The countdown to the 17th edition of the Headies Awards is officially on, and the excitement just got realer! The Headies Academy has unveiled a fresh lineup of performers set to hit the stage for what promises to be a spectacular night celebrating Afrobeats excellence.
Shallipopi, who’s been making serious waves with six nominations—including a spot in the coveted Next Rated category—has been confirmed as one of the main performers. He’ll be joined by fellow Next Rated nominees Nasboi and Qing Madi, both ready to light up the stage with their buzzworthy sounds.
Another major highlight? Award-winning singer Chike, who racked up four nominations this year (including Song of the Year), will be delivering a live performance. Fans can expect his usual blend of soul and energy.
Also performing is the legendary Flavour, a past Lifetime Achievement Award honoree, who’s set to bring a touch of classic brilliance to the night.
This year’s theme, “Back to Base,” marks a special homecoming as the award show returns to Nigeria after being hosted in the U.S. for the past two editions. The grand event will take place on April 27, 2025, at the Landmark Event Centre in Lagos.
Interestingly, the Headies is planning not just one, but two ceremonies in 2025—the second edition is slated for December, as the Academy works to close the infamous “gap year” and bring more consistency to the show.
Nominations for this year’s awards were announced earlier, with Rema, Odumodublvck, Tems, and Ayra Starr leading the pack. However, the list sparked mixed reactions due to a few surprising omissions and allegations of guideline violations.
In a recent interview, Headies Executive Producer Ayo Animashaun expressed concern over the declining local support for the awards, even noting that the Grammy now commands more attention in Nigeria.
At a premiere event hosted by the U.S. Consular General, the Lagos State Commissioner for Tourism celebrated the return of the awards to Nigerian soil, calling it a positive move for the country’s music and entertainment scene.
With a star-studded lineup and high anticipation, the 17th Headies Awards is shaping up to be one for the books!
