The Headies, Nigeria’s most prestigious music awards, has released the nominations for its 17th edition, sparking excitement across the industry.
This year’s list highlights both Nigerian and international artists who have made significant contributions to music over the past year.
Leading the nominations is Tochukwu Ojogwu, better known as Odumodublvck, who secured five nods.
Close behind him are Oyinkansola Aderibigbe (Ayra Starr) and Crown Uzama (Shallipopi), each earning three nominations.
Odumodublvck is also competing in the Best Collaboration category with two songs, facing off against major artists like Chike, Wizkid, Zlatan, Asa, and Tiwa Savage.
Despite his death on September 12, 2023, the late Ilerioluwa Aloba, popularly known as Mohbad, has also received three posthumous nominations, further cementing his lasting impact on the music scene.
The Headies social media account shared nominations for several major categories, including Producer of the Year, Best Recording of the Year, Songwriter of the Year, Rookie of the Year, Best Rap Single, and Best Collaboration.
Full list of 2025 Headies nominees:
Music Video of the Year
- Charm – Rema (Directed by Perlinks & 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 – Odumodublvck & Shallipopi
- Blood on the Dance Floor – Bloody Civilian, Wale & Odumodublvck
- Hallelujah – Ladipoe, Rozzz & Morello
- Canada – Magnito
- Ije Nwoke – Jeriq
Rookie of the Year
- Zerry DL
- Taves
- Kaestyles
- 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/Cubeats/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 – Odumodublvck, Bloody Civilian & Wale
- Cast – Shallipopi ft. Odumodublvck
- 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 – Dealer ft. Fireboy
- Shallipopi – Cast ft. Odumodublvck
- Zhus Jdo – Johnbull
- Mohbad – Ask About Me
Afrobeats Single of the Year
- Big Big Things – Young John 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
The 2024 Headies is shaping up to be one of the most competitive editions yet, with a diverse range of talent being recognized.
Fans and industry watchers eagerly await the award ceremony to see who will take home the coveted trophies.
KanyiDaily recalls that Ayra Starr previously voiced her dissatisfaction with the Headies organizers for their perceived indifference towards female musicians.