FULL LIST: At the 17th Headies Awards, Davido, the late Mohbad, and Others Shine.

The 17th edition of the esteemed Headies Awards, themed 'Back to Base', took place on Sunday at the Landmark Event Centre in Lekki, signifying a vibrant return to Nigeria after a two-year hiatus abroad. The event was hosted by the charismatic duo of actress and media personality Nancy Isime alongside veteran broadcaster IK Osakioduwa, who infused the stage with their charm, humor, and energy. This occasion was dedicated to honoring exceptional achievements within the Nigerian and African music sectors, acknowledging artists, producers, and creatives who have made significant contributions over the past year. The evening was further enhanced by electrifying performances from some of the continent's most talented stars, including Qing Madi, L.A.X, Odumodublvck, Kcee, Shallipopi, Flavour, Juma Jux, Nasboi, Magnito, and others. Tanzanian artist Juma Jux had a remarkable evening, winning the award for Best East African Artiste of the Year, surpassing other distinguished nominees such as Bien (Kenya), Diamond Platnumz (Tanzania), Bruce Melodie (Rwanda), and Azawi (Uganda). He also captivated the audience with an engaging live performance. One of the most poignant moments of the night was the presentation of the Special Recognition Award to Kcee, honoring his lasting contributions to the Nigerian music scene, his cultural influence, and his impressive artistic journey over the past 26 years. In a deeply touching moment, the late Mohbad was posthumously awarded 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 standing ovation from the audience. The ceremony also included a heartfelt tribute, celebrating Mohbad's significant impact on the music industry and the legacy he has left behind. In addition to his victory, Mohbad received several posthumous nominations, including Best Collaboration for 'Egwu' alongside Chike and Afrobeats Single of the Year for the same song. These nominations and his posthumous acknowledgment highlight the lasting impact of his music and the significant gap his departure has created in the industry. There was a minor incident when the event organizers subtly asked Odumodublvck, the winner of the Next Rated Category, to vacate the stage while he was delivering an extended speech after receiving his award. The acclaimed rapper, who had taken the stage with his mother and a group of friends and record label associates, firmly refused to leave until the organizers eventually activated his microphone, which had been turned off, allowing him to complete his speech. See full list of winners below: 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 Young Jonn feat. Kizz Daniel & Seyi Vibez – Big Big Things Kizz Daniel – Twe Twe Remix Chike feat. Mohbad – Egwu Asake – Remember Hyce, Boypee & Brown Joel feat. Davido – Ogechi Remix Flavour – Big Baller — Winner Viewers’ Choice Award Young Jonn feat. Kizz Daniel & Seyi Vibez – Big Big Things Hyce, Boypee & Brown Joel feat. Davido – Ogechi Remix Chike & Mohbad – Egwu — Winner Rema – Ozeba Seyi Vibez – Different Pattern Kizz Daniel – Showa Tems – Love Me Jeje Shallipopi feat. Odumodublvck – Cast Flavour feat. Fireboy – Dealer Flavour – Big Baller Digital Artiste of the Year Ayra Starr Rema Shallipopi Tems Davido — Winner Kizz Daniel Asake Song of the Year Showa – Kizz Daniel Commas – Ayra Starr Egwu – Chike and Mohbad Lonely at the Top – Asake — Winner Ozeba – Rema Big Baller – Flavour Best Vocal Performance Male Lojay — Billions — Winner Best Movie Soundtrack A Tribe Called Judah — Winner Special Recognition Awards Babajide Sanwo-Olu, Lagos State Governor Alex Okosi Amaju Pinnick Kcee Humanitarian awards Temitola Adekunle Johnson Mitchell Mukoro Best East African Artiste Bien (Kenya) Diamond Platnumz (Tanzania) Juma Jux (Tanzania) -Winner Bruce Melodie (Rwanda) Azawi (Uganda) Best Central African Artiste Innoss’B (DRC) — Winner Gaz Mawete (DRC) Emma’A (Gabon) Eboloko (Gabon) Singuila (Central African Republic) Kocee (Cameroon) The Headies Awards 2025 was a night of glitz, glamour, and powerful recognition — a true testament to the vibrant evolution of African music.