The 17th edition of the prestigious Headies Awards, tagged ‘Back to Base’, was held on Sunday at the Landmark Event Centre, Lekki, marking a vibrant return to Nigeria after two years abroad.
The ceremony was hosted by the dynamic duo of actress and media personality Nancy Isime and veteran broadcaster, IK Osakioduwa, who brought charisma, humour, and energy to the stage.
It was a night dedicated to celebrating outstanding achievements across the Nigerian and African music industries, recognising artists, producers, and creatives who have made remarkable contributions over the past year.
The night was further enlivened by electrifying performances from some of the continent’s brightest stars, including Qing Madi, L.A.X, Odumodublvck, Kcee, Shallipopi, Flavour, Juma Jux, Nasboi, Magnito, and more.
Tanzanian singer, Juma Jux, enjoyed a memorable night, taking home the award for Best East African Artiste of the Year, triumphing over other notable nominees such as Bien (Kenya), Diamond Platnumz (Tanzania), Bruce Melodie (Rwanda), and Azawi (Uganda).
He also thrilled the audience with a captivating live performance.
One of the night’s most emotional highlights was the presentation of the Special Recognition Award to Limpopo master, Kcee.
The accolade honoured his enduring contributions to the Nigerian music industry, his cultural impact, and his impressive artistic evolution over the past 26 years.
In a deeply moving moment, the late Mohbad was posthumously honoured with the Best Street-Hop Artiste award for his hit single “Ask About Me.”
His family—including his wife and young son, Liam—accepted the award on his behalf, receiving a standing ovation from the audience.
The ceremony also featured a heartfelt tribute, celebrating Mohbad’s profound impact on the music industry and the legacy he left behind.
In addition to his win, Mohbad earned multiple posthumous nominations, including Best Collaboration for “Egwu” with Chike and Afrobeats Single of the Year for the same track. These nominations and his posthumous recognition underscore the enduring resonance of his music and the irreplaceable void his passing has left in the industry.
There was mild drama when the organisers of the event stylishly requested Odumodublvck, who won the Next Rated Category, to leave the stage while he was giving a long speech after receiving his award.
The celebrated rapper who stormed the stage with his mom and an entourage of friends and record label team blatantly refused to leave the stage till the organisers eventually switched on his microphone, which was initially switched off and allowed him to finish his speech.
See full list of winners below :
Best Recording of the Year
Tems – Burning — Winner
Burna Boy – Higher
Ayra Starr & Giveon – Last Heartbreak Song
Sarz feat. Lojay – Billions
Producer of the Year
Sarz – Happiness
London – Ozeba — Winner
Magicsticks – Basquiat
Rema/Producer X/Cubeatz/Deatz/Klimperboy – Hehehe
Dibs – Different Pattern
Next Rated
Qing Madi
Shallipopi
Odumodublvck — Winner
Ayo Maff
Nasboi
Afrobeats Album of the Year
Stubborn – Victony
Work of Art – Asake
The Year I Turned 21 – Ayra Starr
Heis – Rema — Winner
Jiggy Forever – Young Jonn
Songwriter of the Year
Simi – Stranger
Qing Madi – Vision -Winner
Llona – Can’t Breathe
Bloody Civilian – Family Meeting
Wizard Chan – Stages of Life
Rookie of the Year
Llona
Kaestyle
Taves
Zerrydl— Winner
Best Rap Single
Shallipopi feat. Odumodublvck – Cast — Winner
Odumodublvck feat. Bloody Civilian & Wale – Blood on the Dance Floor
Ladipoe, Rozzz & Morrelo – Hallelujah
Magnito – Canada
Jeriq – Ije Nwoke
