The Headies Academy has officially unveiled the nomination list for the 17th edition of Nigeria’s most prestigious music awards.
This announcement has set the stage for what promises to be a highly competitive event, featuring some of the biggest hits and critically acclaimed albums released between 2023 and 2024.
The Headies, known for celebrating excellence in Nigerian and African music, will be returning to Nigeria after hosting two consecutive editions in the United States.
This move has generated excitement among fans, industry stakeholders, and artists alike, as the award show reclaims its roots in Lagos, a city regarded as the heartbeat of Afrobeats.
According to the organizers, eligibility for nomination was based strictly on music materials released and distributed across digital streaming platforms and physical media such as cassettes, CDs, and vinyl.
Only songs, videos, live recordings, EPs, and albums released between April 1, 2023, and July 31, 2024, were considered.
“We remain committed to upholding the highest standards in recognizing artistic excellence,” the Headies Academy stated, emphasizing its dedication to transparency and fairness in the selection process.
One of the most highly anticipated and fiercely contested categories remains the Next Rated award. Over the years, this category has served as a launchpad for some of Nigeria’s biggest music stars, solidifying their place in the industry.
This year’s nominees—OdumoduBlvck, Shallipopi, Ayo Maff, Qing Madi, and Nasboi—have all achieved remarkable commercial success and mainstream recognition.
Each of them has built a strong fan base and delivered hit songs that have resonated with audiences both locally and internationally. “Being nominated alone is a big deal because it means your work is being recognized,” said Shallipopi in a recent interview.
Among this year’s contenders, OdumoduBlvck stands out with the most impressive Headies track record. At the 16th edition, he clinched both the Best Rap Song and Rookie of the Year awards, cementing his reputation as one of Nigeria’s most promising hip-hop artists.
His rapid rise has positioned him as a strong favorite for the Next Rated title, but he faces stiff competition from the other nominees, each bringing a unique sound and style to the table.
“Winning Best Rap Song and Rookie of the Year last year was a huge moment for me. Now, being nominated for Next Rated shows how far I’ve come,” OdumoduBlvck shared on social media.
Meanwhile, the Rookie of the Year category is also generating buzz, with Taves, Zerrydl, Kaestyle, and Llona making the shortlist.
These rising stars have been recognized for their potential and impact on the industry since making their debut. The winner will succeed OdumoduBlvck, who took home the honor last year.
“This category has always been about discovering the future of Nigerian music. It’s amazing to be part of this journey,” said Kaestyle, reacting to his nomination.
With multiple competitive categories and a diverse array of nominees, the 17th Headies is shaping up to be a landmark event. Fans are already speculating about potential winners, and the excitement is building as the date for the grand ceremony approaches.
Many believe this edition will not only celebrate individual achievements but also highlight the global influence of Nigerian music. The return of the award show to Nigeria adds an extra layer of anticipation, with expectations of a spectacular production that showcases the country’s rich musical heritage.
As the countdown begins, all eyes are on the nominees, who will be hoping to etch their names in the Headies Hall of Fame.
With high-profile performances, special recognitions, and intense competition across various categories, the 17th edition is expected to be one of the most memorable in recent years.
The Headies Academy has assured fans that this year’s event will be a true celebration of artistry, creativity, and excellence in African music.
See the full nominations list below:
BEST RECORDING OF THE YEAR
TEMS – BURNING
SEYI VIBEZ – DIFFERENT PATTERN
BURNA BOY – HIGHER
AYRA STARR & GIVEON – LAST HEARTBREAK SONG
SARZ FEATURING LOJAY – BILLIONS
PRODUCER OF THE YEAR
SARZ – HAPPINESS
LONDON – OZEBA
MAGICSTICKS – BASQUIAT
REMA/PRODUCER X/CUBEATZ/DEATZ/KLIMPERBOY – HEHEHE
DIBS – DIFFERENT PATTERN
SONGWRITER OF THE YEAR
SIMISOLA KOSOKO – STRANGER (SIMI)
CHIMAMANDA PEARL CHUKWUMA – VISION (QING MADI)
MICHAEL AJUMA ATTAH – CAN’T BREATHE (LLONA)
EMOSEH KHAMOFU – FAMILY MEETING (BLOODY CIVILIAN)
FUAYEFIKA MAXWELL – STAGES OF LIFE (WIZARD CHAN)
BEST R&B SINGLE
QING MADI – VISION
JOHNNY DRILLE – FOR YOU
SIMI – STRANGER
TEMS – BURNING
AYRA STARR – LAST HEARTBREAK SONG FT. GIVEON
ROOKIE OF THE YEAR
LLONA
KAESTYLE
TAVES
ZERRYDL
BEST RAP SINGLE
CAST – ODUMODUBLVCK FEAT SHALLIPOPI
BLOOD ON THE DANCE FLOOR – ODUMODUBLVCK FEAT BLOODY CIVILIAN & WALE –
HALLELUJAH – LADIPOE, ROZZZ & MORRELO
CANADA – MAGNITO
IJE NWOKE – JERIQ
BEST VOCAL PERFORMANCE (FEMALE)
AYRA STARR – LAST HEARTBREAK SONG
NINIOLA – LEVEL
SIMI – STRANGER
LIYA – I’M DONE
TOMORROW – YEMI ALADE
MUSIC VIDEO OF THE YEAR
CHARM – (REMA X PERLIKS X FOLARIN OLUDARE)
METAVERSE – (JYDE AJALA)
LIKE ICE SPICE – (PERLIKS & EMEKA SHINE SHINE)
OJAPIANO – (MATTMAX)
EGWU – (DIRECTOR PINK)
SHOWA – (TG OMORI)
NA MONEY – (DAMMY TWITCH)
BEST COLLABORATION
EMOTIONS – TIWA SAVAGE FEAT. ASA
BLOOD ON THE DANCE FLOOR – ODUMODUBLVCK, BLOODY CIVILIAN, AND WALE
CAST – SHALLIPOPI FT ODUMODUBLVCK
EGWU – CHIKE & MOHBAD
OLE – QING MADI & BNXN
TWE TWE REMIX – KIZZ DANIEL & DAVIDO
IDK – WIZKID FT. ZLATAN
BEST STREET-HOP ARTISTE
SEYI VIBEZ – “DIFFERENT PATTERNS”
AYO MAFF – DEALER (FT. FIREBOY DML)
SHALLIPOPI – CAST (FT. ODUMODUBLVCK)
ZHUS JDO – JOHNBULL
MOHBAD – ASK ABOUT ME
AFROBEATS SINGLE OF THE YEAR
BIG BIG THINGS – YOUNG JONN FT. KIZZ DANIEL AND SEYI VIBEZ
TWE TWE REMIX – KIZZ DANIEL
EGWU FEAT. MOHBAD – CHIKE
REMEMBER – ASAKE
OGECHI REMIX – HYCE, BOYPEE, AND BROWN JOEL FT. DAVIDO
BIG BALLER – FLAVOR
LYRICIST ON THE ROLL
MOGADISHU – A-Q
CHOCOLATE CITY CYPHER – M.I ABAGA
CHOCOLATE CITY CYPHER – BLAQBONEZ
HALLELUJAH – LADIPOE
EFELEME – ALPHA OJINI
BEST INSPIRATIONAL SINGLE ARE
GRATITUDE – ANENDLESSOCEAN
WORTHY OF MY PRAISE – DUNSIN OYEKAN FT. LAWRENCE OYOR
GOOD GOD 2 – LIMOBLAZE FT. NAOMI RAINE
PARTICULARLY – GAISE BABA FT. TOPE ALABI
YOU DO THIS ONE – MERCY CHINWO
VIEWERS CHOICE AWARDS
BIG BIG THINGS – YOUNG JONN FT. KIZZ DANIEL AND SEYI VIBEZ
OGECHI REMIX – HYCE, BOYPEE, AND BROWN JOEL FT. DAVIDO
EGWU – CHIKE & MOHBAD
OZEBA – REMA
DIFFERENT PATTERN – SEYI VIBEZ
SHOWA – KIZZ DANIEL
LOVE ME JEJE – TEMS
CAST – SHALLIPOPI FT. ODUMODUBLVCK
DEALER – FLAVOUR FT. FIREBOY
BIG BALLER – FLAVOUR
BEST WEST AFRICAN ARTISTE OF THE YEAR
BLACK SHERIF (GHANA)
KING PROMISE (GHANA)
HIMRA (IVORY COAST)
JOSEY (IVORY COAST)
TOOFAN (TOGO)
BEST EAST AFRICAN ARTISTE OF THE YEAR
BIEN (KENYA)
DIAMOND PLATNUMZ (TANZANIA)
JUMA JUX (TANZANIA)
BRUCE MELODIE (RWANDA)
AZAWI (UGANDA)
BEST NORTH AFRICAN ARTISTE OF THE YEAR
MOHAMED RAMADAN (EGYPT)
ELGRANDE TOTO (MOROCCO)
SOOLKING (ALGERIA)
BALTI (TUNISIA)
ABU (EYGPT)
BEST SOUTHERN AFRICAN ARTISTE OF THE YEAR
TITOM (SOUTH AFRICA)
YUPPE (SOUTH AFRICA)
TYLA (SOUTH AFRICA)
KELLY KAY (MALAWI)
PLUTONIO (MOZAMBIQUE)
ZEE NXUMALO (SOUTH AFRICA)
BEST CENTRAL AFRICAN ARTISTE OF THE YEAR
• INNOSS’B (DRC)
• GAZ MAWETE (DRC)
• EMMA’ A (GABON)
• EBOLOKO (GABON)
• SINGUILA. (CENTRAL AFRICAN REPUBLIC)
• KOCEE (CAMEROON)
BEST RAP ALBUM
SIDEH KAI – ILLBLISS
EZIOKWU – ODUMODUBLVCK
ALAYE TOH SE GOGO VOL. 1 – REMINISCE
FAMILY TIME – ERIGGA
SHINY OBJECT SYNDROME – MODENINE
HEADIES NEXT RATED
QING MADI
SHALLIPOPI
ODUMODUBLVCK
AYO MAFF
NASBOI
AFROBEATS ALBUM OF THE YEAR
• STUBBORN – VICTONY
• WORK OF ART – ASAKE
• THE YEAR I TURNED 21 – AYRA STARR
• HEIS – REMA
• JIGGY FOREVER – YOUNG JONN
DIGITAL ARTISTE OF THE YEAR
• AYRA STARR
• REMA
• SHALLIPOPI
• TEMS
• DAVIDO
• KIZZ DANIEL
• ASAKE
BEST PERFORMER (LIVE) ARE
• REMA
• OMAH LAY
• FLAVOUR
• WIZARD CHAN
• BURNA BOY
• FEMI KUTI & THE POSITIVE FORCE
SONG OF THE YEAR
• SHOWA – KIZZ DANIEL
• COMMAS – AYRA STARR
• EGWU – CHIKE AND MOHBAD
• LONELY AT THE TOP – ASAKE
• OZEBA – REMA
• BIG BALLER – FLAVOUR
INTERNATIONAL ARTISTE OF THE YEAR
• WALE – BLOOD ON THE DANCE FLOOR (ODUMODUBLVCK)
• SKEPTA – TONY MONTANA (FT. PORTABLE)
• CHRIS BROWN – HMMM (FT. DAVIDO)
• TRAVIS SCOTT – ACTIVE (ASAKE)
• CHLOE BAILEY – VISION REMIX (QING MADI)
ALBUM OF THE YEAR
• BORN IN THE WILD – TEMS
• HEIS – REMA
• THE YEAR I TURNED 21 – AYRA STARR
• STUBBORN – VICTONY
• WORK OF ART – ASAKE
BEST VOCAL PERFORMANCE (MALE)
• LOJAY – BILLIONS
• OMAH LAY – MOVING
• ANENDLESSOCEAN – GRATITUDE
• JOHNNY DRILLE – FOR YOU
• TIMI DAKOLO – KE NA KE SO
ARTISTE OF THE YEAR
• DAVIDO
• AYRA STARR
• ASAKE
• REMA
• TEMS
• BURNA BOY
SOUNDTRACK OF THE YEAR
ELEDUMARE (ANIKULAPO: RISE OF THE SPECTRE)
LOSE TO GAIN (KALINE: BREATHE OF LIFE)
KILL BORO (WIZARD CHAN: KILL BORO)
ORISA (BERIOLA: ORISA)
EMOTIONS (TIWA SAVAGE & ASA: WATER & GARRI)
A TRIBE CALLED JUDAH (ABBEY WONDER & TCJ: A TRIBE CALLED JUDAH)
