The 17th edition of the Headies Awards, held on Sunday, May 27, 2025, was billed as a triumphant homecoming — and while the Landmark Event Centre in Lagos shimmered with celebrity flair, the night ultimately descended into confusion, disappointment, and pointed criticism. Tagged “Back to Base,” this year’s ceremony signified the long-awaited return of Nigeria’s most prestigious music awards show to its home country, following two consecutive editions in the United States and a full cancellation in 2024.
In a bid to compensate for the missed edition, the organisers had promised two ceremonies in 2025 — the first taking place in April and the second scheduled for December. But despite this ambitious announcement, Sunday’s event exposed glaring cracks beneath the glamorous surface, with missteps that frustrated both artists and fans.
Red Carpet Shine and Star Power
Before the show took a turn for the worse, the red carpet offered all the sparkle expected from a major entertainment event. The venue buzzed with activity as Nigerian celebrities dressed in high fashion strutted past cameras, exchanged greetings, and soaked in the spotlight. A live violinist added to the ambience, performing gentle tunes that gave the evening a refined tone. The mood among guests was upbeat, with visible excitement in anticipation of a historic night for Nigerian music.
Notable figures in attendance included actress Annie Macaulay, music star Davido (David Adeleke), dancer Roseline Afije (Liquorose), comedian AY (Ayodeji Makun), actress Regina Daniels, rising artist Morravey (Daniel Ibinabo), veteran rapper M.I Abaga, and highlife singer Flavour (Chinedu Okoli). Their presence highlighted the significance of the event’s return to Lagos.
A Disappointing Start: Hours of Waiting and Frustration
However, the night began to unravel quickly. What should have been a showcase of excellence instead became a test of patience. Despite the high-profile guest list and the presence of Lagos State Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu, the event did not commence until nearly four hours past the scheduled time.
Even Governor Sanwo-Olu, who had come to present an award, eventually left the venue before his category was announced. Meanwhile, attendees were left to endure long waits with little to occupy their time. In a telling moment, a journalist visiting the restroom overheard a female guest venting her frustration, saying, “I’ve been waiting for hours. If this doesn’t start soon, I’m leaving.”
Dazzling Moments and a Gravity-Defying Opener
When the event finally got underway, it offered moments of magic that hinted at what could have been. The opening act by professional aerialist Kim Nathy captured the audience’s imagination. Suspended high above the stage, she delivered a visually stunning performance while playing a talking drum to Lagbaja’s iconic track, “Konko Below.” Her elaborate costume and dual-faced mask gave the act a cultural flair, earning a roaring ovation and setting a high bar for the night’s artistic offerings.
Odumodu Blvck’s Interrupted Sermon and Viral Moment
Yet the real drama came during the awards themselves. The Next Rated category — one of the most coveted of the evening — went to rapper Odumodu Blvck. Surrounded by his entourage, the rapper climbed the stage and began an emotional acceptance speech that took on the tone of a sermon. Reading from his phone, he thanked Jesus Christ and his family, and implored the audience to reflect on faith and divine power.
But halfway through, his microphone was abruptly cut off — sparking visible confusion. Refusing to be silenced, Odumodu stood his ground until organisers allowed him to finish. The moment quickly went viral, with fans debating whether the interruption was disrespectful or necessary to keep the show moving.
Plaque Shortage Sparks Outrage
In an unexpected twist, some winners reportedly did not receive their physical award plaques. Most notably, Shallipopi, who won Best Rap Single for “Cast” featuring Odumodu Blvck, was left empty-handed. According to reports, the organisers had run out of plaques — a stunning oversight for such a prestigious event. Instead, Shallipopi was offered a handshake, a gesture that did not sit well with fans or the artist himself.
Fuming on X (formerly Twitter), he posted: “The next one if una see me make I bend. I nor go even lie for una sef, I nor want that award give the real rappers wey dey the category, me Shallipopi I nor be rapper.” His comments sparked debate about genre categorisation, and more broadly, the professionalism of the awards.
A Pattern of Neglect?
This was not the first time the Headies had come under fire for mishandling its awards. In 2023, pop star Ayra Starr publicly condemned the ceremony for not announcing her win on stage. She expressed disappointment on X, writing: “I will never be grateful for winning a category that wasn’t even deemed fit to be announced on stage! Best female artist na beans?”
Such complaints have drawn attention to longstanding concerns about how Nigerian award shows treat their artists — from underwhelming production to lack of respect in how recognitions are delivered.
Bright Spots: History Makers and Memorable Performances
Amid the chaos, the night still delivered moments of genuine celebration. Rising star Qing Madi made history as the youngest-ever recipient of the Best Songwriter of the Year award, cementing her place as one of Nigeria’s most promising new talents.
Another high point came from Tanzanian singer Juma Jux, whose electrifying set reached a touching climax when he left the stage to dance with his newlywed wife, Priscilla Ojo. The heartfelt moment drew loud cheers and sealed his win as Best East African Artiste of the Year.
Performers like Odumodu Blvck, Shallipopi, and Qing Madi also kept the crowd on its feet, proving that Nigeria’s musical talent remains second to none.
A Show Marred by Poor Planning
Still, the structural flaws of the ceremony could not be ignored. Long, awkward silences between award presentations left guests confused about whether the show was still in progress. Viewers tuning in via livestream voiced their frustration, with one user commenting: “Why is it taking so long between awards? This is going to be an all-night affair.”
To make matters worse, only VVIP tickets were available, sold at a staggering ₦150,000. Yet buyers reported they received no special treatment beyond access to the venue — no guaranteed seating, no hospitality, and certainly no premium experience.
A Bittersweet Return
The Headies’ return to Nigeria was supposed to be a proud moment, a celebration of homegrown excellence in its true cultural setting. Instead, the 2025 edition laid bare the challenges that continue to haunt major Nigerian award shows — from mismanagement and poor logistics to overlooked talent and unanswered complaints.
While the performances dazzled and the stars shone brightly, the night ultimately served as a reminder that prestige alone cannot sustain a legacy. For the Headies to reclaim its stature, organisers must listen, evolve, and prioritise professionalism as much as artistry.
