The 17th Headies Awards took place on April 27, 2025, at the Eko Convention Centre in Victoria Island, Lagos, marking a return to Nigeria after two years in Atlanta.
Themed “Back to Base” and “Apologetically African,” the ceremony honored outstanding achievements in African music from April 1, 2023, to July 31, 2024. Despite some technical issues and time management challenges, the event showcased remarkable talent across various categories.
Major Winners:
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Artiste of the Year: Davido
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Album of the Year: Rema – HEIS
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Song of the Year: Asake – “Lonely At The Top”
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Next Rated: Odumodublvck
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Best Digital Artiste of the Year: Davido
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Best Collaboration: “Egwu” – Chike ft. Mohbad
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Best Rap Single: “Cast” – Shallipopi & Odumodublvck
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Best R&B Single: “Last Heartbreak Song” – Ayra Starr ft. Giveon
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Best Vocal Performance (Male): Lojay – “Billions”
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Best Vocal Performance (Female): Liya – “I’m Done”
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Producer of the Year: London – “Ozeba”
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Songwriter of the Year: Chimamanda Pearl Chukwuma – “Vision” (Qing Madi)
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Rookie of the Year: Zerry DL
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Best Street-Hop Artiste: Mohbad
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Afrobeats Album of the Year: Rema – HEIS
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Afrobeats Single of the Year: Flavour – “Big Baller”
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Music Video of the Year: “Egwu” –
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Viewers’ Choice: “Big Big Things” – Young Jonn ft. Kizz Daniel & Seyi Vibez
The event also introduced two new categories: “Soundtrack of the Year,” which was awarded to Funke Akindele’s A Tribe Called Judah, and “Best Performer (Live)”, with winners yet to be announced due to time constraints during the ceremony.
Despite some challenges, the 17th Headies Awards successfully celebrated the vibrant and diverse talents shaping the African music industry.
