The 17th edition of the prestigious Headies Awards, proudly themed ‘Back to Base,’ made a triumphant return to Nigerian soil on Sunday night, after two consecutive years abroad. The event unfolded with glitz and grandeur at the Landmark Event Centre, Lekki, Lagos, drawing in some of the biggest names in African entertainment. It was a night that felt like a homecoming, brimming with excitement, pride, and a deep sense of celebration for the continent’s vibrant music culture. As guests streamed into the venue under sparkling lights and an atmosphere thick with anticipation, it became immediately clear that this edition would be one for the history books.
Steering the evening’s festivities were the charismatic Nancy Isime, a beloved actress and media personality, and the iconic broadcaster IK Osakioduwa. The duo’s magnetic presence kept the audience engaged from the first moments to the final curtain call. “Tonight, we’re not just handing out awards,” Nancy beamed at the start of the ceremony, “we’re celebrating the spirit, the grind, and the glory of African music!” IK, always quick with a quip, added with a chuckle, “And don’t worry, Lagos traffic didn’t stop us from bringing the magic back home!” Their playful banter, perfectly timed jokes, and infectious enthusiasm set the perfect tone for an unforgettable night.
Across the sweeping categories, the Headies shone a spotlight on excellence, recognising not only the artists behind the hits but also the producers, directors, and other creatives who breathe life into the industry. Each award presentation was a nod to the tireless work, innovation, and resilience that have propelled African music onto the global stage. As the awards rolled out, it became apparent that this was more than a ceremony—it was a testament to the unbreakable spirit of African artistry. “African music is not just trending,” IK declared midway through the night, “it’s rewriting global culture—and we’re only just beginning!”
The performances throughout the night were electric, keeping the energy in the room at a fever pitch. Qing Madi opened with a soulful yet fiery set that drew cheers from every corner of the hall. She was swiftly followed by L.A.X, whose smooth, rhythmic beats had the crowd on their feet. Odumodublvck brought raw energy with his signature street style, while Kcee, Shallipopi, and Flavour showcased their mastery in blending tradition with contemporary sound. “This is not just performance,” Shallipopi shouted between songs, “this is our story, our hustle, our joy!” Juma Jux and Nasboi equally brought the house down with their exhilarating performances, leaving no doubt that Africa’s music scene is as powerful as it is diverse.
A major highlight of the night came when Tanzanian sensation, Juma Jux, was announced as the winner of the Best East African Artiste of the Year award. Overcoming fierce competition from the likes of Bien, Diamond Platnumz, Bruce Melodie, and Azawi, Jux’s victory was a proud moment for East African representation. Taking to the stage with a wide grin, Jux said, “This is for every East African dreamer! Thank you for believing in my music. This is just the beginning!” His words were met with roaring applause, and he followed up his acceptance with a performance so captivating that even those at the back of the venue could feel the magic.
Another emotionally charged moment came when the Special Recognition Award was presented to Kcee, celebrating his remarkable 26-year journey in the Nigerian music industry. A visibly moved Kcee took the stage, holding his award tightly. “From the streets of Ajegunle to this global stage, I’ve seen it all,” he said, his voice thick with emotion. “I dedicate this award to every young boy and girl dreaming beyond their circumstances. If I can do it, so can you.” The audience rose to their feet in thunderous applause, many visibly touched by the depth of his journey and his enduring influence on Nigerian music.
Perhaps the most poignant tribute of the evening was reserved for the late Mohbad, whose absence was palpably felt throughout the hall. Posthumously awarded Best Street-Hop Artiste for his hit single “Ask About Me,” Mohbad’s family, including his wife and young son, Liam, took to the stage to accept the honour. Amid a standing ovation and visible tears across the hall, Mohbad’s widow, cradling Liam, spoke softly into the microphone, “Thank you for keeping his dream alive. His music, his voice, lives on in all of us.” The moment was deeply moving, serving as a solemn reminder of the fragility of life and the immortality of true artistry.
In addition to his well-deserved award, Mohbad received multiple posthumous nominations, including Best Collaboration for his work with Chike on “Egwu” and Afrobeats Single of the Year for the same track. These nominations underscored just how deeply Mohbad’s artistry had etched itself into the fabric of contemporary Nigerian music. As a touching tribute montage played across the giant LED screens, showcasing clips from his career, the crowd swayed in unison, many mouthing along to his lyrics. “Mohbad’s legacy is a testament,” IK Osakioduwa said quietly afterward, “that real music never dies—it echoes through generations.”
A dramatic twist unfolded when Odumodublvck, who clinched the coveted Next Rated award, found himself at odds with the event organisers. After storming the stage with his mother, friends, and label team, Odumodublvck launched into an impassioned acceptance speech. However, as his speech grew longer, organisers attempted to usher him off by cutting his microphone. Undeterred, Odumodublvck stood firm, waving his hand defiantly. “I’m not done!” he shouted. The tension in the room crackled until the organisers relented, switching his mic back on. With the audience rallying behind him, he finished: “This isn’t just my win. It’s for every hustler, every dreamer! Na we dey here, no be dem!” His defiance became one of the most talked-about moments of the night.
As the curtain fell on the 17th Headies Awards, there was an undeniable feeling of pride, nostalgia, and forward-looking optimism. With its return ‘Back to Base,’ the ceremony had not only honoured the past year’s outstanding achievements but also reaffirmed the power of Nigerian and African music to inspire, heal, and connect people across the globe. As Nancy Isime aptly put it during her closing remarks, “Tonight, we didn’t just witness a show—we witnessed history being made, right here, at home.”
See full list of winners below :
Best Recording of the Year
Tems – Burning — Winner
Burna Boy – Higher
Ayra Starr & Giveon – Last Heartbreak Song
Sarz feat. Lojay – Billions
Producer of the Year
Sarz – Happiness
London – Ozeba — Winner
Magicsticks – Basquiat
Rema/Producer X/Cubeatz/Deatz/Klimperboy – Hehehe
Dibs – Different Pattern
Next Rated
Qing Madi
Shallipopi
Odumodublvck — Winner
Ayo Maff
Nasboi
Afrobeats Album of the Year
Stubborn – Victony
Work of Art – Asake
The Year I Turned 21 – Ayra Starr
Heis – Rema — Winner
Jiggy Forever – Young Jonn
Songwriter of the Year
Simi – Stranger
Qing Madi – Vision -Winner
Llona – Can’t Breathe
Bloody Civilian – Family Meeting
Wizard Chan – Stages of Life
Rookie of the Year
Llona
Kaestyle
Taves
Zerrydl— Winner
Best Rap Single
Shallipopi feat. Odumodublvck – Cast — Winner
Odumodublvck feat. Bloody Civilian & Wale – Blood on the Dance Floor
Ladipoe, Rozzz & Morrelo – Hallelujah
Magnito – Canada
Jeriq – Ije Nwoke
Best Vocal Performance (Female)
Ayra Starr – Last Heartbreak Song
Niniola – Level
Simi – Stranger
Liya – I’m Done —Winner
Yemi Alade – Tomorrow
Music Video of the Year
Rema – Charm (Dir. Perliks & Folarin Oludare)
Jyde Ajala – Metaverse
Perliks & Emeka Shine Shine – Like Ice Spice
Mattmax – Ojapiano
Director Pink – Egwu — Winner
TG Omori – Showa
Dammy Twitch – Na Money
Best Street-Hop Artiste
Seyi Vibez – Different Pattern
Ayo Maff feat. Fireboy DML – Dealer
Shallipopi feat. Odumodublvck – Cast
Zhus Jdo – Johnbull
Mohbad – Ask About Me — Winner
Afrobeats Single of the Year
Young Jonn feat. Kizz Daniel & Seyi Vibez – Big Big Things
Kizz Daniel – Twe Twe Remix
Chike feat. Mohbad – Egwu
Asake – Remember
Hyce, Boypee & Brown Joel feat. Davido – Ogechi Remix
Flavour – Big Baller — Winner
Viewers’ Choice Award
Young Jonn feat. Kizz Daniel & Seyi Vibez – Big Big Things
Hyce, Boypee & Brown Joel feat. Davido – Ogechi Remix
Chike & Mohbad – Egwu — Winner
Rema – Ozeba
Seyi Vibez – Different Pattern
Kizz Daniel – Showa
Tems – Love Me Jeje
Shallipopi feat. Odumodublvck – Cast
Flavour feat. Fireboy – Dealer
Flavour – Big Baller
Digital Artiste of the Year
Ayra Starr
Rema
Shallipopi
Tems
Davido — Winner
Kizz Daniel
Asake
Song of the Year
Showa – Kizz Daniel
Commas – Ayra Starr
Egwu – Chike and Mohbad
Lonely at the Top – Asake — Winner
Ozeba – Rema
Big Baller – Flavour
Best Vocal Performance Male
Lojay — Billions — Winner
Best Movie Soundtrack
A Tribe Called Judah — Winner
Special Recognition Awards
Babajide Sanwo-Olu, Lagos State Governor
Alex Okosi
Amaju Pinnick
Kcee
Humanitarian awards
Temitola Adekunle Johnson
Mitchell Mukoro
Best East African Artiste
Bien (Kenya)
Diamond Platnumz (Tanzania)
Juma Jux (Tanzania) -Winner
Bruce Melodie (Rwanda)
Azawi (Uganda)
Best Central African Artiste
Innoss’B (DRC) — Winner
Gaz Mawete (DRC)
Emma’A (Gabon)
Eboloko (Gabon)
Singuila (Central African Republic)
Kocee (Cameroon)
The Headies Awards 2025 was a night of glitz, glamour, and powerful recognition — a true testament to the vibrant evolution of African music.
