The Headies Academy has officially unveiled the lineup of performers for the 17th edition of the prestigious music awards, scheduled to take place on April 27, 2025, at the Landmark Event Centre in Lagos.
This year’s edition, tagged “Back to Base,” marks a significant return to Nigeria after two consecutive editions were hosted in the United States.
Among the headline performers is the buzzing street-hop sensation, Shallipopi, who has earned six nominations, including the much-coveted Next Rated award.
Speaking on his upcoming performance, Shallipopi expressed excitement, saying, “It’s an honor to perform on such a big stage. The Headies is a dream for every artist coming up from the street.”
Joining Shallipopi on stage are fellow Next Rated nominees Qing Madi and Nasboi, both of whom have gained major recognition for their breakout songs over the past year.
Their inclusion in the performance lineup has further stirred excitement among fans, especially those rooting for the new wave of Nigerian pop stars.
Nasboi, reacting to the announcement via social media, wrote, “I started with skits, but music has always been the goal. Now I’m performing at the Headies? God is too good!” Qing Madi, whose soulful sound has resonated with younger audiences, stated, “This platform means a lot. I’m ready to give a performance that speaks to every young girl chasing a dream.”
Also confirmed for the event is Chike, the vocal powerhouse and previous Headies award winner, who secured four nominations this year, including Song of the Year.
Known for his emotional performances and impressive stage presence, Chike is expected to deliver one of the night’s most memorable sets.
Reflecting on his journey, he said, “From my first Headies nomination to now, it’s been a beautiful ride. This year’s performance is special for me—it’s about showing gratitude through music.”
Chike’s performance comes at a time when his music continues to gain international traction, further cementing his position as one of the most consistent voices in Afrobeats.
Another major highlight will be the appearance of Flavour, a revered icon in the Nigerian music industry, who will be performing as part of his celebration as a recipient of the Headies Lifetime Achievement Award.
Flavour, whose influence spans over a decade, expressed his appreciation: “This award is not just for me, it’s for the culture and the people who’ve supported me from the streets of Enugu to the global stage. I’m coming to the Headies stage to give them a performance they’ll never forget.”
His presence adds a touch of legacy and continuity to a night largely dominated by younger acts.
The Headies’ return to Nigerian soil has been described as a homecoming, especially after criticism regarding its previous editions held in the U.S.
During a premiere event hosted by the United States Consular General, the Lagos State Commissioner for Tourism welcomed the decision, stating, “Bringing the Headies back to Nigeria is not only symbolic, it’s strategic. Lagos is the heartbeat of African music, and this is where the magic happens. We’re proud to host it again.”
The ceremony is the first of two editions planned for 2025, with the second set for December—a bold move by the Headies Academy to address the recurring gap year issue that has previously led to scheduling controversies and delayed recognitions.
While anticipation for the ceremony continues to build, the nominations list has sparked conversations across the music industry. Leading the pack are Rema, Tems, OdumoduBlvck, and Ayra Starr, artists who have shaped the sound of Afrobeats over the last year.
However, the list has not been without controversy. Observers have pointed out notable omissions and questioned the eligibility of certain entries. There are growing concerns that the Academy may have disregarded its own submission timeline and content rules.
A prominent music critic tweeted, “We need transparency. If guidelines are not followed, it puts the credibility of the awards in jeopardy.”
Addressing some of these concerns in a recent interview, Headies Executive Producer Ayo Animashaun expressed his disappointment over the lukewarm support the award show has received in recent years.
“It’s sad that the Grammy is more celebrated in Nigeria than the Headies, which was built here for our people. We don’t have to wait for foreign validation to celebrate excellence,” he said.
He also emphasized the Academy’s renewed commitment to upholding integrity, relevance, and representation through this year’s ceremonies.
With the new two-edition calendar and a solid performance lineup, the Headies appears ready to reclaim its standing as Africa’s premier music awards show.
