In a vibrant celebration of African music’s global ascent, the United States Consulate in Lagos rolled out the red carpet at the Consul General’s residence in Ikoyi on Thursday, hosting an exclusive reception ahead of the highly anticipated 17th edition of the Headies Awards.
A Grand Return: The Headies Comes “Back to Base”
After two successful editions in Atlanta, USA—marking the first time an African music award show was hosted outside the continent—The Headies is officially returning home. Scheduled for April 27, 2025, the 17th edition comes with the theme “Back to Base” and “Apologetically African,” a powerful nod to its roots and its commitment to honoring African excellence in music.
This year’s ceremony will spotlight standout sounds from 2024, with artists like Odumodublvck (5 nominations), Ayra Starr, Shallipopi, and the late Mohbad leading the nomination list.
Bridging Borders: A Night of Cultural Exchange
Thursday night’s reception wasn’t just about glamour—it was a statement of cross-cultural unity and artistic celebration. The event attracted an electric mix of music icons, policymakers, corporate leaders, and cultural tastemakers, all gathered to honor the award show that has become a pillar of African pop culture.
Key dignitaries such as Lagos State Commissioner for Tourism, Arts and Culture, Toke Benson-Awoyinka; former NFF President, Amaju Pinnick; and The Headies founder, Ayo Animashaun.
Industry thought leaders including Steve Babaeko (X3M Ideas), Mike Dada (AFRIMMA), and Jubril of Lagos (CIG Motors).
Entertainment Meets Elegance
The evening was peppered with engaging live performances—Brown Joel and Beriola delivered energetic sets, while spoken-word artist Havfy, a string quartet, and a stunning saxophone ensemble kept guests enthralled. It was a night where music, artistry, and cultural diplomacy intertwined.
The U.S. Commitment to African Creativity
Delivering a heartfelt keynote address, U.S. Ambassador to Nigeria Richard Mills reaffirmed America’s commitment to supporting the Nigerian creative industry and nurturing deeper U.S.- Africa artistic partnerships.
“We’ve seen Nigerian artists sell out arenas in the U.S. and shine on American stages—including the Grammys,” he noted. “Tems recently made history by winning the inaugural Grammy for Best African Music Performance—congratulations to her.”
Ambassador Mills applauded The Headies for boldly hosting its 2022 and 2023 editions in the U.S., emphasizing that with over 700,000 Nigerians living in the U.S., American cities like Georgia, New York, and California have become essential bridges for African creativity.
He also spotlighted game-changing initiatives like the American Music Mentorship Programme—a collaboration with the Recording Academy (Grammys)—which recently brought three Nigerian creatives to the U.S., one of whom now heads a regional A&R office in Nigeria for a major American label.
Lagos: The Heartbeat of Nigerian Pop Culture
Reaffirming the show’s homecoming, Lagos Commissioner for Tourism, Arts and Culture, Toke Benson-Awoyinka, stated:
“The Lagos State Government is fully backing The Headies. Lagos is the soul of Nigerian music—it’s where this cultural movement began, and it’s where it belongs.”
She praised the state’s burgeoning global image as a “capital of African entertainment and fashion,” driven by its creatives’ unmatched storytelling, style, and sound.
Here Is What to Expect at the 17th Headies
The 17th edition of The Headies award promises a celebration of the very best of Nigerian and African music, with Odumodublvck leading the nominations (5), followed by Ayra Starr, Shallipopi, and a heartfelt posthumous nod to Mohbad (3 nominations). Fans can anticipate hotly contested categories like Best Collaboration, Rookie of the Year, and Producer of the Year.
And in a surprise announcement, organisers revealed that the 18th edition of The Headies will also take place in December 2025—marking the first time in its history that two editions will be held in one calendar year.
The US Consulate’s reception served not only as a prelude to The Headies’ grand return but as a powerful reminder: African music is no longer rising—it’s here, thriving, and rewriting the narrative on a global scale.
With music as the bridge and The Headies as the torchbearer, the future of African sound is unapologetically bold, deeply rooted, and ready for the world stage.
