Introduction
The 17th Headies Awards took center stage on Sunday in Lagos, Nigeria, celebrating the remarkable achievements of talents across the Nigerian and African music industries. The event brought together top artists, rising stars, and industry leaders in a grand celebration of musical excellence.
Key Early Winners
Several standout performers were recognized early in the night:
- Zerry DL clinched the Rookie of the Year award, signaling a promising future in the music scene.
- Davido earned the title of Digital Artist of the Year, acknowledging his massive influence and digital reach.
- Rema secured the Afrobeats Album of the Year award for his acclaimed project HEIS.
- Tems was honored with Best Recording of the Year for her song Burning, further cementing her reputation for delivering soulful, impactful music.
Special Recognition Awards
The ceremony also paid tribute to notable personalities who have contributed significantly to the growth of music and culture:
- Babajide Sanwo-Olu, Governor of Lagos State
- Alex Okosi, a key media executive
- Amaju Pinnick, former president of the Nigerian Football Federation
Each recipient was presented with a Special Recognition Award for their influential roles beyond the music industry.
Major Highlights
One of the event’s most exciting moments came when Odumodublvck was announced as the Next Rated Artist. He triumphed over strong contenders, including Shallipopi, Qing Madi, and Ayo Maff, signaling his rising dominance in the industry.
Looking Ahead
This year’s edition of the Headies Awards is unique, as it marks the first of two ceremonies planned for 2025. The 18th Headies Awards are scheduled for December, following the gap year in 2024 due to unforeseen circumstances.
The Headies continues to stand as one of the most prestigious music award platforms, consistently recognizing and celebrating excellence within the Nigerian and African music landscapes.
Here is the full 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)
Read Also: Zerry DL wins Rookie of the Year at 17th Headies Awards
“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)
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 OmoriRelated News
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“Na Money” – Dammy Twitch
Afrobeats Single of the Year
“Big Baller” – Flavour — Winner
“Big Big Things” – Young Jonn (ft. Kizz Daniel and Seyi Vibez)
“Twe Twe Remix” – Kizz Daniel
“Egwu” – Chike (ft. Mohbad)
“Remember” – Asake
“Ogechi Remix” – Hyce, Boypee, and Brown Joel (ft. Davido)
Headies’ Viewers’ Choice
“Egwu” – Chike & Mohbad — Winner
“Big Baller” – Flavour
“Big Big Things” – Young Jonn (ft. Kizz Daniel and Seyi Vibez)
“Ogechi Remix” – Hyce, Boypee, and Brown Joel (ft. Davido)
“Showa” – Kizz Daniel
“Different Pattern” – Seyi Vibez
“OZEBA” – Rema
“Love Me Jeje” – Tems
“Cast” – Shallipopi (ft. Odumodublvck)
“Dealer” – Ayo Maff (ft. Fireboy DML)
Best Central African Artiste of the Year
Innoss’B (DRC) – Winner
Gaz Mawete (DRC)
Emma’A (Gabon)
Ebokolo (Gabon)
Singulila (Central African Republic)
Koceé (Cameroon)
Next Rated
Odumodublvck – Winner
Qing Madi
Shallipopi
Ayo Maff
Digital Artiste of the Year
Davido- Winner
Ayra Starr
Rema
Shallipopi
Tems
Kizz Daniel
Asake
Best Rap Single
Cast – Shallipopi and Odumodublvck – Winner
Blood on the dance floor – Bloody Civilian, Wale and Odumodu Blvck
Hallelujah – Ladipoe, Rozzz, and Morello
Canada – Magnito
Ije Nwoke – Jeriq
Best East African Artiste of the Year
Juma Jux (Tanzania) – Winner
Bien (Kenya)
Diamond Platnumz (Tanzania)
Bruce Melody (Rwanda)
Azawi (Uganda)
Best Street-hop artiste
Mohbad – Ask About me – Winner
Zhus Jdo – Johnbull
Seyi Vibez – Different Patterns
Ayo Maff – Dealer ft (Fire Boy)
Shallipopi – Cast ft (Odumodu Blvck
Song of the Year
Lonely at the Top – Asake – Winner
Egwu – Chike and Mohbad
Ozeba – Rema
Showa – Kizz Daniel
Commas – Ayra Starr
Special Recognition
KCee