Headies 2025: Rema Takes Top Prize, Mohbad Remembered, Chike Dominates – Full List of Winners!

The Nigerian music industry witnessed a night of glitz, glamour, and celebration as the 17th edition of The Headies Awards unfolded in Lagos on April 27, 2025. Held at the prestigious Landmark Events Centre, the event brought together the brightest stars, industry players, and music lovers to honour the outstanding achievements in Nigerian music over the past year.

Hosted with charm and energy by Nollywood sensation Nancy Isime, the night was a vibrant showcase of talent, featuring electrifying performances and heartfelt moments. The awards ceremony successfully captured the pulse of the contemporary African music scene, celebrating both established superstars and emerging talents.

Rema, Chike, and Mohbad Shine Bright

It was a significant night for several artists. Rema solidified his position as a powerhouse, clinching the highly coveted Album of the Year award for his project ‘Heis’. His producer London also bagged Producer of the Year for the track ‘Ozeba’.

Chike enjoyed a stellar evening, taking home two prestigious awards for his hit song ‘Egwu’. The track won the fan-favourite Viewers Choice Award and also secured the Best Music Video award, directed by Director Pink.

In a poignant and emotional highlight, the late Mohbad was honoured posthumously. He shared the Viewers Choice Award win with Chike for their collaboration ‘Egwu’. Furthermore, Mohbad’s impactful 2023 single ‘Ask About Me’ earned him the award for Best Street-Hop Artiste, a testament to his enduring influence on the genre even after his tragic passing.

New Talents Emerge

The Headies Next Rated category, always a predictor of future stardom, saw Odumodublvck emerge victorious, triumphing over other promising nominees like Qing Madi, Shallipopi, Ayo Maff, and Nasboi. The Rookie of the Year award went to Zerrydl, marking him as a fresh face to watch closely.

Celebrating Diverse Sounds and Talents

The awards spanned various genres and skills. Asake‘s ‘Lonely at the Top’ captured the Song of the Year, while Flavour‘s ‘Big Baller’ was crowned Afrobeats Single of the Year. Songwriting brilliance was recognized with Qing Madi winning Songwriter of the Year for ‘Vision’. Vocal prowess was celebrated with Liya (‘I’m Done’) winning Best Vocal Performance (Female) and Lojay (‘Billions’) taking Best Vocal Performance (Male). The rap scene was acknowledged with Shallipopi feat. Odumodublvck winning Best Rap Single for ‘Cast’.

A Night of Recognition Beyond Music

The Headies also took moments to acknowledge contributions beyond musical tracks. Special Recognition Awards were presented to Lagos State Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu, industry veteran Alex Okosi, Amaju Pinnick, and artist KCee. Humanitarian awards were given to Temitola Adekunle Johnson and Mitchell Mukoro. The film industry crossover was noted with ‘A Tribe Called Judah’ winning Best Movie Soundtrack.

Continental Reach

The Headies continued its tradition of recognizing talent across Africa. Juma Jux from Tanzania won Best East African Artiste, while Innoss’B from the DRC was awarded Best Central African Artiste.

Noteworthy Omissions

Interestingly, the organisers did not announce winners for ten categories during the ceremony, including notable ones like Best Collaboration, Best R&B Single, Lyricist on the Roll, Best Rap Album, and several regional artiste categories (Southern, North, West African), as well as International Artiste of the Year and Best Performer. The reason for these omissions was not immediately clarified.

Full List of Headies 2025 Winners:

Here is the complete list of winners announced at the 17th Headies Awards:

• Best Recording of the Year: Tems – Burning
• Producer of the Year: London – Ozeba
• Headies Next Rated: Odumodublvck
• Afrobeats Album of the Year: Rema – Heis
• Songwriter of the Year: Qing Madi – Vision
• Rookie of the Year: Zerrydl
• Best Rap Single: Shallipopi feat. Odumodublvck – Cast
• Best Vocal Performance (Female): Liya – I’m Done
• Best Music Video of the Year: Director Pink – Egwu (Chike feat. Mohbad)
• Best Street-Hop Artiste: Mohbad – Ask About Me
• Afrobeats Single of the Year: Flavour – Big Baller
• Viewers’ Choice Award: Chike & Mohbad – Egwu
• Song of the Year: Asake – Lonely at the Top
• Best Vocal Performance (Male): Lojay – Billions
• Best Movie Soundtrack: A Tribe Called Judah
• Best East African Artiste: Juma Jux (Tanzania)
• Best Central African Artiste: Innoss’B (DRC)

Special Recognition Awards:

• Babajide Sanwo-Olu
• Alex Okosi
• Amaju Pinnick
• KCee

Humanitarian Awards:

• Temitola Adekunle Johnson
• Mitchell Mukoro

The 17th Headies Awards successfully delivered a night celebrating the dynamism and creativity fueling Nigerian and African music, honouring both chart-toppers and the poignant memory of artists lost too soon. Congratulations to all the winners!