The 17th Headies Awards, held on April 5, 2025, in Lagos, celebrated the vibrant pulse of African music with the theme “Back to Base”. This year, the spotlight shone brightly on artists like Tems, Ayra Starr, Rema, and the late Mohbad, who each garnered multiple nominations and wins.
🌟 Top Winners
- Tems dominated the night with her soulful track “Burning,” earning her the Best Recording of the Year and Best R&B Single awards.
- Ayra Starr continued her rise with “Last Heartbreak Song” featuring Giveon, clinching the Best Vocal Performance (Female) and Best R&B Single awards.
- Mohbad, honored posthumously, received accolades for his impactful contributions to the Afrobeats genre.
- Rema secured the Producer of the Year award for his work on “Ozeba,” showcasing his versatility in the industry.
🏆 Notable Categories and Winners
- Best Collaboration: “Cast” – Shallipopi ft. Odumodublvck
- Best Rap Single: “Blood on the Dance Floor” – Odumodublvck ft. Bloody Civilian & Wale
- Best Street-Hop Artiste: Mohbad
- Afrobeats Single of the Year: “Egwu” – Chike ft. Mohbad
- Best Vocal Performance (Male): “Billions” – Lojay
- Music Video of the Year: “Charm” – Rema, Perliks & Folarin Oludare
🎤 Rising Stars
- Odumodublvck led the nominations with five nods, including Best Rap Single and Best Collaboration.
- Ayra Starr, Qing Madi, and Shallipopi each earned three nominations, highlighting their growing influence in the music scene.
- Rookie of the Year nominees included Zerry DL, Taves, Kaestyle, and Llona, representing the fresh wave of talent emerging in the industry.
🌍 International Recognition
The awards also acknowledged global talent, with international artists like Wale, Skepta, Chris Brown, Travis Scott, and Chloe Bailey nominated for International Artist of the Year. Their inclusion underscores the global reach and influence of African music.
The 17th Headies Awards not only celebrated the achievements of African artists but also reaffirmed the continent's rich musical heritage and its growing impact on the global stage. With electrifying performances and heartfelt tributes, the night was a testament to the power of music in uniting and inspiring audiences worldwide.