Lagos was alight with celebration on April 27, 2025, as Nigeria’s music industry gathered at the Landmark Events Centre for the 17th edition of The Headies Awards, hosted by Nollywood actor Nancy Isime.
Rema’s “Heis” claimed the prestigious Album of the Year award, while Chike’s “Egwu” featuring the late Mohbad scored dual victories, winning both the Viewers’ Choice Award and Music Video of the Year. Mohbad was also posthumously honored with Best Street-Hop Artiste for his 2023 single “Ask About Me.”
Tems took home Best Recording of the Year for “Burning,” beating out competitors Burna Boy, Ayra Starr with Giveon, and Sarz featuring Lojay.
London won Producer of the Year for “Ozeba,” while Odumodublvck claimed the coveted Next Rated award, outshining fellow nominees Qing Madi, Shallipopi, Ayo Maff, and Nasboi.
Flavour’s “Big Baller” was named Afrobeats Single of the Year, with Asake’s “Lonely at the Top” securing Song of the Year honors. In songwriting excellence, Qing Madi’s “Vision” earned the Songwriter of the Year title.
Other major winners included Zerrydl for Rookie of the Year, Shallipopi featuring Odumodublvck for Best Rap Single with “Cast,” and Liya taking Best Female Vocal Performance for “I’m Done.” Lojay won Best Male Vocal Performance for “Billions,” while Davido was crowned Digital Artist of the Year.
The ceremony notably omitted ten categories, including Best Collaboration, Best Inspirational Single, and International Artist of the Year. Special Recognition Awards were presented to Lagos State Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu, Alex Okosi, Amaju Pinnick, and KCee, while humanitarian awards went to Temitola Adekunle Johnson and Mitchell Mukoro.
Tanzania’s Juma Jux and DRC’s Innoss’B represented regional excellence, winning Best East African Artist and Best Central African Artist respectively.
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