After a two-year break, Africa’s biggest celebration of music, pride, and resilience, the Headies Awards, made a return to Lagos on Sunday, April 27, 2025, celebrating the very best of Nigerian and African music.
Hosted at the prestigious Landmark Event Centre, this year’s edition, themed– Back to Base, was more than just a homecoming. It was a reminder of how far African music has traveled and how deeply it continues to inspire the world.
See some of winners at the 17th Headies Awards 2025. Discover top highlights, emotional moments and performances from Africa’s biggest night in music.
NOTABLE LIST OF WINNERS AT THE 17th HEADIES AWARDS
From newcomers to industry legends, these winners represented the diversity, creativity, and global reach of African talent. Here are some of those who took home prestigious Headies awards this year:-
Rookie of the year- Zerry DL
Next Rated – OdumoduBlvck
Song of the Year – Lonely at the Top
Best Collabo – Egwu
Best Performer – Burna Boy
Digital Act of the Year – Davido
Best Producer – London
Best Eastern Africa Act – Juma Jux
Album of the Year – HEIS
Best Street Hop Act – Mohbad
As Afrobeat, Hip Hop, and Street-Hop continue to break barriers, the Headies Awards remains a crucial platform for honoring the creativity, and passion of African artists who are shaping the future of global music.
SPECIAL PERFORMANCES THAT LIT UP THE STAGE AT THE 17TH HEADIES AWARDS 2025
The Headies stage came alive with thrilling performances that captured the heartbeat of contemporary African music.
From Qing Madi’s soulful set to Shallipopi’s electrifying showmanship, the night showcased both seasoned performers and emerging talents.
Although, it was Juma Jux’s closing performance, also an appearance by his wife, Priscilla Ojo, that truly stole hearts across the continent.
Beyond the performances, the night was marked by deep emotions as tributes took center stage.
HONORING LEGACIES AT THE HEADIES AWARDS 2025
One of the most emotional moments of the night came with the posthumous award for Best Street Hop Act, given to Mohbad for his hit song Big Baller.
Mohbad, who tragically passed away in September 2023, left a lasting impact on the Nigerian music scene, especially among younger audiences who connected deeply with his raw lyrics, street anthems, and authenticity.
The hall grew quiet as Mohbad’s wife took the stage on his behalf to accept the award, holding back tears as she thanked the fans and the music community for keeping his legacy alive.
It was a bittersweet but beautiful moment, a reminder that though Mohbad may be gone, his music and spirit lives on.
CONCLUSION: A TESTAMENT TO AFRICA’S CULTURAL POWER
The 17th Headies Awards once again proved that African music is not just entertainment, it’s a movement.
African music doesn’t just participate in global culture, it leads it.
Which moment from the 17th Headies Awards touched you the most?
Let’s talk about it, drop your thoughts in the comments below.
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