A Night of Music, Tribute, and Cultural Recognition at Nigeria’s Premier Music Awards
The 17th edition of the Headies Awards, Nigeria’s biggest celebration of music excellence, was held on Sunday, April 27, 2025, in Lagos, spotlighting the continent’s most talented artists and industry leaders.
Hosted by Nollywood star Nancy Isime, the event was a dazzling affair packed with unforgettable performances, emotional tributes, and surprise announcements.
Davido Steals the Show with Multiple Wins
Artist of the Year & Digital Artist of the Year
Afrobeats superstar Davido had the crowd on its feet as he took home two of the night’s most coveted awards:
- Artist of the Year
- Digital Artist of the Year
These wins reaffirmed his dominance across global music platforms like Spotify and Apple Music, as well as his continued reign in the hearts of fans worldwide.
“These awards are a testament to the hard work my team and I have put in,” Davido said in his acceptance speech.
Posthumous Honor for Mohbad
Best Street-Hop Artiste Award for “Ask About Me”
One of the most emotional moments of the night was the posthumous award presented to late street-hop artist Mohbad for his hit “Ask About Me”. The award recognized his influence in the street music genre and his lasting impact even after his untimely passing.
Mohbad had collaborated with artists like Chike and was gaining a significant following before he died in 2023.
Special Recognition Awards Presented to Key Figures
The Headies also acknowledged exceptional contributors to the cultural and creative sectors with Special Recognition Awards:
- Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu, for his support of Lagos’ creative economy
- Alex Okosi—Managing Director, YouTube EMEA, for his role in African music promotion
- Amaju Pinnick— for advancing music and entertainment through sports and business partnerships
These honors highlight the Headies’ broader mission to recognize contributions beyond the stage, including those helping to elevate Nigerian culture globally.
Headies 2025: A Twist for the 18th Edition
In a surprise announcement, organizers revealed that the 18th edition of the Headies Awards will take place in December 2025, marking a return to the calendar following the absence of the ceremony in 2024.
This move is expected to realign the award cycle and reintroduce a more consistent schedule.
For full winners’ list and highlight videos, visit The Headies Official Website.