The 17th Headies Awards, held on Sunday in Lagos, Nigeria, illuminated the immense talent across Africa’s music landscape, with iconic names and fresh stars earning well-deserved recognition for their contributions to the industry.
Rema’s highly praised album HEIS took home the coveted Afrobeats Album of the Year award, cementing his place as one of the genre’s frontrunners. Meanwhile, Tems claimed the prestigious Best Recording of the Year for her hit song “Burning,” continuing her meteoric rise in global music.
Zerry DL, one of the emerging talents in the African music scene, was named Rookie of the Year, signaling the beginning of what promises to be a promising career. Global music icon Davido was also celebrated, securing the Digital Artist of the Year award for his significant presence and influence in the digital space.
Other notable winners included Lojay, who won Best Vocal Performance (Male) for his track “Billions,” and Liya, who took home Best Vocal Performance (Female) for her soulful single “I’m Done.” The night also saw Flavour’s hit “Big Baller” win Afrobeats Single of the Year, while the Headies’ Viewers’ Choice Award was presented to the collaboration “Egwu” by Chike and the late Mohbad.
The prestigious ceremony, which honors the best in African music across multiple genres, also spotlighted artists from various regions, such as Best East African Artist of the Year, Juma Jux of Tanzania, and Best Central African Artist of the Year, Innoss’B from the Democratic Republic of Congo.
Here are the full list of winners from the night:
-
Rookie of the Year: Zerry DL
-
Soundtrack of the Year: “Tribe Called Judah Soundtrack” – TCJ & Abbey Wonder
-
Best Recording of the Year: “Burning” – Tems
-
Best Vocal Performance (Male): “Billions” – Lojay
-
Best Vocal Performance (Female): “I’m Done” – Liya
-
Special Recognition Award: Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu; Alex Okosi; Amaju Pinnick
-
Songwriter of the Year: “Vision” – Chimamanda Pearl Chukwuma (Qing Madi)
-
Producer of the Year: “OZEBA” – London
-
Afrobeats Album of the Year: HEIS – Rema
-
Music Video of the Year: “EGWU” – Director Pink
-
Afrobeats Single of the Year: “Big Baller” – Flavour
-
Headies’ Viewers’ Choice: “Egwu” – Chike & Mohbad
-
Headies Next Rated: Odumodublvck
-
Digital Artist of the Year: Davido
-
Best Rap Single: “Cast” – Shallipopi & Odumodublvck
-
Best East African Artist of the Year: Juma Jux (Tanzania)
-
Best Street-hop Artist: Mohbad – Ask About Me
-
Song of the Year: “Lonely at the Top” – Asake
-
Best Central African Artist of the Year: Innoss’B (DRC)
The night marked another unforgettable chapter in the African music journey, highlighting the artists’ talents, industry achievements, and the unyielding growth of African music globally.
