Highlights Of Headies 2025

The Headies Awards Returned Stronger Than Ever

After a whole year of being on pause, The Headies Award 2025 Ceremony came back not just stronger but with an energy that reminded everyone why it is the biggest night in Nigerian music.  

Lagos was on fire as the 17th edition of The Headies Awards took centre stage at the Landmark Event Centre, pulling in the crème de la crème of the Nigerian music industry. From A-list artists to emerging stars, everybody who is anybody showed up dressed to the nines.

Hosted by the ever-glamorous Nancy Isime, the event celebrated not just talent but the resilience and unstoppable spirit of Afrobeat and Nigerian music as a whole.

Now proudly in its 17th edition, The Headies has come a long way. It was founded in 2006 by Ayo Animashaun’s *Hip Hop World Magazine*, originally as the Hip Hop World Awards. Back then, it focused mainly on Nigeria’s growing hip-hop scene, but as the music evolved, so did the awards. Today, it embraces Afrobeats, R&B, alternative sounds, and more.

The iconic Headies plaque, designed by Matthias Aragbada and crafted by Jide Adewoye, symbolises the resilience of young Nigerian creatives. From its debut at the Muson Centre to becoming a globally recognised event, The Headies remains a powerful marker of Afrobeats’ rise on the world stage.

Full List of Major Winners at The Headies 2025

This year's awards celebrated both legends and fresh faces. Every win felt well-deserved, reflecting how far the industry has come.

Artiste of the Year: Davido 

Afrobeats Album of the Year: HEIS – Rema  

Song of the Year: Lonely at the Top – Asake 

Best Collaboration: Egwu – Chike & Mohbad  

Best Rap Album: Family Time – Erigga  

Best Performer (Live): Burna Boy  

Producer of the Year: London  

Best Soundtrack: A Tribe Called Judah – Funke Akindele  

Best International Act: Travis Scott  

Best Southern Africa Act: Titom

Best Northern Africa Act: Soolking  

Best Western Africa Act: Himra 

Best Eastern Africa Act: Juma Jux 

Best Central Africa Act: Innoss’B  

Special Recognition: Kcee  

Best Street-Hop Artiste: Mohbad 

Afrobeats Single of the Year: Big Baller – Flavour 

Recording of the Year: Burning – Tems  

Songwriter of the Year: Qing Madi 

Best Vocal Performance: Lojay  

Next Rated: Odumodublvck  

Rookie of the Year: Zerry DL

Mohbad's Heartfelt Recognition

One of the most emotional parts of the night was the posthumous recognition of Mohbad. His seven nominations were proof of how deeply his music resonated within its listeners.  

When his wife, Wunmi, and their son, Liam, came forward to accept his Best Street-Hop Artiste award, the entire hall fell into a deep silence.

Holding the plaque, Wunmi said, 

“Although Mohbad is not here, he lives on through our son, Liam. Thank you for this honour.”  

Mohbad also picked up Best Collaboration and Viewer’s Choice for "Egwu" with Chike, and Best Music Video for the same song.  

Tributes poured in all night across social media, with many echoing the sentiment that "Imole lives on." His light, indeed, continues to shine brightly.

Highlights From Headies

This year's performances went beyond expectations and gave the audience a night to remember.

• Qing Madi performed “See Finish”, delivering a soulful and fresh performance at the event.
• The Orchestra gave Afrobeat a classical twist, creating a beautiful fusion that had the audience in awe.  
• Innoss’B brought an electrifying performance, making it impossible for anyone in the venue to sit still.

The night was packed with surprises that kept everyone buzzing even after the show ended.

• Odumodublvck’s Microphone Incident: Just as he started his acceptance speech after winning Next Rated, his microphone was abruptly turned off. The moment sparked a lot of debate online, with many wondering if it was a technical glitch or something else.  
• Cubana Chief Priest Denied Entry: A video went viral showing Cubana Chief Priest being denied entry into the event, leading to plenty of gossip about what could have happened.