The 17th Headies Awards took place on Sunday, April 27, 2025, at the Landmark Event Centre in Lagos, Nigeria, marking the ceremony's return to Nigeria after two years in Atlanta. Hosted by Nancy Isime, the event celebrated the achievements of Nigerian and African artists in the music industry.
The Headies stage came alive with a series of unforgettable performances. From Fireboy DML’s soulful acoustic set to a surprise joint performance by Olamide and newcomer Shallipopi, every act gave their best shot. Memorable moments included a medley tribute to Afrobeats pioneers, performed by veterans like 2Baba and Sound Sultan’s son, who made a touching appearance. The Headies stage came alive with a series of unforgettable performances. From Fireboy DML’s soulful acoustic set to a surprise joint performance by Olamide and newcomer Shallipopi, every act gave their best shot. Memorable moments included a medley tribute to Afrobeats pioneers, performed by veterans like 2Baba and Sound Sultan’s son, who made a touching appearance.
Big winners of the night
Chike emerged as one of the biggest winners, bagging two awards for his emotional anthem “Egwu”: the Viewers’ Choice Award and the Best Music Video.
The late Mohbad, whose untimely death in 2023 shook the industry and his fans to the core, received a posthumous award for Best Street-Hop Artiste for his single “Ask About Me.” The tribute segment in his honour featuring a powerful montage and a short performance by street-hop acts left few dry eyes in the venue.
Rema continued his global domination by clinching Album of the Year for “Heis”, a project praised for its genre-blending innovation and lyrical maturity. The singer also delivered one of the night’s most electrifying performances, seamlessly fusing Afrobeats, R&B, and trap elements onstage.
Other notable wins
Asake took home Best Male Artiste, capping off another stellar year for the “Mr Money” singer.
Ayra Starr won Best Female Artiste, cementing her status as one of Africa’s fastest-rising stars.
Odumodublvck grabbed Rookie of the Year, thrilling fans who have watched his meteoric rise.
Tems received the Best Collaboration award for her work on the international hit “Fountains” with Drake.
Beyond the awards and performances, the night also reflected the evolution of Nigerian music on the global stage. International guests from across Africa and the diaspora attended, and special mention was given to Nigerian artists’ contributions to Afrobeats’ growing global footprint.
The organisers introduced a new category, “Global Impact Award,” recognising Nigerian artistes making waves internationally.
Burna Boy, who was on tour, sent in a virtual acceptance speech for the inaugural honour. Ten categories, including Best Collaboration and Best Inspirational Single, were excluded from the awards. Others are Lyricist on the Roll, Best R&B Single, Best Southern African Artiste, Best North African Artiste, Best West African Artiste, International Artiste of the Year, Best Performer (Live), and Best Rap Album.
The major winners of each category are as follows :
Tems – Best Recording of the Year for “Burning”
Davido – Digital Artiste of the Year
Rema – Most Awards (2 wins)
Zerry DL – Rookie of the Year
Odumodublvck – Next Rated
Asake – Song of the Year for “Lonely at the Top”
Chike & MohBad – Best Collaboration and Viewers’ Choice for “Egwu”
MohBad – Best Street-Hop Artiste (posthumous award
