The 17th Headies Awards held on April 27, 2025, at the Landmark Event Centre, Lagos, brought together the brightest stars in African music for a night of celebration, recognition, and outstanding performances.
Hosted by actress Nancy Isime, the ceremony featured electrifying performances from Flavour, Shallipopi, OdumoduBlvck, Qing Madi, Ayo Maff, and KCEE.
It was a night of tough competition, with Rema emerging as the biggest winner thanks to his album HEIS, which clinched both Album of the Year and Afrobeats Album of the Year.
Another emotional highlight was OdumoduBlvck taking home the Next Rated award, accompanied on stage by his mother and his Anti World Gangster crew.
Notably, the Headies returned to Nigerian soil after hosting the previous two editions in the United States.
Here’s the full list of winners at the 17th Headies Awards:
Major Award Winners
- Best Recording of the Year: Burning – TEMS
- Producer of the Year: Ozeba – London
- Songwriter of the Year: Can’t Breathe (Llona) – Michael Ajuma Attah
- Rookie of the Year: ZerryDL
- Best Rap Single: Cast – Shallipopi feat. OdumoduBlvck
- Best Vocal Performance (Female): I’m Done – Liya
- Music Video of the Year: Egwu – Director Pink
- Best Collaboration: Egwu – Chike & Mohbad
- Best Street-Hop Artist: Ask About Me – Mohbad
- Afrobeats Single of the Year: Big Baller – Flavour
- Lyricist on the Roll: Mogadishu – A-Q
Special Genre Categories
- Best Inspirational Single: You Do This One – Mercy Chinwo
- Viewers’ Choice Award: Egwu – Chike & Mohbad
- Best West African Artist of the Year: Himra (Ivory Coast)
- Best East African Artist of the Year: Juma Jux (Tanzania)
- Best North African Artist of the Year: Soolking (Algeria)
- Best Southern African Artist of the Year: Titom (South Africa)
- Best Central African Artist of the Year: Innoss’B (DR Congo)
Album & Artist Awards
- Best Rap Album: Family Time – Erigga
- Headies Next Rated: OdumoduBlvck
- Afrobeats Album of the Year: HEIS – Rema
- Digital Artist of the Year: Davido
- Best Performer (Live): Burna Boy
- Song of the Year: Lonely At The Top – Asake
- International Artist of the Year: Travis Scott (for collaboration with Asake)
- Album of the Year: HEIS – Rema
- Best Vocal Performance (Male): Billions – Lojay
- Artist of the Year: Davido
Special Recognitions
- Soundtrack of the Year: A Tribe Called Judah – Abbey Wonder & TCJ
- Special Recognition Award: Kingsley “KCEE” Okonkwo
It was truly a night to remember, as the Headies once again celebrated the excellence and growth of African music on a grand scale. Congratulations to all the winners!
