Nigeria’s most prestigious music award, The Headies, has officially unveiled the nominees for its 17th edition, setting the stage for an electrifying showdown among the biggest names in the industry. The list features both homegrown and international artists, all recognized for their outstanding contributions to music over the past year.
In the Music Video of the Year category, fans can expect a heated contest with stunning visuals from Remy, Jyde Ajala, and Mattmax, with standout entries like CHARM, METAVERSE, and OJAPIANO making the cut.
The Best Vocal Performance (Female) category is packed with powerhouse singers, as Ayra Starr, Niniola, and Simi showcase their vocal prowess in hits like Last Heartbreak Song and Level.
Hip-hop lovers will have their eyes on the Best Rap Single category, where Odumodublvck’s Shallipopi featuring Cast and Ladipoe’s Hallelujah go head-to-head for the coveted prize.
The Rookie of the Year category shines a spotlight on rising stars like Zerry DL and Taves, who have been making waves without a full album release.
In the Best R&B Single race, Qing Madi and Johnny Drille lead the charge with emotional and sonically rich tracks like Vision and For You.
For lyrical excellence, Songwriter of the Year nominees include Simi for Stranger, celebrating the artistry behind some of the industry’s biggest hits.
Meanwhile, top producers like Sarz and Magicsticks battle it out in the Producer of the Year category, recognizing the masterminds shaping Nigeria’s sound.
The Best Recording of the Year category features a diverse mix of hits, with Burning by Tems and Different Pattern by Seyi Vibez competing for the top honor.
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Full List of Nominees:
BEST COLLABORATION
EMOTIONS – Tiwa Savage feat. Asa
BLOOD ON THE DANCE FLOOR – Odumodublvck, Bloody Civilian & Wale
CAST – Shallipopi feat. Odumodublvck
EGWU – Chike & Mohbad
OLE – Qing Madi & BNXN
TWE TWE REMIX – Kizz Daniel & Davido
IDK – Wizkid feat. Zlatan
MUSIC VIDEO OF THE YEAR
CHARM – (Rema x Perliks x Folarin Oludare)
METAVERSE – (Jyde Ajala)
LIKE ICE SPICE – (Perliks & Emeka Shine Shine)
OJAPIANO – (Mattmax)
EGWU – (Director Pink)
SHOWA – (TG Omori)
NA MONEY – (Dammy Twitch)
BEST VOCAL PERFORMANCE (FEMALE)
Ayra Starr – Last Heartbreak Song
Niniola – Level
Simi – Stranger
Liya – I’m Done
Yemi Alade – Tomorrow
BEST RAP SINGLE
CAST feat. Odumodublvck – Shallipopi
BLOOD ON THE DANCE FLOOR feat. Bloody Civilian & Wale – Odumodublvck
HALLELUJAH – Ladipoe, Rozzz & Morrelo
CANADA – Magnito
IJE NWOKE – Jeriq
ROOKIE OF THE YEAR
Zerry DL
Taves
Kaestyles
Llona
BEST R&B SINGLE
VISION – Qing Madi
FOR YOU – Johnny Drille
STRANGER – Simi
BURNING – Tems
LAST HEARTBREAK SONG – Ayra Starr feat. Giveon
SONGWRITER OF THE YEAR
Simisola Kosoko – Stranger (Simi)
Chimamanda Pearl Chukwuma – Vision (Qing Madi)
Michael Ajuma Attah – Can’t Breathe (Llona)
Emoseh Khamofu – Family Meeting (Bloody Civilian)
Fuayefika Maxwell – Stages of Life (Wizard Chan)
PRODUCER OF THE YEAR
Sarz – Happiness
London – Ozeba
Magicsticks – Basquiat
Rema/Producer X/Cubeatz/Deatz/Klimperboy – Hehehe
Dibs – Different Pattern
BEST RECORDING OF THE YEAR
BURNING – Tems
DIFFERENT PATTERN – Seyi Vibez
HIGHER – Burna Boy
LAST HEARTBREAK SONG – Ayra Starr & Giveon
BILLIONS – Sarz feat. Lojay
More nominees to be announced soon! Stay tuned for the biggest night in Nigerian music!
