The 17th Headies Awards, held on Sunday in Lagos, Nigeria, showcased remarkable achievements across the African music scene.
Zerry DL bagged the Rookie of the Year award, while Davido claimed Digital Artist of the Year. Rema‘s album HEIS won Afrobeats Album of the Year, and Tems earned Best Recording of the Year for “Burning.”
In a moment of excitement, Odumodublvck took home the prestigious Next Rated Artist award, triumphing over fellow nominees Shallipopi, Qing Madi, and Ayo Maff. The event also celebrated influential figures in music and culture with Special Recognition Awards for Lagos State Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu, Alex Okosi, and Amaju Pinnick.
This year marks a unique double edition of the awards, with the 18th edition scheduled for December to compensate for the 2024 absence.
Full list of winners at the 2025 Headies Awards
Rookie of the Year: Zerry DL
Soundtrack of the Year: “Tribe Called Judah Soundtrack” – TCJ & Abbey Wonder (A Tribe Called Judah Soundtrack)
Best Recording of the Year: “Burning” – Tems
Best Vocal Performance (Male): “Billions” – Lojay
Best Vocal Performance (Female): “I’m Done” – Liya
Special Recognition Award Recipients: Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu; Alex Okosi; Amaju Pinnick
Songwriter of the Year: “Vision” – Chimamanda Pearl Chukwuma (Qing Madi)
Producer of the Year: “OZEBA” – London
Afrobeats Album of the Year: HEIS – Rema
Music Video of the Year: “EGWU” – Director Pink
Afrobeats Single of the Year: “Big Baller” – Flavour
Headies’ Viewers’ Choice: “Egwu” – Chike & Mohbad
Headies Next Rated: Odumodublvck
Digital Artiste of the Year: Davido
Best Rap Single: “Cast” – Shallipopi & Odumodublvck
Best East African Artiste of the Year: Juma Jux (Tanzania)
Best Street-hop Artiste: Mohbad – Ask About Me
Song of the Year: “Lonely at the Top” – Asake
Best Central African Artiste of the Year: Innoss’B (DRC)
