The 2025 Headies Awards are making a triumphant return to Lagos, Nigeria! This highly anticipated 17th edition of the prestigious Afrobeats Awards promises a week-long celebration of African music, marking a significant homecoming after two years in Atlanta. Fans worldwide are eager to witness the crowning of the best in the Nigerian music scene and beyond. Prepare for stellar performances and a star-studded lineup on April 5, 2025.
Headies Awards 2025: A Return to Lagos
Organized by Smooth Promotions, the Headies Awards 2025 will feature not one, but two editions, showcasing the vibrant Afro pop and diverse sounds of Africa. The week-long extravaganza includes the Headies Stakeholder Brunch, the Official Nominees Party, and the Afrobeats Conference, fostering industry connections and celebrating musical excellence. The move to Atlanta previously, was to increase global exposure, and the return to Lagos, signifies the dedication to the roots of the awards. The economic impact to the state of Lagos is also significant, with increased tourism, and local business revenue. You can find more details on the official Headies Website
Established in 2006 as the Hip Hop World Awards, the Headies have evolved into a cornerstone of the African music industry. Over the years, it has become a pivotal event in the African music calendar, recognizing the talent and hard work of artists across the continent. Memorable moments and past winners have cemented its status as a leading music awards ceremony.You can read more about the history of the Nigerian hip hop scene here and about Afropop here on.
Key Nominees: Odumodublvck, Ayra Starr, and More
The Headies nominations for 2025 are fiercely competitive. Odumodublvck leads the pack with eight nominations, while rising stars Ayra Starr and Rema each secured seven. Seasoned artists like Tems, Shallipopi, and Kizz Daniel also received six nominations, highlighting the depth of talent in the African music awards scene. You can follow Odumodublvck's progress on his Instagram page:
Artist of the Year Nominees
The prestigious Artist of the Year category features heavyweights like Davido, Tems, and Burna Boy, each having made significant contributions to the global music landscape. This category always delivers, and 2025 is no exception.
Song of the Year Nominees
The Song of the Year contenders include chart-topping hits such as “Showa” by Kizz Daniel, “Egwu” by Chike and Mohbad, “Lonely at the Top” by Asake, and “Commas” by Ayra Starr. These tracks have dominated airwaves and playlists, becoming anthems for fans worldwide.
International Artist of the Year Nominees
The International Artist of the Year category celebrates the global influence of African sounds, featuring acts like Wale, Skepta, and Chris Brown. This category shows the global influence of Afrobeats.
Headies Awards 2025: How to Watch Live
For those unable to attend the event in Lagos, the Headies livestream will be available on YouTube and Hip TV. Tune in on April 5, 2025, to witness the magic unfold. Visit the Hip TV YouTube Channel, or the official Headies site for more information. Mark your calendars and prepare to be part of this unforgettable celebration of African music.
As Ayo Animashaun, the Executive Producer and Founder of The Headies, stated, “We are so excited about this year’s Headies Awards. Our stellar lineup features dynamic artists from around the globe who have impacted their audience and the industry.”
If you are a die-hard fan of Afrobeats or just curious about this vibrant music scene, the 2025 Headies Awards are sure to catch your eye. To learn more about travel to Lagos, Please view this Lagos tourism site
