The 17th edition of the Headies Awards, proudly themed “Back to Base,” marked a stunning return to Nigeria after a two-year stint abroad. The celebration of African and Nigerian musical excellence lit up the Landmark Event Centre in Lekki on Sunday night, delivering unforgettable performances, heartfelt tributes, and big wins.

Actress and media star Nancy Isime joined veteran broadcaster IK Osakioduwa as the night’s hosts. Together, they brought boundless energy, humor, and charisma to the stage, guiding the audience through an evening packed with excitement and emotions.

Celebrating African Excellence

This year’s ceremony honored the outstanding talents shaping the African music landscape. Artists, producers, and creative minds who made remarkable contributions over the past year were recognized and celebrated in style.

The stage came alive with electrifying performances from some of the continent’s brightest stars. Qing Madi, L.A.X, Odumodublvck, Kcee, Shallipopi, Flavour, Juma Jux, Nasboi, and Magnito delivered powerful sets that kept the energy soaring throughout the night.

Tanzanian sensation Juma Jux stood out by winning the Best East African Artiste of the Year, beating formidable contenders such as Bien (Kenya), Diamond Platnumz (Tanzania), Bruce Melodie (Rwanda), and Azawi (Uganda). His live performance further cemented his reputation as a musical force to reckon with.

Emotional Tributes and Memorable Moments

One of the night’s most touching highlights was the Special Recognition Award presented to Kcee, widely known as the Limpopo Master. The award celebrated his enduring contributions to Nigerian music, cultural influence, and impressive artistic evolution over a career spanning 26 years. His heartfelt acceptance speech and the audience’s warm applause created a deeply emotional moment.

The ceremony also paid tribute to the late Mohbad, honoring him posthumously with the Best Street-Hop Artiste award for his hit single “Ask About Me.” His family — including his wife and young son, Liam — accepted the award on his behalf, receiving a moving standing ovation from the entire hall.

Mohbad’s impact resonated further through multiple posthumous nominations, including Best Collaboration for “Egwu” with Chike and Afrobeats Single of the Year for the same track. These recognitions highlighted the void his untimely passing left in the music world and underscored the lasting power of his artistry.

Drama on Stage

The evening was not without drama. Celebrated rapper Odumodublvck, who clinched the prestigious Next Rated award, found himself briefly at odds with the organizers. After storming the stage with his mother and an entourage of friends and record label team members, he launched into a lengthy acceptance speech.

When organizers tried to cut his speech short by switching off his microphone, Odumodublvck stood his ground and refused to leave the stage. Eventually, the microphone was restored, allowing him to finish his passionate address. His defiant moment added an extra layer of emotion to an already unforgettable night.

Full List of Winners

Here’s the complete breakdown of the night’s major awards:

• Best Recording of the Year
  Tems – Burning — Winner
  Burna Boy – Higher
  Ayra Starr & Giveon – Last Heartbreak Song
  Sarz feat. Lojay – Billions

• Producer of the Year
  Sarz – Happiness
  London – Ozeba — Winner
  Magicsticks – Basquiat
  Rema/Producer X/Cubeatz/Deatz/Klimperboy – Hehehe
  Dibs – Different Pattern

• Next Rated
  Qing Madi
  Shallipopi
  Odumodublvck — Winner
  Ayo Maff
  Nasboi

• Afrobeats Album of the Year
  Stubborn – Victony
  Work of Art – Asake
  The Year I Turned 21 – Ayra Starr
  Heis – Rema — Winner
  Jiggy Forever – Young Jonn

• Songwriter of the Year
  Simi – Stranger
  Qing Madi – Vision — Winner
  Llona – Can’t Breathe
  Bloody Civilian – Family Meeting
  Wizard Chan – Stages of Life

• Rookie of the Year
  Llona
  Kaestyle
  Taves
  Zerrydl — Winner

• Best Rap Single
  Shallipopi feat. Odumodublvck – Cast — Winner
  Odumodublvck feat. Bloody Civilian & Wale – Blood on the Dance Floor
  Ladipoe, Rozzz & Morrelo – Hallelujah
  Magnito – Canada
  Jeriq – Ije Nwoke

• Best Vocal Performance (Female)
  Ayra Starr – Last Heartbreak Song
  Niniola – Level
  Simi – Stranger
  Liya – I’m Done — Winner
  Yemi Alade – Tomorrow

• Music Video of the Year
  Rema – Charm (Dir. Perliks & Folarin Oludare)
  Jyde Ajala – Metaverse
  Perliks & Emeka Shine Shine – Like Ice Spice
  Mattmax – Ojapiano
  Director Pink – Egwu — Winner
  TG Omori – Showa
  Dammy Twitch – Na Money

• Best Street-Hop Artiste
  Seyi Vibez – Different Pattern
  Ayo Maff feat. Fireboy DML – Dealer
  Shallipopi feat. Odumodublvck – Cast
  Zhus Jdo – Johnbull
  Mohbad – Ask About Me — Winner

• Afrobeats Single of the Year
  (Winner not listed in original information.)

Final Thoughts

The 17th Headies Awards delivered far more than trophies and performances — it offered a full reflection of the passion, spirit, and resilience driving African music today. From celebrating living legends and rising stars to honoring the legacies of those who left too soon, it was a night that showcased the heart of the continent’s sound.