The 17th Headies Award took place on April 27, 2025, at the Landmark Event Centre in Lagos, Nigeria.
This prestigious event, which celebrates excellence in Nigerian music, brought together an array of artists, executives, media personalities, and celebrities from various sectors of the Nigerian entertainment industry.
With a grand return to Nigeria after two years in the United States, the event’s theme, “Back to Base,” set the tone for a celebration of local talent and achievements.
The ceremony featured live performances, with many of Nigeria’s biggest stars in attendance, including those receiving prestigious accolades like Lifetime Achievement and Special Recognition awards.
However, amidst the glitz and glamour, one of the standout performers of the evening, rapper Shallipopi, expressed his discontent with how the ceremony unfolded. Shallipopi, whose hit single “Cast,” featuring OdumoduBlvck, won the Best Rap Song award, took to his X account to share his frustration.
In a cryptic post following the event, he wrote, “The next one if una see me make I bend,” a statement that has since sparked discussions online.
His words were likely fueled by the poor organisation that plagued the event, which included delays, disorganised award presentations, and a general lack of professionalism that disappointed both attendees and viewers alike.
In a subsequent post, Shallipopi went a step further, expressing that he didn’t even want the Best Rap Single award he had just won. “I don’t even want the award for Best Rap Single. Give it to those who are actually considered rappers,” he remarked.
His remarks highlighted his disillusionment not only with the event’s execution but also with the way the awards were being presented.
This further added to the growing conversation about the Headies’ waning prestige, as many fans and industry figures have pointed out the event’s declining standards in recent years.
Despite his dissatisfaction, Shallipopi’s presence at the event was significant, as he was nominated for the coveted Next Rated prize.
His growing influence and status in the Nigerian music scene were undeniable, and his performance was one of the highlights of the night.
However, his outspoken comments about the event’s organisation and his apparent frustration with the Headies reflect broader concerns within the industry, with many questioning whether the awards can still maintain their relevance and credibility amid growing criticism.
The 17th Headies ceremony, which had performances from other major stars like Next Rated winner OdumoduBlvck, Lifetime Achievement recipient Flavour, and Special Recognition honoree KCEE, also saw the rise of new talents like Qing Madi and Ayo Maff. International stars such as Tanzanian singer Juma Jux and DR Congo’s Innoss B also graced the stage, adding a touch of global appeal to the event.
Despite the high profile of the performers and the honorees, the night was overshadowed by issues of poor planning and execution, leaving attendees like Shallipopi disillusioned and questioning the future of the Headies as a beacon of excellence in Nigerian music.
