The 17th Headies Award

The 17th edition of the prestigious Headies Awards, themed ‘Back to Base’, lit up the Landmark Event Centre in Lekki on Sunday, marking an exciting return to Nigeria after two years abroad.

The evening was hosted by actress and media star Nancy Isime alongside veteran broadcaster IK Osakioduwa, who brought humour, energy, and flair to the event. The ceremony celebrated exceptional talent across the Nigerian and African music scenes, recognising artists, producers, and creatives who made remarkable contributions in the past year.

The night also saw electrifying performances from leading stars including Qing Madi, L.A.X, Odumodublvck, Kcee, Shallipopi, Flavour, Juma Jux, Nasboi, Magnito, and others.

Tanzanian singer Juma Jux had a standout night, clinching the Best East African Artiste of the Year award ahead of heavyweights like Bien (Kenya), Diamond Platnumz (Tanzania), Bruce Melodie (Rwanda), and Azawi (Uganda). He also delivered a thrilling live performance that kept the crowd buzzing.

A touching moment of the night came as Kcee, known as the Limpopo master, received the Special Recognition Award for his 26-year impact on the Nigerian music industry and his cultural contributions.

The late Mohbad was posthumously honoured with the Best Street-Hop Artiste award for his hit “Ask About Me”. His family, including his wife and young son, Liam, received the award on his behalf, drawing a standing ovation. Mohbad also earned posthumous nominations for Best Collaboration (“Egwu” with Chike) and Afrobeats Single of the Year, highlighting the lasting power of his music.

The night wasn’t without drama, as Next Rated winner Odumodublvck refused to leave the stage mid-speech after organisers initially cut his microphone. Supported by his mother and entourage, the rapper insisted on completing his remarks, eventually regaining his microphone to finish his heartfelt speech.

The 2025 Headies delivered a mix of celebration, emotion, and memorable performances, reaffirming its place as a key event in Africa’s music calendar.