The 17th edition of the Headies Awards has been announced, with Nigerian rapper Odumodublvck and the late singer Mohbad emerging as some of the most nominated artists. The organizers released the nominations list on their official X (formerly Twitter) platform, highlighting both local and international artists.
Odumodublvck leads the nominations with five categories, while Mohbad, Ayra Starr, and Shallipopi each secured three nominations. The award show, which is Nigeria’s most prestigious music award event, will take place on April 5, 2025, recognizing music videos released between April 2023 and July 31, 2024.
Key Nominations
Music Video of the Year
This category celebrates outstanding visuals, featuring top Nigerian music directors:
- Like Ice Spice – Perlinks and Emeka Shine
- Charm – Rema, Perlinks, and Folarin Oludare
- Ojapiano – MattmaxEgwu – Director Pink
- Showa – TG Omori
- Metaverse – Jyde Ajala
- Na Money – Dammy Twitch
Best Vocal Performance (Female)
Recognizing vocal excellence, the nominees include:
- Niniola – Level
- Ayra Starr – Last Heartbreak Song
- Simi – Stranger
- Yemi Alade – Tomorrow
- Liya – I’m Done
Best Rap Single
The rap category features heavy hitters in Nigeria’s hip-hop scene:
- Blood on the Dance Floor – Bloody
- Cast – Odumodublvck and Shallipopi
- Civilian – Wale and Odumodublvck
- Canada – Magnito
- Ije Nwoke – Jeriq
- Hallelujah – Ladipoe, Rozzz, and Morello
Rookie of the Year
This category spotlights emerging artists making waves in the industry:
- Llona
- Taves
- Zerry DL
- Kaestyles
Best R&B Single
- Johnny Drille – For You
- Tems – Burning
- Simi – Stranger
- Ayra Starr – Last Heartbreak Song ft. Giveon
- Qing Madi – Vision
Songwriter of the Year
Honoring lyrical craftsmanship:
- Simi – Stranger
- Qing Madi – Vision
- Llona – Can’t Breathe
- Bloody Civilian – Family Meeting
- Wizard Chan – Stages of Life
Producer of the Year
- Dibs – Different Pattern
- Sarz – Happiness
- Magicsticks – Basquiat
- London – Ozeba
- Rema/Producer X/Cubeats/Deatz/Klimperboy – Hehehe
Best Collaboration
This category highlights exceptional joint efforts:
- Blood on the Dance Floor – Odumodublvck, Bloody Civilian, and Wale
- Emotions – Tiwa Savage ft. Asa
- Egwu – Chike ft. MohbadCast – Shallipopi ft. Odumodublvck
- Ole – Qing Madi ft. Bnxn
- IDK – Wizkid ft. Zlatan
- Twe Twe Remix – Kizz Daniel ft. Davido
Best Street-Hop Artiste
- Ayo Maff – Dealer ft. Fireboy
- Seyi Vibez – Different Patterns
- Shallipopi – Cast ft. Odumodublvck
- Mohbad – Ask About Me
- Zhus Jdo – Johnbull
Afrobeats Single of the Year
- Daniel and Seyi Vibez
- Big Big Things – Young John ft. Kizz
- Twe Twe Remix – Kizz Daniel ft. Davido
- Remember – Asake
- Egwu – Chike ft. Mohbad
- Ogechi Remix – Hyce, Boypee, and Brown
- Big Baller – Flavour
- Joel ft. Davido
Lyricist on the Roll
- Chocolate City Cypher – MI Abaga
- Mogadishu – AQ
- Chocolate City Cypher – Blaqbonez
- Efeleme – Alpha Ojini
- Hallelujah – Ladipoe
Best Inspirational Single
- Worthy of My Praise – Dunsin Oyekan ft. Lawrence Oyor
- Gratitude – Anendlessocean
- Good God 2 – Limoblaze ft. Naomi Raine
- You Do This One – Mercy Chinwo
- Particularly – Gaise Baba ft. Tope Alabi
The Headies remains a key event in recognizing Nigeria’s music excellence. With artists like Odumodublvck and the late Mohbad dominating the nominations, the 2025 edition promises to be a remarkable celebration of talent. Fans eagerly await April 5 to see who will take home the prestigious awards.
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