DAVIDO CROWNED DIGITAL ARTIST AND ARTIST OF THE YEAR, TRAVIS SCOTT NAMED INTERNATIONAL ARTIST, AND TEMS WINS BEST RECORDING AT THE 17TH ANNUAL HEADIES AWARDS.
The 17th annual Headies Awards lit up Lagos Nigeria on April 27th, 2025—and the energy was unmatched!
Held at the Landmark Event Centre, this year’s ceremony didn’t just honor the best in Afrobeats and African music—it celebrated the culture, the movement, and the global impact of a sound that refuses to be ignored.
Nancy Isime Makes History as Host: (cover photo Courtesy of Smooth Productions, Hip TV, and the Headies).
Breaking barriers with grace and fire, Nigerian actress and model Nancy Isime made history as the first woman to host The Headies. Not only did she guide the night with poise, she jumped into full performance mode—spitting bars onstage alongside Fire and Desire, proving she’s got the mic skills to match her charisma.
Performances That Brought The House Down:
The stage stayed blazing with powerful performances from Blaqbonez, Shallipopi, Qing Madi, L.A.X., Odumodublvck, INNOSS’B (DRC), Kcee, Ayo Maff, and more. From gritty underground vibes to polished stadium-ready sets, the artists reminded us why Afrobeats continues to set the world on fire.
Heartfelt Wins and First-Time Moments:
One of the most emotional moments of the night came when rising star Qing Madi won Best Songwriter—making her the youngest female artist to ever win the award. With tears in her eyes, she dedicated the win to her mom, tuning in from home.
And in a moment that grounded the evening in hope, INNOSS’B (Democratic Republic of Congo) dedicated his win for Best Central African Artiste to the peace of his country—a powerful reminder of the role music plays in healing and unity.
Honoring Changemakers Behind the Scenes:
The Humanitarian Award went to Temitola Adekunle Johnson (SSA to the President on Job Creation) and influencer/philanthropist King Mitchy, honoring their work uplifting underserved communities. Temitola delivered a speech that hit home:
“This award is for every small business owner in Nigeria. If you get up and grind every day, this one’s for you.”
Special Recognition for cultural Leaders:
Several industry trailblazers were spotlighted for shaping the future of African entertainment:
- Babajide Sanwo-Olu, Governor of Lagos, was recognized for his ongoing support of the creative industry.
- Alex Okosi (Google Africa) received honors for pushing digital innovation and spotlighting African talent.
- Amaju Pinnick was celebrated for connecting Nigeria’s culture to the global stage through his creative initiatives.
Davido Passes the Torch:
When Davido stepped onstage to present the Next Rated award, the energy in the room reached a peak. Reflecting on his own win 12 years ago, he reminded artists what the grind really looks like: “This is the most imporatnat award of the night. I know how hard it is to get here.”
The Culture Came Through:
The star power in the building was undeniable—Davido, DJ Obi, AY, Basketmouth, Chioma Ikokwu, BamBam, INNOSS’B, Kcee, Cubana Chief Priest, and more pulled up in full force, showing love and style as the cameras flashed.
Final Word:
The 17th edition of The Headies Awards proved one thing loud and clear: African music is not only global—it’s unstoppable. From Lagos to the world, the stories, the rhythm, and the impact continue to rise!
For full highlights and the winner’s list, visit theheadies.com
