The 17th Headies Awards — officially themed “Back to Base” — lit up Lagos on April 27, 2025, after a short delay from its original April 5 date. Held at the Landmark Event Centre, the prestigious ceremony again brought the Nigerian entertainment industry together, honouring the best of Afrobeats, Hip-Hop, R&B, and beyond.
For the first time, media personality Nancy Isime hosted the event solo, marking a historic moment for the show. She handled the night with her signature poise and style, setting a new standard for future hosts.
This year’s Headies Awards delivered powerful performances, major award wins, a fashion-forward red carpet, and a few viral surprises. Here’s everything you need to know about the Headies Awards 2025.
Key Highlights of the Night
Special Recognition
Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu at the 2025 Headies Awards.
The Headies honoured Lagos State Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu, YouTube executive Alex Okosi, and former Nigerian Football Federation president Amaju Pinnick for their entertainment and youth development contributions.
Live Performances
Nigerian singer, Flavour
Top artists like Shallipopi, Chike, Flavour, Nasboi, and Qing Madi energised the crowd with dynamic performances that fused traditional Nigerian sounds with contemporary vibes.
Next Rated Award
Odumodublvck wins Next Rated at the Headies Award 2025
One of the biggest moments was rising star Odumodublvck’s win of the Next Rated title—a career-defining award in Nigerian music.
2025 Headies Award Winners
Afrobeat sensation, Davido wins Artiste of the Year at the 2025 Headies Award
The 2025 edition presented 31 categories, including two brand-new ones—Soundtrack of the Year and Best Performer (Live)—showing the organisers’ intent to expand recognition across different aspects of music.
Some major winners included
Odumodublvck – Next Rated
Davido – Digital Artist of the Year
Rema – Afrobeats Album of the Year
The full nominees list covered singles, albums, videos, collaborations, genre awards, and even continental categories. (Note: Eligibility spanned from April 1, 2023, to July 31, 2024.)
Sources confirm that all winners were announced live during the ceremony, with official updates provided via Headies media channels.
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Here’s the complete list of winners at the 17th Headies Awards:
Rookie of the Year
Zerry DL — Winner
Taves
Kaestyle
Llona
Soundtrack of the Year
“Tribe Called Judah Soundtrack” – TCJ and Abbey Wonder (A Tribe Called Judah Soundtrack) — Winner
“Eledumare” – Teledalase (Anikulapo: Rise of the Spectre)
“Lose to Gain” – Kaline (Breathe of Life)
“Kill Boro” – Native Filmworks and Wizard Chan (Kill Boro)
“Orisa” – Beriola (Orisa)
“Emotions” – Tiwa Savage and Asa (Water and Garri)
Best Recording of the Year
“Burning” – Tems — Winner
“Different Patterns” – Seyi Vibez
“Higher” – Burna Boy
“Last Heartbreak Song” – Ayra Starr and Giveon
“Billions” – Sarz and Lojay
Best Vocal Performance (Male)
“Billions” – Lojay — Winner
“Moving” – Omah Lay
“Gratitude” – Anendlessocean
“For You” – Johnny Drille
“Ke Na Ke So” – Timi Dakolo
Best Vocal Performance (Female)
“I’m Done” – Liya — Winner
“Last Song Heartbreak” – Ayra Starr
“Level” – Niniola
“Stranger” – Simi
“Tomorrow” – Yemi Alade
Special Recognition Award Recipients
Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu of Lagos
Alex Okosi
Amaju Pinnick
Songwriter of the Year
“Vision” – Chimamanda Pearl Chukwuma (Qing Madi) — Winner
“Stranger” – Simisola Kosoko (Simi)
“Can’t Breathe” – Michael Ajuma Attah (Llona)
“Family Meeting” – Emoseh Khamofu (Bloody Civilian)
“Stages of Life” – Fuayefika Maxwell (Wizard Chan)
Humanitarian Award Recipients
Temitola Adekunle Johnson
Michelle Mukoro (King Mitchy)
Producer of the Year
“OZEBA” – London — Winner
“Happiness” – Sarz
“Basquiat” – Magicsticks
“HEHEHE” – Rema, Producer X, Cubeatz, Deatz and Klimperboy
“Different Patterns” – Dibs
Afrobeats Album of the Year
HEIS – Rema — Winner
Stubborn – Victony
Work of Art – Asake
The Year I Turned 21 – Ayra Starr
Jiggy Forever – Young Jonn
Music Video of the Year
“EGWU” – Director Pink — Winner
“Charm” – Rema, Perliks and Folarin Oludare
“Metaverse” – Jyde Ajala
“Like Ice Spice” – Perliks and Emeka Shine Shine
“Ojapiano” – Mattmax
“Showa” – TG Omori
“Na Money” – Dammy Twitch
Afrobeats Single of the Year
“Big Baller” – Flavour — Winner
“Big Big Things” – Young Jonn (feat Kizz Daniel and Seyi Vibez)
“Twe Twe Remix” – Kizz Daniel
“Egwu” – Chike (feat. Mohbad)
“Remember” – Asake
“Ogechi Remix” – Hyce, Boypee, and Brown Joel (feat Davido)
Headies’ Viewers’ Choice
“Egwu” – Chike & Mohbad — Winner
“Big Baller” – Flavour
“Big Big Things” – Young Jonn (feat. Kizz Daniel and Seyi Vibez)
“Ogechi Remix” – Hyce, Boypee, and Brown Joel (feat. Davido)
“Showa” – Kizz Daniel
“Different Pattern” – Seyi Vibez
“OZEBA” – Rema
“Love Me Jeje” – Tems
“Cast” – Shallipopi (feat. Odumodublvck)
“Dealer” – Ayo Maff (feat. Fireboy DML)
Headies Next Rated
Odumodublvck — Winner
Qing Madi
Shallipopi
Ayo Maff
Nasboi
Best Digital Artist of the Year
Davido — Winner
Ayra Starr
Rema
Shallipopi
Tems
Kizz Daniel
Asake
Best East African Artist of the Year
Juma Jux (Tanzania) — Winner
Bien (Kenya)
Diamond Platnumz (Tanzania)
Bruce Melodie (Rwanda)
Azawi (Uganda)
Fashion and Style at the Headies 2025
Nigerian singer, Waje.
The Headies 2025 red carpet was nothing short of a fashion spectacle.
Ahead of the show, organisers even issued a “Style Guide,” urging guests to embrace bold, culturally inspired Nigerian looks. Attendees did not disappoint.
Some standout fashion moments included:
The controversial social media figure, Verydarkman, made waves with his flamboyant and daring outfit, sparking massive conversation online.
Nancy Isime, the solo host, was praised for her series of elegant outfit changes that paid homage to African heritage while keeping it ultra-modern.
Annie Macaulay (formerly Annie Idibia) stole the spotlight with her stunning appearance and a nearly viral moment when she almost introduced herself by her former surname live on stage.
Artists like Tems and Ayra Starr graced the event with impeccable style, blending Afrofuturistic elements with glamorous, edgy designs.
Critics and fans alike praised the night’s fashion as vibrant, bold, and uniquely Nigerian. The influence of Afrofuturism, traditional motifs, and retro-modern blends stood out firmly, perfectly matching the “Back to Base” theme.
Viral Moments from the Headies 2025
Nigerian activist, VeryDarkMan.
Aside from the awards and performances, a few moments had fans buzzing:
Annie Macaulay’s slip with her maiden name trended across X (formerly Twitter) almost instantly.
VeryDarkMan’s outfit stirred heated debates between fans who applauded his boldness and critics who felt it was too over-the-top.
Late singer Mohbad received a posthumous award, winning the “Best Street-Hop Artiste.” Fans and celebrities criticised the award’s organisers for awarding the late singer, noting that he wouldn’t have been considered if he were alive.
Nancy Isime’s groundbreaking hosting also trended positively, inspiring many young women in the industry.
Conclusion
The 17th Headies Awards, held in Lagos, delivered everything fans expected: star power, stunning fashion, major career milestones, and a celebration of Nigerian music’s past, present, and future.
The Headies Awards 2025 once again proved why it remains Nigeria’s most prestigious music award show, setting the tone for African music on the global stage.
Stay updated with the latest entertainment news and fashion trends in Nigeria here.
FAQs
- Where was the Headies 2025 held?
The 17th Headies Awards occurred at the Landmark Event Centre in Lagos, Nigeria.
- Who hosted the Headies Awards 2025?
Nancy Isime hosted solo, making history as the first woman to host the Headies alone.
- Who won the Next Rated award in 2025?
Rising star Odumodublvck won the highly coveted Next Rated award.
- What was the theme of the 2025 Headies Awards?
The theme was “Back to Base,” encouraging a return to cultural roots and traditional influences.
- What new award categories were introduced in 2025?
The 2025 ceremony introduced two new categories: Soundtrack of the Year and Best Performer (Live).
