The 2025 Headies Awards, one of Nigeria’s biggest music nights, delivered a memorable show on Sunday. Returning to its roots after two years abroad, the 17th Headies, themed “Back to Base,” lit up the Landmark Event Centre in Lekki, Lagos.
Music lovers, industry insiders, and celebrities gathered to celebrate the best of Nigerian and African talent As with any major awards show, the night was filled with unforgettable moments, some exceptional, others controversial, that had fans and critics talking long after the event.
Here are some of the exciting moments and fans’ reactions about the event.
Odumodublvck’s Next Rated Win and Controversial Stage Moment
Perhaps the most talked-about moment of the night was Odumodublvck’s controversial Next Rated award win. While many celebrated his victory, others felt that Qing Madi and Shallipopi had equal, if not greater, potential to take home the prestigious title. However, the moment that truly sparked debate came when Odumodublvck, having already claimed the award, was reluctant to leave the stage. After his speech, he continued to stand in the spotlight for an uncomfortable amount of time, prompting the hosts to try to nudge him off.
A Heartfelt Tribute to Mohbad
One of the most touching parts of the evening was the tribute to the late rapper Mohbad, who had passed away before the event. His posthumous single with Chike, “Egwu” was awarded Afrobeats Single of the Year, a fitting recognition for an artist whose influence continues to reverberate in the industry. While fans celebrated his legacy, the mood was bittersweet, as many remembered his untimely passing and the void left in the Nigerian music scene. His memory was honored with an outpouring of love and appreciation, reminding everyone of his immense contribution to the Afrobeats movement.
The Absence of Major Nigerian Stars
Another controversy surrounding the 17th Headies revolved around the absence of many top Nigerian artists. While some of the biggest names in the industry, such as Burna Boy, Ayra Starr, and Asake, were notably absent, Davido stood out as the only major Nigerian star to attend. His presence, although a welcomed sight for many fans, led to questions about why other A-list artists chose not to attend. Critics pointed out the irony of these artists opting to support international award shows like the Grammys while neglecting to honor Nigeria’s own premier music awards. As Somtochukwu137 commented on Twitter, it was perplexing that Nigerian artists seemed unwilling to attend the Headies, despite the accolades they received from the show in previous years.
Controversy Over the Viewers’ Choice Award
The Viewers’ Choice Award also sparked debate, with Chike and Mohbad’s collaboration “Egwu” taking home the honor. Although the win was undoubtedly a touching tribute to Mohbad, many fans believed Rema’s “Ozeba” or Young Jonn’s “Big Big Things” could have been more deserving, based on their wide-reaching popularity and chart-topping success. The passionate fanbases of these artists took to social media to voice their displeasure, igniting a broader conversation about the credibility and fairness of fan-voted categories.
Juma Jux’s East African Artist of the Year Win
The controversy surrounding Juma Jux’s win for Best East African Artist was one of the most heated discussions of the night. While many fans of Jux defended the win, claiming his diverse sound and influence in East Africa made him deserving, others like Daniel Regha argued that Diamond Platnumz had a stronger case. Jux, known for blending Bongo Flava, R&B, and Afrobeat, had a solid year, with millions of streams across platforms like YouTube and Audiomack. However, his critics questioned whether his success and influence in the region were enough to outshine Platnumz, who had a more widespread and viral presence during the year.
Final Thoughts on the 17th Headies
The 17th Headies Awards left an indelible mark on the music industry, with a mix of moments that were both celebrated and criticized. Regardless of the debates, the event successfully highlighted the richness and diversity of Nigeria’s music scene, with new and established artists alike taking home accolades that will be remembered for years to come.
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