The 2026 Headies Awards has unveiled its nomination list, setting the stage for another major showdown among Nigeria’s biggest music stars and some of the industry’s fastest-rising artistes.
The awards ceremony, which is scheduled to hold in Canada, has brought together established names and emerging talents across major categories, with Davido, Wizkid, Burna Boy, Ayra Starr, Tems, Asake and Rema among the artistes attracting attention.
Davido and Omah Lay’s hit collaboration, “With You,” emerged as one of the major contenders after securing nominations in both the Song of the Year and Best Recording of the Year categories.
The duo will face stiff competition in the Song of the Year category from Kunmie’s “Arike,” Poco Lee, Shoday and Rahman Jago’s “Hey Jago,” Ayra Starr’s “Hot Body,” Fido’s “Joy Is Coming” and Asake and Wizkid’s “MMS.”
The Afrobeats Single of the Year category is equally competitive, featuring Rema’s “Fun,” Asake and Wizkid’s “Jogodo,” Shallipopi’s “Laho,” Davido and Omah Lay’s “With You,” Fola’s “You” and Burna Boy’s “Bundle by Bundle.”
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The nominations also recognise some of the country’s most notable live performers.
Adekunle Gold, Asake, Ayra Starr, Johnny Drille and Ruger will battle for Best Performer (Live), with performances from the National Theatre in Lagos, Red Bull Symphonic, Global Citizen Festival 2025, Johnny’s Room Live 6 and Indigo at The O2 in London among the nominated performances.
In the Best R&B Album category, Kunmie’s Before We Became Strangers, Fola’s Catharsis, Qing Madi’s I Am the Blueprint, Tems’ Love Is a Kingdom, Tay Iwar’s Reflection Station and Tiwa Savage’s This One Is Personal have been nominated.
The Best Recording of the Year category will see Kunmie’s “Arike,” How Do You?’s “Amaeya,” Rema’s “Baby (Is It a Crime),” Omah Lay and Elmah’s “Coping Mechanism,” Davido and Omah Lay’s “With You” and Fola’s “You” compete for the prize.
The awards have also highlighted Nigeria’s alternative music scene, with SDC, Sewa, BOJ, Wizard Chan, Scottyolorin and Zaylevelten nominated for Best Alternative Album.
Another category generating interest is Digital Artiste of the Year, where Asake, Ayra Starr, BNXN, Chella, Fola, Mavo, Seyi Vibez and Wizkid will compete.
The Next Rated category, traditionally one of the most closely watched awards at The Headies, features Fido, Fola, Llona, Mavo and Shoday.
The latest nomination list reflects the changing face of Nigerian music, with established superstars sharing the spotlight with a new generation of artistes who have made significant waves in the industry.
With several heavyweight names competing in the major categories, the 2026 Headies Awards is expected to generate plenty of debate among fans as the music industry looks ahead to the ceremony in Canada.
