The 17th Headies Awards, Nigeria’s premier music honors, dazzled on Sunday, April 27, 2025, at the Landmark Event Centre in Lagos, celebrating the nation’s vibrant music scene after a two-year stint in Atlanta. Themed “Back to Base,” the ceremony recognized 31 categories, with Afrobeats stars Davido, Tems, Rema, and Zerry DL among the night’s biggest winners, as reported by Channels Television and Punch Nigeria. The event, the first of two planned for 2025, underscored Nigeria’s global musical influence.
Davido clinched Digital Artiste of the Year, reinforcing his dominance with hits like “Ogechi Remix,” while Tems won Best Recording of the Year for her soulful track “Burning,” showcasing her lyrical depth. Rema’s album HEIS earned Afrobeats Album of the Year, cementing his innovative sound, and Zerry DL, brother of Shallipopi, took Rookie of the Year, marking his rapid rise, per Naija News. Odumodublvck won the coveted Next Rated category, beating Shallipopi and Qing Madi, and delivered an emotional speech dedicating the award to his mother.
Other highlights included Qing Madi’s Songwriter of the Year win for “Vision,” Liya’s Best Vocal Performance (Female) for “I’m Done,” and Lojay’s Best Vocal Performance (Male) for “Billions.” The late Mohbad received a posthumous Viewers’ Choice award for “Egwu” with Chike, accepted by his family, while KCEE earned a Special Recognition Award for his enduring impact. The Tribe Called Judah soundtrack by TCJ and Abbey Wonder won Soundtrack of the Year. Producer London was honored for “Ozeba,” reflecting Nigeria’s production prowess.
Lagos State Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu, media executive Alex Okosi, and football administrator Amaju Pinnick received Special Recognition Awards for their contributions to entertainment and sports. The ceremony, hosted with flair, featured performances that electrified the audience, though specific acts were not detailed in reports. The Headies’ return to Nigeria signals a renewed focus on local talent, with the 18th edition slated for December 2025 to compensate for 2024’s absence.
The awards reflect Afrobeats’ global ascent, with winners like Davido and Tems dominating streaming platforms. The rigorous selection process, involving fan votes and an expert jury, ensured credibility. As Nigeria’s music industry grows, contributing 12% to GDP per 2024 estimates, the Headies remain a vital platform for recognizing creativity and resilience in a competitive field.