Davido Named Artist of the Year and Digital Artist of the Year, Travis Scott Takes Home International Artist Award, and Tems Wins Best Recording at the 17th Annual Headies Awards. Relive the night’s unforgettable highlights and the stars who shone the brightest!
On the evening of April 27, 2025, the Landmark Event Centre in Victoria Island, Lagos, quietly came alive with elegance and energy as the 17th Annual Headies Awards, themed Back to Base, made its much-anticipated return to Nigerian soil. After two years abroad, the celebrated event found its way home, bringing together the rhythms, stories, and stars that continue to shape the ever-growing influence of African music, and oh, what a homecoming it was!
Hosted by the radiant and unstoppable Nancy Isime, the evening unfolded as a vibrant showcase of talent and purpose. With her signature poise and charisma, she set the tone for a night that reflected the dynamic energy driving African music onto the global stage.
As Afro rhythms pulsed and spotlight beams danced, the Headies reminded us once again why African music isn’t just breaking boundaries, it’s redefining them.
And the Headies Awards Went To…
The man of the moment? None other than Davido, who clinched both Artist of the Year and Digital Artist of the Year, reaffirmed his seat at the throne of Afrobeats royalty. In a full-circle moment steeped in nostalgia and promise, Davido handed the coveted Next Rated award to Odumodublvck, an honor he called “the most important of the night.” His heartfelt words echoed through the hall:
“I won this award 12 years ago… and I know the blood, sweat, and tears it takes to get here.”
Odumodublvck, who also nabbed Best Rap Single, was far from the only double winner. Rema, with his genre-bending album Heis, won Album of the Year and Afrobeats Album of the Year, solidifying his position as a global tastemaker. Chike and the late MohBad melted hearts with their haunting collaboration “Egwu,” earning both Best Collaboration and the Viewer’s Choice Award. Temsonce again struck gold, winning Best Recording of the Year for “Burning,” while Ayra Starr charmed her way to Best R&B Single for “Last Heartbreak Song,” alongside Giveon.
The night thrummed with electrifying energy as a star-studded lineup of performers from across the continent lit up the stage—Qing Madi captivated the audience with heartfelt renditions of “See Finish” and “American Love,” while L.A.X brought the heat with high-energy performances of “Ginger” and “Caro.”Odumodublvck delivered a gritty, commanding set with “Pity This Boy,” and Kcee stirred up waves of nostalgia with his timeless crowd-pleasers “Pullover” and the vibrant “Ojapiano.”
Raising the energy even higher, Shallipopi and Nasboi sent the crowd into a euphoric frenzy with their dynamic renditions of “Cast” and “Umbrella,” before the legendary Flavour brought the curtain down in spectacular fashion, delivering a soul-stirring medley of “Nwa Baby,” “Big Baller,” and “Game Changer (Dike)” that left the audience roaring in rhythmic delight.
Beyond the Music: Honoring Hearts and Heroes
The Headies wasn’t just about beats, it was about impact. A moment of profound recognition came when Temitola Adekunle Johnson, Senior Special Assistant to the President on Job Creation, and philanthropist Michelle “King Mitchy” Mukoro received the Humanitarian Award for their unwavering work in empowering Nigeria’s underserved communities.
Johnson’s speech, a love letter to Nigeria’s creative industry, struck a deep chord:
“Once, we watched the Grammys from afar. Now, we watch with pride as our names echo across global stages. That’s progress.”
Special Recognition Awards were also bestowed upon Alex Okosi, Managing Director of Google Africa, for pioneering strides in digital innovation, and Amaju Pinnick, Chairman of Brownhill Group, for championing Nigeria’s cultural industries. In a heartfelt nod, Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu was celebrated for his steadfast support of the creative sector.
As stars twinkled outside, a constellation of celebrities sparkled inside from DJ Obi and Chioma Ikokwu to Basketmouth, AY, BamBam, and Cubana Chief Priest, the who’s-who of Nigerian pop culture showed up in grand style. The red carpet shimmered with glamour, and the spirit of unity and cultural pride danced through every speech, every cheer, and every chord struck.
Omizzy on the red carpet at the 17th Headies Awards
The Headies Awards, originally known as the Hip Hop World Awards, was launched in 2006 by Nigeria’s Hip Hop World Magazine as a beacon to honor excellence in the country’s ever-evolving music landscape. Over the years, it has grown into one of Africa’s most prestigious stages for musical recognition, celebrating the brilliance, creativity, and impact of artists who shape the heartbeat of the continent.
For its 2025 edition, only music released and distributed across digital streaming platforms or physical media between April 1, 2023, and July 31, 2024, qualified for consideration. The competition was fierce, the talent exceptional and each nomination was a testament to the artistry shaping today’s soundscape.
In tune with this spirit of growth and innovation, the 17th Headies Awards also introduced fresh categories like Soundtrack of the Yearand Best Performer (Live)a significant nod to the evolving dimensions of Nigerian music. It was a night that not only celebrated excellence but also reaffirmed Lagos’s role as the vibrant epicenter of Africa’s ever-expanding music narrative.
To celebrate a night that marked yet another unforgettable chapter in African music history, we present the full list of nominees and winners who lit up the 17th Headies Awards with their talent and impact.
Artist of the year
WINNER: Davido
Ayra Starr
Asake
Rema
Tems
Burna Boy
Song of the year
“Showa” – Kizz Daniel
“Commas” – Ayra Starr
“Egwu” – Chike and Mohbad
WINNER: “Lonely at the Top” – Asake
“Ozeba” – Rema
“Big Baller” – Flavour
Album of the year
Born in the Wild – Tems
WINNER: Heis – Rema
The Year I Turned 21 – Ayra Starr
Stubborn – Victony
Work of Art – Asake
Rookie of the year
WINNER: Zerry DL
Taves
Kaestyle
Llona
Best recording of the year
WINNER: Tems – “Burning”
Seyi Vibez – “Different Pattern”
Burna Boy – “Higher”
Ayra Starr & Giveon – “Last Heartbreak Song”
Sarz featuring Lojay – “Billions”
Best vocal performance (female)
Ayra Starr – “Last Heartbreak Song”
Niniola – “Level”
Simi – “Stranger”
WINNER: Liya – “I’m Done”
Tomorrow – “Yemi Alade”
Best vocal performance (male)
WINNER: Lojay – “Billions”
Omah Lay – “Moving”
Anendlessocean – “Gratitude”
Johnny Drille – “For You”
Timi Dakolo – “Ke Na Ke So”
Best collaboration
“Emotions” – Tiwa Savage Feat. Asa
“Blood on the Dance Floor” Odumodublvck, Bloody Civilian and Wale
WINNER: Tribe Called Judah soundtrack – TCJ & Abbey Wonder (A Tribe Called Judah)
Next rated
Qing Madi
Shallipopi
WINNER: Odumodublvck
Ayo Maff
Nasboi
Afrobeats album of the year
Stubborn – Victony
Work of Art – Asake
The Year I Turn 21 – Ayra Starr
WINNER: Heis – Rema
Jiggy Forever – Young Jonn
Best performer (live)
Rema – Ravage Uprising: Rema Live From The O2, London
Omah Lay – Live at L’olympia Paris
Flavour – Celebrating You 2023
Wizard Chan – Live in Concert Port Harcourt
WINNER: Burna Boy – African Giant Live From London
Femi Kuti & The Positive Force – Nuits De Fourvière (Arte Concert)
Digital artist of the year
Ayra Starr
Rema
Shallipopi
Tems
WINNER: Davido
Kizz Daniel
Asake
Humanitarian award
King Mitchy
Special recognition
Kingsley Chinweike Okonkwo A.K.A Kcee
As the final lights dimmed and Lagos’s night embraced the echoes of celebration, the spirit of The Headies lingered, vibrant and full of promise. More than an awards show, it was a powerful ode to African excellence in music. With the 17th edition now etched in history, all eyes turn to the 18th, where the next chapter of this thrilling musical journey awaits.
In celebration of the 17th Headies Awards, listen to our tastefully curated Afrobeats Heat Different playlist, showcasing the freshest African sounds, rich melodies, and vibrant energy.
