, Bloody Civilian, and Wale
- Cast – Shallipopi ft. Odumodu Blvck
- 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. Odumodu Blvck)
- ZHUS JDO – Johnbull
- MOHBAD – Ask About Me
Afrobeat Single of the Year
- Big Big Things – Young Jonn ft. Kizz Daniel & 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
The nominees span a range of categories, highlighting the versatility of Nigerian music and its growing global influence. With several new artists rising to fame and established stars maintaining their relevance, the competition is sure to be fierce.
