The prestigious Nigerian music awards, The Headies, is set to make history in 2025 with two editions in the same year. Organizers have announced that the 17th edition will take place on April 5, 2025, in Lagos, Nigeria, while the 18th edition is scheduled for December. This marks a significant moment in the award’s history, as it returns to its home country after two consecutive editions were held abroad.
The announcement was made by The Headies’ Executive Producer, Ayo Animashaun, during an unveiling event on January 28, 2025. He explained that the 17th edition was originally scheduled to hold in 2024 but had to be postponed due to unforeseen circumstances. However, since The Headies follows an annual calendar, the Academy decided to move forward with the 17th edition in early 2025 while still maintaining a second edition within the same year.
Fans and industry stakeholders will have a lot to look forward to, as The Headies has also revealed the nomination window for the upcoming awards. The 17th edition will recognize songs and projects released between April 1, 2023, and July 31, 2024. Meanwhile, the 18th edition will likely cover music released in the latter half of 2024 and most of 2025. This move ensures that no major projects are left unrecognized due to the earlier delay.
The return of The Headies to Nigeria is another major highlight of the announcement. The last two editions of the award were held in Atlanta, USA, a decision that sparked mixed reactions from fans and industry insiders. Ayo Animashaun cited the high costs of planning as the reason for temporarily hosting the event abroad. However, with the awards now returning to Lagos, many see this as a positive development for the Nigerian music industry.
While the official host and venue for the 17th edition have yet to be announced, expectations are high for a grand and memorable event. Since its inception in 2006, The Headies has played a crucial role in celebrating African music excellence, recognizing both emerging talents and established superstars.
With the announcement of two editions in 2025, The Headies is reaffirming its commitment to honoring the best of Nigerian and African music. Fans can expect an exciting year filled with music, competition, and celebration as the biggest names in the industry gear up for one of the most highly anticipated awards in African entertainment.
