Lagos, Nigeria — The Headies, Nigeria’s premier music awards, is set to break new ground in 2025 by hosting two editions within the same year, marking a historic shift in the recognition of African music excellence.
For the first time, the award will hold two separate ceremonies, with the 17th edition scheduled for April 5, 2025, in Lagos, honoring achievements from the previous year. This bold move is aimed at ensuring a more timely recognition of artists as Afrobeats continues to gain global dominance.
The decision follows growing calls for a more frequent and relevant award system to match the fast-paced evolution of Nigeria’s music industry. With Afrobeats expanding its influence worldwide, The Headies seeks to adapt by increasing the frequency of its honors.
After hosting the last two editions in Atlanta, Georgia, The Headies is making a much-anticipated return to Nigeria. The move has been widely praised, with fans and industry leaders emphasizing the importance of celebrating Nigeria’s thriving music culture within its home soil.
The Headies’ founder, Ayo Animashaun, highlighted that bringing the event back to Lagos underscores the significance of acknowledging talent at the heart of Africa’s largest music industry. The return is also expected to boost local engagement, spotlight emerging artists, and reaffirm Nigeria’s status as the global hub of Afrobeats.
As anticipation builds for the April ceremony, the release of the nomination list has ignited widespread discussions across social media.
Among the most notable nominees:
– Odumodublvck leads with five nominations, solidifying his rise in Nigerian hip-hop.
– Ayra Starrand Shallipopi secure three nominations each, cementing their influence in Afrobeats.
– The late Mohbad is posthumously honored with three nominations, a touching tribute to his lasting impact.
With Next Rated, Album of the Year, and Best Street-Hop Artiste among the highly contested categories, the competition promises to be intense.
The decision to host two editions in one year aligns with the unprecedented global success of Nigerian artists. With Afrobeats dominating international charts and stars like Burna Boy, Wizkid, Tems, and Rema making waves worldwide, the need for an award system that keeps pace with the industry’s rapid evolution has never been greater.
innovative approach could redefine how African music is celebrated, reinforcing The Headies’ status as a cultural and industry-defining platform.
With two editions, a return to Lagos, and an electrifying lineup of nominees, The Headies 2025 is set to be a landmark moment in Nigerian music history.
As the countdown to April 5 begins, fans, artists, and industry stakeholders eagerly await the unfolding of this new era—one that promises to shape the future of Afrobeats for years to come.
By Taiwo Olatinwo |February 13, 2025.
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