The 17th edition of the Headies Awards, held on Sunday, April 27, 2025, at the Landmark Event Centre in Lagos, recognized the extraordinary achievements of African musicians. The event brought together leading figures in the entertainment industry, with notable winners including Zerry DL, Tems, Flavour, Rema, and Davido, who each took home multiple awards, cementing their status in the African music scene.
The award ceremony, one of the most prestigious in the African music calendar, was attended by a host of high-profile personalities from both the entertainment and political spheres. Lagos State Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu graced the event, highlighting the growing significance of African music in the global cultural landscape. On the red carpet, attendees included Tanzanian artist Juma Jux and his wife Priscilla, actress Nancy Isime, reality TV star BamBam, socialite Cubana Chief Priest, and Big Brother Naija 2021 winner White Money, among others. The event also saw the presence of key figures such as Collins Enebeli Ajereh, father of Mavin Records’ Don Jazzy, and Lagos State Commissioner for Information, Gbenga Omotoso.
The evening honored a wide range of categories, reflecting the depth and diversity of the African music industry. Below is a breakdown of the key winners:
Rookie of the Year
- Zerry DL
Emerging artist Zerry DL was named Rookie of the Year, marking a significant milestone in his rapidly rising career.
Soundtrack of the Year
- “Tribe Called Judah Soundtrack” – TCJ and Abbey Wonder
The award for Soundtrack of the Year was given to TCJ and Abbey Wonder for their evocative work on A Tribe Called Judah.
Best Recording of the Year
- “Burning” – Tems
Tems clinched the award for Best Recording of the Year with her soulful track “Burning,” showcasing her powerful voice and songwriting skills.
Best Vocal Performance (Male)
- “Billions” – Lojay
Lojay won Best Vocal Performance (Male) for his standout performance in “Billions.”
Best Vocal Performance (Female)
- “I’m Done” – Liya
Liya’s exceptional vocal delivery on “I’m Done” earned her the award for Best Vocal Performance (Female).
Special Recognition Award
- Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu of Lagos
- Alex Okosi
- Amaju Pinnick
A Special Recognition Award was presented to Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu, Alex Okosi, and Amaju Pinnick for their notable contributions to the African entertainment industry.
Songwriter of the Year
- “Vision” – Chimamanda Pearl Chukwuma (Qing Madi)
Chimamanda Pearl Chukwuma won Songwriter of the Year for her poignant lyrics in Vision, a song that resonates deeply with fans.
Humanitarian Award
- Temitola Adekunle Johnson
- Michelle Mukoro (King Mitchy)
The Humanitarian Award recognized Temitola Adekunle Johnson and Michelle Mukoro for their outstanding efforts in giving back to their communities.
Producer of the Year
- “OZEBA” – London
London took home the Producer of the Year award for his work on “OZEBA,” a track that dominated airwaves.
Afrobeats Album of the Year
- HEIS – Rema
Rema’s HEIS album was awarded Afrobeats Album of the Year, further solidifying his place as one of the genre’s leading figures.
Music Video of the Year
- “EGWU” – Director Pink
Director Pink’s innovative music video for “EGWU” won the award for Music Video of the Year, praised for its creative storytelling and powerful visuals.
Afrobeats Single of the Year
- “Big Baller” – Flavour
Flavour’s hit “Big Baller” was named Afrobeats Single of the Year, further demonstrating his enduring popularity in the music industry.
Headies’ Viewers’ Choice
- “Egwu” – Chike & Mohbad
“Egwu” by Chike and the late Mohbad earned the Headies’ Viewers’ Choice award, chosen by fans for its widespread appeal.
Headies Next Rated
- Odumodublvck
Odumodublvck was recognized as the Headies Next Rated artist, a category highlighting the most promising new talent in African music.
Best Digital Artiste of the Year
- Davido
Davido won Best Digital Artiste of the Year, reflecting his dominance on digital platforms and his global fanbase.
Best East African Artiste of the Year
- Juma Jux (Tanzania)
Tanzanian singer Juma Jux was awarded Best East African Artiste of the Year, underscoring his influence in the East African music scene.
The 17th Headies Awards was a celebration of African music’s rich diversity and talent, showcasing both established and emerging artists who continue to shape the global music landscape.