Africa’s biggest celebration of music, the Headies Awards, returned to Nigerian soil this year with a spectacular show hosted at the Landmark Event Centre in Lekki, Lagos.
Titled “Back to Base”, the 17th edition marked a symbolic homecoming after a two-year run overseas, honouring exceptional talents shaping the soundscape across Nigeria and the wider African continent.
Nancy Isime and IK Osakioduwa commanded the evening as hosts, blending humour and elegance while steering audiences through a packed lineup of awards and performances.
The night was punctuated by vibrant performances from some of Africa’s finest, including Qing Madi, Shallipopi, Odumodublvck, Flavour, Juma Jux, and Nasboi, among others, electrifying the crowd with thrilling live sets.
Highlights and Historic Wins
Tanzanian music star Juma Jux celebrated a major milestone, emerging as the Best East African Artiste of the year, ahead of top contenders like Diamond Platnumz and Bien.
A particularly emotional chapter unfolded when Nigerian veteran singer Kcee received a Special Recognition Award for his decades-long contribution to the industry, lauded for his cultural impact and enduring relevance.
Meanwhile, the late street-pop sensation Mohbad was posthumously honoured with the Best Street-Hop Artiste award for his single “Ask About Me”. In a heart-wrenching moment, his family, including his young son, took the stage to accept the award to a standing ovation. Mohbad’s music also earned nominations in other categories, reflecting his lasting influence despite his untimely passing.
The ceremony wasn’t without drama. Rising rap star Odumodublvck, who clinched the highly anticipated Next Rated award, made headlines when organisers attempted to usher him off stage mid-speech. Unfazed, Odumodublvck stood his ground, refusing to leave until his microphone was switched back on, an act that drew both cheers and conversation across social media.
Full List of Key Winners
Best Recording of the Year: Tems (Burning)
Producer of the Year: London (Ozeba)
Next Rated: Odumodublvck
Afrobeats Album of the Year: Rema (Heis)
Songwriter of the Year: Qing Madi (Vision)
Best Rap Single: Shallipopi feat. Odumodublvck (Cast)
Best Street-Hop Artiste: Mohbad (Ask About Me)
Song of the Year: Asake (Lonely at the Top)
Digital Artiste of the Year: Davido
Best Movie Soundtrack: A Tribe Called Judah
The night also honoured key figures outside the entertainment sphere, with humanitarian awards presented to Temitola Adekunle Johnson and Mitchell Mukoro. Special recognitions went to notable personalities including Lagos State Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu.
