Nigeria’s most prestigious music awards, The Headies, have officially unveiled the nominations list for their 17th edition. The highly anticipated announcement highlights the biggest names and rising stars who have significantly contributed to the music industry over the past year.
With a broad range of categories, the nominations feature both local and international acts, reflecting the growing global impact of Nigerian music.
Odumodu Blvck Leads Nominations
Topping the list of nominees is Tochukwu Ojogwu, popularly known as Odumodu Blvck, who secured five nominations, making him the most-nominated artist this year.
Close behind him are Ayra Starr and Shallipopi, both earning three nominations each.
The late Ilerioluwa Aloba, popularly known as Mohbad, also received three posthumous nominations, demonstrating the continued impact of his music even after his passing in September 2023.
Notable Categories and Nominees
🏆 Best Music Video of the Year
- Charm – Rema (Oerlinks & Folarin Oludare)
- Metaverse – Jyde Ajala
- Like Ice Spice – Perlinks & 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 – Odumodu Blvck & Shallipopi
- Blood on the Dance Floor – Bloody Civilian, Wale & Odumodu Blvck
- Hallelujah – Ladipoe, Rozzz & Morello
- Canada – Magnito
- Ije Nwoke – Jeriq
🌟 Rookie of the Year
- Zerry DL
- Taves
- Kaestyle
- Llona
🎼 Best R&B Single
- Qing Madi – Vision
- Johnny Drille – For You
- Simi – Stranger
- Tems – Burning
- Ayra Starr ft. Giveon – Last Heartbreak Song
📝 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
- Tems – Burning
- Seyi Vibez – Different Pattern
- Burna Boy – Higher
- Ayra Starr & Giveon – Last Heartbreak Song
- Sarz & Lojay – Billions
🤝 Best Collaboration
- Emotions – Tiwa Savage ft. Asa
- Blood on the Dance Floor – Odumodu Blvck, Bloody Civilian & Wale
- Cast – Shallipopi ft. Odumodu Blvck
- Egwu – Chike ft. Mohbad
- Ole – Qing Madi ft. BNXN
- Twe Twe Remix – Kizz Daniel ft. Davido
- IDK – Wizkid ft. Zlatan
🔥 Best Street-Hop Artiste
- Seyi Vibez – Different Patterns
- Ayo Maff ft. Fireboy – Dealer
- Shallipopi ft. Odumodu Blvck – Cast
- Zhus Jdo – Johnbull
- Mohbad – Ask About Me
🌍 Afrobeats Single of the Year
- Big Big Things – Young Jonn ft. Kizz Daniel & Seyi Vibez
- Twe Twe Remix – Kizz Daniel ft. Davido
- Egwu – Chike ft. Mohbad
- Remember – Asake
- Ogechi Remix – Hyce, Boypee & Brown Joel ft. Davido
- Big Baller – Flavour
🎙️ Lyricist on the Roll
- Mogadishu – AQ
- Chocolate City Cypher – MI Abaga
- Chocolate City Cypher – Blaqbonez
- Hallelujah – Ladipoe
- Efeleme – Alpha Ojini
🙏 Best Inspirational Single
- Gratitude – Anendlessocean
- Worthy of My Praise – Dunsin Oyekan ft. Lawrence Oyor
- Good God 2 – Limoblaze ft. Naomi Raine
- Particularly – Gaise Baba ft. Tope Alabi
- You Do This One – Mercy Chinwo
A Celebration of Nigerian Music Excellence
The 17th Headies Awards promises to be an exciting event, recognizing Nigeria’s most influential artists, producers, and songwriters. With the Afrobeats genre gaining massive global attention, this year’s nominees reflect the growth and diversity of the industry.
The inclusion of posthumous nominations for Mohbad is particularly significant, honoring his impact on the music scene despite his tragic passing in September 2023.
Who Will Take Home the Biggest Awards?
With artists like Odumodu Blvck, Ayra Starr, Shallipopi, and Tems leading the charge, the competition is fierce across multiple categories.
The official date and venue for the Headies Awards ceremony are yet to be announced, but fans can expect a star-studded event featuring electrifying performances and unforgettable moments.
Who are you rooting for this year? 🎶🔥
