The 17th Headies Awards returned home to Lagos, Nigeria, celebrating the vibrancy and excellence of African music under the theme “Back to Base.” After hosting the previous edition in the United States, this year’s event was highly anticipated, and it did not disappoint, despite a few technical hiccups along the way.
The Headies, often regarded as Africa’s most prestigious music award show, once again showcased the growth of Afrobeats and other African music genres on a global stage. The night honored both new voices and seasoned legends whose contributions have shaped the soundscape of the continent.
Notable Winners of The Headies 2025
Several artists shined brightly at this year’s ceremony, taking home some of the biggest accolades:
- Best Recording of the Year: Burning – Tems
- Best Alternative Song: Earth Song – Wizard Chan
- Soundtrack of the Year: A Tribe Called Judah – Funke Akindele
- Best Rap Album: Young Preacher – Blaqbonez
- Best R&B Single: For My Hand – Burna Boy
- Best Male Vocal Performance: Kpe Paso – Wande Coal
- Best Rap Single: Declan Rice – ODUMODUBLVCK
- Best Male Artist: Rema
- Best Female Artist: Ayra Starr
- Rookie of the Year: ODUMODUBLVCK
- Special Recognition Award: Sound Sultan (Posthumous)
Each win reflected the evolving sound of Nigerian and African music, blending innovation with rich cultural roots.
A Night to Remember
Although the ceremony faced technical challenges — including some delays in category announcements — the energy, performances, and recognition of talent remained the focus. The return to Nigeria also sparked pride among artists and fans alike, reminding everyone why Lagos remains the heart of Afrobeats.
The organizers emphasized their commitment to improving the awards show for future editions, highlighting the importance of preserving the quality and prestige of The Headies.
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Final Thoughts
The Headies 2025 once again demonstrated why African music is taking over the global stage. From Tems’ soulful sound to ODUMODUBLVCK’s breakout dominance, the winners reflected the breadth, creativity, and unstoppable momentum of Africa’s musical talents.
As the industry grows, award ceremonies like The Headies will continue to play a vital role in celebrating and pushing African artists to greater heights.
