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 edition of The Headies, Africa’s biggest and most prestigious music awards, was held on April 27, 2025, at The Landmark Event Centre in Lagos, Nigeria. Over the past two decades, The Headies has firmly established itself as a trusted platform for recognizing and honoring exceptional talent in African contemporary music and Afrobeats.. This history-making event, hosted for the first time by a woman — Nigerian actress and model Nancy Isime — was made possible by the Lagos State Government, the United States Diplomatic Mission in Nigeria, and official sponsors Heineken, Indomie, First Bank, Tulcan Energy, Don Julio, Sahco, Johnnie Walker, Desperados, and YouTube.

The evening was packed with unforgettable performances by Blaqbonez, L.A.X., Qing Madi, Ayo Maff, Magnito, Juma Jux, L.A.X., INNOSS’B (DRC), Kcee, Odumodublvck, and Shallipopi – who displayed captivating, electrifying performances that embodied rhythm, fire, and voices that have risen from underground culture and shaped the Afrobeats movement.

A special highlight featured Senior Special Assistant to the President (OVP) on Job Creation, Temitola Adekunle Johnson, and influencer and philanthropist, Michelle Mukoro (King Mitchy), who were honored with the Humanitarian Award for their unwavering commitment to inspiring positive change and dedicating time and resources to uplifting underprivileged communities across Nigeria.

“I want to thank the entire entertainment and creative industry, you have come a long way. Back in the days, we used to just be happy to watch The Grammys but now, during Grammy nominations, people are saying how many Nigerians were nominated — that’s how far we have come,” said Temitola Adekunle Johnson (Special Advisor [SAD] to the president of Job Creation & MSME [Office of the President]. “I dedicate this award to all the people who wake up in the morning and run their businesses. I dedicate this award to all small business owners across the country. If you own a business and you run a business then this award is for all of you.“

Another touching moment included singer Qing Madi dedicating her Headies Award for “Best Songwriter” to her mother. “I dedicate this award to my mom, she’s watching all the way home,” the first-time winner said. “I hope you’re so proud because I thank you so much for paying attention to my talent and now I’m the youngest female artist to win this category.”

The 17th Headies Awards show also paid homage to Babajide Sanwo-Olu, Executive Governor of Lagos, for his unwavering dedication to the creative sector, exemplified through partnerships with institutions, driving remarkable growth in infrastructure and policies that benefit creatives, artists, and entertainers – further solidifying his commitment to the industry. For his outstanding contributions to the creative industry and innovative leadership in advancing the digital ecosystem across Africa, Alex Okosi [Managing Director, Google Africa] received the special recognition award. Amaju Pinnick [Chairman/GCEO Brownhill Group] also received the Special Recognition Award for his contributions to Nigeria’s creative and cultural industries and for creating a platform that brings global attention to the rich culture of Nigeria.

After being presented with the award for Best Central African Artiste of the Year, INNOSS’B (DRC) dedicated his award to the peace of his country, the Republic of Congo.

Adding to the excitement, Headies Awards host Nancy Isime put on a performance of her own accompanied by performers Fire and Desire. The host sat on the edge of the stage and rapped to cheers and excitement from the crowd. 

The energy in the room reached a high point when Davido took the stage to present the “Next Rated” award—an honor he described as “the most important” of the evening. “I won this award 12 years ago, and I know firsthand the hard work and dedication it takes to get to this point,” he shared with the audience.

Among the Headie-nominated entertainers in attendance, notable Nigerian celebrities included: Davido, Odumodublvck, L.A.X., Comedian AY, DJ Obi, Bovi, Priscilla Ojo, Basketmouth, Dr. Olasimbo Davidson, Sophia Momodu, Chioma Ikokwu, Jemima Osunde, Frank Edoho, Dr. Olasimbo Davidson, U S Consul General JoEllen Gorg, Bamike “BamBam” Olawunmi, Juma Jux, INNOSS’B from DRC, Kcee, Kunle Remi, Cubana Chief Priest, Embaduwe Twinz, Annie Macaulay-Idibia & More.  

For more details on the 17th Annual Headies Awards, please visit https://theheadies.com.

THE 17TH ANNUAL HEADIES AWARDS WINNERS 

Photo Credit: The Headies