April 28, (THEWILL) – The 17th edition of the Headies Awards took place on Sunday, April 27, 2025, at the Landmark Event Centre in Lagos, celebrating outstanding achievements across the Nigerian and African music industries.
Hosted by Nollywood actress and media personality, Nancy Isime, alongside veteran TV and radio presenter, IK Osakioduwa, the ceremony marked a significant return to Nigeria after two consecutive editions in the United States.
This year’s event, themed *Back to Base* and Apologetically African,, showcased a blend of musical excellence and high fashion. Stars walked the red carpet in custom African designs, with notable guests including Lagos State Governor, Babajide Sanwo-Olu; Lagos Commissioner for Information, Gbenga Omotoso; Collins Enebeli Ajereh (father of Mavin Records boss, Don Jazzy); Tanzanian singer Juma Jux and his wife Priscilla; Bamike Olawunmi-Adenibuyan (BamBam); among others.
The night featured performances by some of Africa’s biggest stars, including Qing Madi, Odumodublvck, Shallipopi, and Juma Jux.
An emotional highlight of the evening was a tribute to the late singer, Mohbad, who was posthumously awarded Best Street-Hop Artiste for his hit single Ask About Me. His wife and son accepted the award on his behalf, receiving a standing ovation.
Funke Akindele’s movie, A Tribe Called Judah, also clinched the newly introduced Soundtrack of the Year award.
However, THEWILL gathered that the event was marred by poor time management and technical glitches, forcing organisers to abruptly end the ceremony before winners in some major categories could be announced.
Full List of Winners:
– Best Recording of the Year –Tems – Burning
– Producer of the Year – London – Ozeba
– Next Rated – Odumodublvck
– Afrobeats Album of the Year– Heis – Rema
– Songwriter of the Year – Qing Madi – Vision
– Rookie of the Year– Zerrydl
– Best Rap Single – Shallipopi feat. Odumodublvck – Cast
– Best Vocal Performance (Female) – Liya – I’m Done
– Music Video of the Year– Director Pink – Egwu
– Best Street-Hop Artiste– Mohbad – Ask About Me
– Afrobeats Single of the Year– Flavour – Big Baller
– Viewers’ Choice Award– Chike & Mohbad – Egwu
– Digital Artiste of the Year– Davido
– Song of the Year– Asake – Lonely at the Top
– Best Vocal Performance (Male) – Lojay – Billions
– Best Movie Soundtrack – A Tribe Called Judah
– Best East African Artiste – Juma Jux (Tanzania)
– Best Central African Artiste – Innoss’B (DRC)
Special Recognition Awards:
– Babajide Sanwo-Olu, Lagos State Governor
– Alex Okosi
– Amaju Pinnick
– Kcee
Humanitarian Awards:
– Temitola Adekunle Johnson
– Mitchell Mukoro
Evi Ben Ezaga writes on entertainment, culture, and trending stories.
