The 17th edition of the renowned Headies Awards, themed “Back to Base,” made a grand return to Nigerian soil on Sunday, hosted at the Landmark Event Centre in Lekki, Lagos. After spending the past two years abroad, the iconic celebration was back home, showcasing the best of African music.
The 17th Headies Awards: A Triumphant Return to Nigeria
The evening was masterfully anchored by actress and media star Nancy Isime alongside veteran broadcaster IK Osakioduwa. Their infectious energy, humor, and charm kept the audience fully engaged throughout the night.
The ceremony honored outstanding achievements in the Nigerian and African music scenes, celebrating artists, producers, and creatives whose contributions have made a significant impact over the past year.
The night sparkled with energetic performances by some of Africa’s brightest talents, including Qing Madi, L.A.X, Odumodublvck, Kcee, Shallipopi, Flavour, Juma Jux, Nasboi, Magnito, and more. Tanzanian sensation Juma Jux not only delivered a memorable live performance but also clinched the award for Best East African Artiste of the Year, beating strong contenders like Bien (Kenya), Diamond Platnumz (Tanzania), Bruce Melodie (Rwanda), and Azawi (Uganda).
One of the most emotional moments of the night came when veteran artist Kcee was honoured with a Special Recognition Award for his 26 years of contributions to Nigerian music and culture.
A particularly touching highlight was the posthumous recognition of late singer Mohbad, who was awarded Best Street-Hop Artiste for his hit “Ask About Me.” His wife and young son, Liam, accepted the award on his behalf, earning a standing ovation. A special tribute was also held to honour his lasting influence on the industry. In addition to his win, Mohbad received nominations for Best Collaboration and Afrobeats Single of the Year for his work with Chike on the song “Egwu.”
The night wasn’t without its share of drama. Rapper Odumodublvck, after winning the Next Rated award, was asked by organisers to leave the stage due to his lengthy acceptance speech. After initially having his microphone turned off, Odumodublvck and his entourage—including his mother—insisted, and he was eventually allowed to finish his speech.
Here’s the full list of winners:
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Best Recording of the Year: Tems – Burning (Winner)
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Producer of the Year: London – Ozeba (Winner)
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Next Rated: Odumodublvck (Winner)
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Afrobeats Album of the Year: Rema – Heis (Winner)
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Songwriter of the Year: Qing Madi – Vision (Winner)
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Rookie of the Year: Zerrydl (Winner)
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Best Rap Single: Shallipopi feat. Odumodublvck – Cast (Winner)
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Best Vocal Performance (Female): Liya – I’m Done (Winner)
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Music Video of the Year: Director Pink – Egwu (Winner)
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Best Street-Hop Artiste: Mohbad – Ask About Me (Winner)
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Afrobeats Single of the Year: Flavour – Big Baller (Winner)
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Viewers’ Choice Award: Chike & Mohbad – Egwu (Winner)
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Digital Artiste of the Year: Davido (Winner)
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Song of the Year: Asake – Lonely at the Top (Winner)
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Best Vocal Performance (Male): Lojay – Billions (Winner)
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Best Movie Soundtrack: A Tribe Called Judah (Winner)
Special Recognition Awards went to:
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Babajide Sanwo-Olu (Lagos State Governor)
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Alex Okosi
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Amaju Pinnick
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Kcee
Humanitarian Awards were presented to:
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Temitola Adekunle Johnson
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Mitchell Mukoro
Regional Winners:
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Best East African Artiste: Juma Jux (Tanzania)
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Best Central African Artiste: Innoss’B (DR Congo)
The 2025 Headies Awards was an unforgettable celebration of African excellence, marked by glamour, unforgettable performances, and a powerful display of unity and growth within the music industry.
