The 17th edition of the prestigious Headies Awards returned to Nigerian soil with a bang on Sunday, celebrating the very best in African music. After two years of hosting the event in Atlanta, USA, this year’s ceremony made a triumphant comeback to Lagos, marking a night of glitz, glamour, and groundbreaking achievements.
This edition, the first of two Headies events planned for 2025, helped compensate for the show’s absence in 2024. With the 18th Headies Awards already scheduled for December, music lovers can expect another thrilling celebration before the year ends.
The evening was a star-studded celebration, with winners announced across 31 competitive categories.
- Rema clinched Afrobeats Album of the Year for his chart-topping project “HEIS”, solidifying his place as one of Africa’s biggest music exports.
- Tems won Best Recording of the Year with her soulful hit “Burning”, further proving her undeniable vocal prowess.
- Davido took home the title of Digital Artiste of the Year, reinforcing his strong influence and dominance across digital platforms.
- Rising star Zerry DL, younger brother to Shallipopi, was named Rookie of the Year, a significant milestone in his rapidly growing career.
One of the night’s most anticipated moments was the Next Rated award, which was claimed by Odumodublvck, beating out tough competitors like Shallipopi, Qing Madi, and Ayo Maff.
The 17th Headies wasn’t just about music—it was about celebrating broader contributions to the entertainment world.
- Lagos State Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu received a Special Recognition Award for his unwavering support of Nigeria’s creative industries.
- Other honorees included Alex Okosi and Amaju Pinnick for their exceptional contributions.
This edition also introduced two exciting new categories:
- Soundtrack of the Year: Won by filmmaker Funke Akindele for her blockbuster movie “A Tribe Called Judah”.
- Best Performer (Live): A new category recognizing excellence in live music performances.
Themed “Back to Base” and “Apologetically African,” this year’s event celebrated African excellence and musical evolution within the eligibility window of April 1, 2023, to July 31, 2024.
The Headies drew a vibrant crowd of high-profile figures, including:
- Tanzanian singer Juma Jux and wife Priscilla
- Actress Nancy Isime
- Reality TV star Bamike Olawunmi-Adenibuyan (BamBam)
- Celebrity entrepreneur Cubana Chief Priest
- BBNaija 2021 winner White Money
- Mavins Records’ boss Don Jazzy
- Lagos State Commissioner for Information Gbenga Omotoso
With its powerful return, the 17th Headies Awards reinforced Nigeria’s—and Africa’s—leading role in shaping the global music landscape. The energy, passion, and talent on display promise even greater things for the African entertainment industry in the months ahead.
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