Nigeria’s premier music awards, The Headies, celebrated its 17th edition in Lagos, recognising the top artists and sounds of the past year. The vibrant event showcased the best of Afrobeats and beyond

[dropcap]T[/dropcap]he 17th edition of The Headies Awards delivered a night of glitz and glamour in Lagos on Saturday, April 27, 2025, as Nigeria’s vibrant music scene gathered at the Landmark Events Centre to celebrate outstanding achievements.

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The Nollywood star Nancy Isime expertly hosted the prestigious event, which saw a diverse range of artists recognised for their contributions to the past year’s sonic landscape.

Chike’s poignant track ‘Egwu’ emerged as a significant winner, securing both the coveted Viewers’ Choice Award of the Year and the Best Music Video award.

Adding a layer of bittersweet recognition, the late, much-missed Mohbad, who featured on Chike’s winning song, posthumously received the award for Best Street-Hop Artiste for his compelling 2023 single, ‘Ask About Me’.

Rema also enjoyed a successful evening, with his acclaimed album ‘Heis’ clinching the prestigious Album of the Year title.

The energetic show seamlessly blended electrifying performances from some of Nigeria’s hottest talents with moving tributes to those who have left an indelible mark on the industry.

The awards celebrated the artists who have shaped the contemporary Nigerian sound, highlighting the innovation and creativity within the nation’s music industry.

Winners at Headies 2025:

Best Recording of the Year: Tems – Burning
Producer of the Year: London – Ozeba
Headies Next Rated: Odumodublvck
Afrobeats Album of the Year: Heis – Rema
Songwriter of the Year: Qing Madi – Vision
Rookie of the Year: Zerrydl
Best Rap Single: Shallipopi feat. Odumodublvck – Cast
Best Vocal Performance (Female): Liya – I’m Done
Music Video of the Year: Director Pink – Egwu
Best Street-Hop Artiste: Mohbad – Ask About Me
Afrobeats Single of the Year: Flavour – Big Baller
Viewers’ Choice Award: Chike & Mohbad – Egwu
Digital Artiste of the Year: Davido
Song of the Year: Asake – Lonely at the Top
Best Vocal Performance (Male): Lojay – Billions
Best Movie Soundtrack: A Tribe Called Judah
Special Recognition Awards: Babajide Sanwo-Olu, Alex Okosi, Amaju Pinnick, KCee
Humanitarian Awards: Temitola Adekunle Johnson, Mitchell Mukoro
Best East African Artiste: Juma Jux (Tanzania)
Best Central African Artiste: Innoss’B (DRC)

Also read: Rema, Asake, others win big at 2023 Headies Awards [Full List]

However, the award ceremony notably omitted ten categories this year, including Best Collaboration, Best Inspirational Single, 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.

Source: Read more at theheute.com.ng