Nigeria’s biggest music awards show, The Headies, has officially announced the nomination list for its highly anticipated 17th edition. The list was unveiled on Wednesday, February 12, 2025, setting the stage for what promises to be a landmark event in the country’s entertainment industry.
This year’s edition marks a significant return home for the prestigious awards ceremony, which had previously been held in the United States for the last two editions. Following widespread criticism from Nigerians about the event being hosted abroad, the organizers have decided to bring the celebration back to Nigeria. In a statement shared on Instagram, they confirmed that the 17th Headies Awards will take place on April 5, 2025.
The nomination announcement came just days after the 67th Grammy Awards, where Nigerian singer Tems clinched the Best African Music Performance award, triumphing over fellow heavyweights like Burna Boy and Davido. The eligibility window for nominations in this year’s Headies spans from April 1, 2023, to July 31, 2024, ensuring that only songs released within this period were considered.
Top Nominees and Key Categories
Some of Nigeria’s biggest stars have secured nominations across major categories, with Tems and Ayra Starr leading the pack in the Best Recording of the Year and Best R&B Single categories. The list also highlights rising talents, top producers, and skilled songwriters, showcasing the depth of talent in Nigeria’s music scene.
Best Recording of the Year
• TEMS– Burning
• SEYI VIBEZ– Different Pattern
• BURNA BOY– Higher
• AYRA STARR & GIVEON– Last Heartbreak Song
• SARZ featuring LOJAY– Billions
Rookie of the Year
• ZERRY DL
• TAVES
• KAESTYLES
• LLONA
Producer of the Year
• SARZ– Happiness
• LONDON– Ozeba
• MAGICSTICK– Basquiat
• REMA/PRODUCER X/CUBEATZ/DEATZ/KILMBERBOY– Hehehe
• DIBS– Different Pattern
Best R&B Single
• QING MADI– Vision
• JOHNNY DRILLE– For You
• SIMI– Stranger
• TEMS– Burning
• AYRA STARR featuring GIVEON– Last Heartbreak Song
Songwriter of the Year
• SIMISOLA KOSOKO– Stranger (Simi)
• CHIMAMANDA PEARL CHUKWUMA– Vision (Qing Madi)
• MICHAEL AJUMA ATTAH– Can’t Breathe (Llona)
• EMOSEH KHAMOFU– Family Meeting (Bloody Civilian)
• FUAYEFIKA MAXWELL– Stages of Life (Wizard Chan)
Best Rap Single
• CAST featuring ODUMODU BLVCK– Shallipopi
• ODUMODU BLVCK featuring BLOODY CIVILIAN & WALE– Blood on the Dance Floor
• LADIPOE, ROZZZ & MORRELO– Hallelujah
• MAGNITO– Canada
• JERIQ– Ije Nwoke
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A Return to Tradition
The decision to bring the Headies Awards back to Nigeria is seen as a major move to reconnect with the local audience and reinforce the awards’ identity as the leading recognition platform for African music. While past editions in the U.S. helped give the awards international visibility, many Nigerian music fans and industry stakeholders had voiced concerns about the event losing its essence by being held abroad.
With the return to home soil, anticipation is at an all-time high, and the 17th Headies is expected to celebrate the best of Nigerian music in grand style. The awards night on April 5, 2025, will not only recognize established artists but also spotlight new talents shaping the future of Afrobeats.
As the countdown begins, music lovers eagerly await what promises to be a night of historic moments, electrifying performances, and well-deserved accolades.
