The 17th edition of the Headies Awards held on April 27, 2025, at the Eko Convention Centre in Lagos, was a night filled with excitement, glamour, and powerful recognition of African musical talent. After a two-year hiatus, the event made its grand return to Nigeria, showcasing the finest in music from across the continent. This year, several artists walked away with top honors, but it was Tems, Mohbad, Davido, Odumodublvck, Rema, and Zerry DL who truly stole the spotlight.
Tems:Best Recording of the Year
One of the biggest winners of the night was Tems, who bagged the Best Recording of the Year award for her hit track “Burning.” Known globally for her distinctive voice and exceptional songwriting, Tems continues to make waves internationally, collaborating with artists like Drake and Future. This award recognizes not just her artistry but her consistent ability to create music that resonates deeply with listeners across the world.
Mohbad: Best Street-Hop Artiste(Posthumous)
The late Mohbad was posthumously awarded Best Street-Hop Artiste. This honor comes as a recognition of his powerful influence on the street-hop genre, blending Afrobeat, trap, and street sounds in a way that resonated with the youth. Though his life was tragically cut short in 2023, Mohbad’s impact on Nigerian music continues to be felt, and his legacy is celebrated with this win. His music and energy continue to inspire a new generation of artists.
Davido: Digital Artiste of the Year
With a career that’s consistently dominated the digital space, Davido claimed the Digital Artiste of the Year award. The Afrobeats superstar has maintained a massive online presence, breaking streaming records and reaching fans globally. His ability to adapt to new digital trends while maintaining his relevance in the ever-changing music landscape cements him as a trailblazer in African music.
Odumodublvck: Headies Next Rated
Another standout of the night was Odumodublvck, who won the Headies Next Rated award. His blend of alternative rap, Afrobeat, and street culture has garnered him a dedicated fanbase, and his creative approach to music sets him apart from his peers. As the recipient of this award, Odumodublvck is poised to become one of the leading voices in the Nigerian music scene in the coming years.
Rema: Afrobeats Album of the Year
Rema added another trophy to his collection with the Afrobeats Album of the Year award for his album HEIS. The 23-year-old global sensation has become one of the most important voices in Afrobeats, and HEIS cemented his position as a major player in the industry. From his hit singles to his creative music videos, Rema has shown no signs of slowing down, and this win is a testament to his growing influence worldwide.
ZerryDL: Rookie of the Year
Emerging artist Zerry DL claimed the Rookie of the Year award, marking a significant milestone in his musical journey. Known for his unique sound and infectious energy, Zerry DL has quickly gained traction in the Nigerian music scene. His victory highlights the rise of new talent, and this award positions him as one of the fresh faces to watch in the future of Afrobeats and Nigerian music.
Full List Of Winners
While the night was dominated by these big winners, other deserving artists and creatives were also honored for their contributions to the industry:
- Best Vocal Performance (Male): Lojay – “Billions”
- Best Vocal Performance (Female): Liya – “I’m Done”
- Songwriter of the Year: Qing Madi (Chimamanda Pearl Chukwuma) – “Vision”
- Producer of the Year: London – “OZEBA”
- Music Video of the Year: Director Pink – “EGWU”
- Afrobeats Single of the Year: Flavour – “Big Baller”
- Headies’ Viewers’ Choice: Chike & Mohbad – “Egwu”
- Best Rap Single: Shallipopi & Odumodublvck – “Cast”
- Best Alternative Song: Wizard Chan – “Earth Song”
- Special Recognition Award: Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu; Alex Okosi; Amaju Pinnick
- Best East African Artiste of the Year: Juma Jux (Tanzania)
The 2025 Headies Awards celebrated not just the established stars, but also the emerging talents that are shaping the future of African music. From Tems and Davido to Odumodublvck, Mohbad, Rema, and Zerry DL, these artists continue to push the boundaries of what’s possible in music, both locally and internationally. The event was a reminder that Nigeria and Africa, as a whole, are brimming with talent and creativity that continues to capture the world’s attention.
As we reflect on the winners, it’s clear that the future of African music is bright, with artists of all genres making their mark on the global stage.
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