Nigeria’s most prestigious music award ceremony, The Headies, is set to make a grand return in April 2025. The 17th edition of the highly anticipated awards will take place on April 5, 2025, in Lagos, Nigeria.
This announcement was made by the Executive Producer, Ayo Animashaun, during an unveiling event on Tuesday, January 28. With this revelation, the countdown to one of the biggest nights in African music has officially begun, promising an electrifying celebration of talent, achievements, and cultural impact.
Festivities surrounding the 17th Headies Awards are scheduled to kick off in March 2025, featuring a series of pre-event activities leading up to the grand ceremony on April 5. In a historic twist, The Headies will break new ground by hosting two editions within a single calendar year, as the 18th edition has been slated for December 2025.
This marks a significant shift in the award’s timeline and structure, demonstrating the organizers’ commitment to maintaining consistency and honoring the annual cycle of the awards despite prior disruptions.
Speaking on the decision to hold two editions in one year, Ayo Animashaun explained that the 17th edition was originally planned for 2024 but had to be postponed due to unforeseen circumstances. To realign with its traditional calendar, the Academy made the strategic decision to host another edition before the year ends.
“The Headies has always followed a strict annual timeline, and we are committed to upholding that standard. This is why we have scheduled the 18th edition for December 2025, ensuring we stay on track moving forward,” he stated.
According to Animashaun, the nomination window for the 17th edition spans from April 1, 2023, to July 31, 2024, while the 18th edition will cover the latter half of 2024 and a significant portion of 2025.
One of the most exciting aspects of the upcoming 17th edition is its return to Nigeria after two consecutive years of being held abroad. The 16th edition of The Headies took place in Atlanta, USA, marking the second time the ceremony was hosted outside the country.
While the decision to move the awards overseas was met with mixed reactions, organizers cited logistical challenges and high planning costs as primary reasons for the temporary relocation.
With the awards now making a comeback to Lagos, fans and industry stakeholders eagerly anticipate an event that not only celebrates Nigerian music but also reinforces its global influence.
The official host and venue for the 17th Headies Awards are yet to be announced, but anticipation is already building. Since its inception in 2006, The Headies has remained one of the most coveted awards in the Nigerian music industry, serving as a benchmark for excellence and recognition.
The return of the awards to its home soil is expected to reignite the vibrant energy that has defined it over the years, further solidifying its legacy as the ultimate celebration of African music.
