The 17th edition of the Headies Awards, held in Lagos on Sunday, celebrated the best of Nigerian and African music across 31 categories. After a two-year hiatus in Atlanta, the prestigious event made a grand return to Nigeria, marking the first of two Headies ceremonies planned for 2025, with the 18th edition scheduled for December.
Among the standout winners of the night, Rema took home the Afrobeats Album of the Year award for HEIS, while Tems won Best Recording of the Year for her hit track Burning. Davido secured Digital Artiste of the Year, solidifying his dominance in the digital music space. Zerry DL, brother of rising star Shallipopi, was named Rookie of the Year.
In one of the most anticipated categories, Odumodublvck emerged as the Next Rated Artist, defeating strong contenders like Shallipopi, Qing Madi, and Ayo Maff.
The 17th Headies featured 31 competitive categories, including Artiste of the Year, Song of the Year, and Best Recording of the Year, alongside several special awards. Lagos State Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu was honoured with a Special Recognition Award for his contributions to Nigeria’s music and creative industries, alongside Alex Okosi and Amaju Pinnick.
This year’s edition introduced two new categories: “Soundtrack of the Year” and “Best Performer (Live).” The inaugural Soundtrack of the Year award went to filmmaker Funke Akindele for her record-breaking 2023 film, A Tribe Called Judah.
The event also saw a host of celebrity attendees, including Tanzanian singer Juma Jux, actress Nancy Isime, and Big Brother Naija winner White Money. Mavins Records’ boss Don Jazzy and Lagos State Commissioner for Information, Gbenga Omotoso, were also present.
With the theme “Back to Base” and “Apologetically African,” the 17th Headies celebrated the achievements of African music between April 1, 2023, and July 31, 2024.
Nzubechukwu Eze.
