Headies Awards Unveils 18th Edition Nominees Celebrating “Africa to the World”
The Headies Awards has officially unveiled the list of nominees for its 18th edition, spotlighting the global rise of African music. themed “Africa to the World,” the annual ceremony will host its prestigious celebration of Nigerian and African music excellence in Toronto, Canada.
This year’s nominations span 35 categories, recognizing the diverse sounds shaping the music landscape across the continent and throughout the African diaspora. Leading the pack are major contenders across heavyweight categories, including Song of the Year, Next Rated, Rookie of the Year, and Best Street-Hop Artiste. The 18th edition will also feature a special Hall of Fame induction honoring music icon Awilo Longomba.
“The Headies continues to build bridges for African talent globally,” the organizers noted during the announcement. “Bringing the ceremony to Toronto reflects our commitment to honoring our artists on an international stage while preserving the cultural authenticity of African music.”
Nominations
Song of the Year
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“Arike” — Kunmie
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“Hey Jago” — Poco Lee, Shoday & Rahman Jago
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“Hot Body” — Ayra Starr
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“Joy Is Coming” — Fido
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“MMS” — Asake & Wizkid
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“With You” — Davido & Omah Lay
Afrobeats Album of the Year
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5ive — Davido
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Captain — BNXN
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Clarity of Mind — Omah Lay
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Fuji — Adekunle Gold
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Morayo — Wizkid
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No Sign of Weakness — Burna Boy
Album of the Year
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Catharsis — FOLA
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Clarity of Mind — Omah Lay
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G.O.A.T — Erigga
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Morayo — Wizkid
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The Machine Is Coming — ODUMODUBLVCK
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This One Is Personal — Tiwa Savage
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No Sign of Weakness — Burna Boy
Next Rated
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Fido
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FOLA
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Llona
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Mavo
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Shoday
Best Male Artiste
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Adekunle Gold, Asake, FOLA, Mavo, Rema, Wizkid, Burna Boy
Best Female Artiste
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Ayra Starr, Qing Madi, Sewà, Tems, Teni, Tiwa Savage
Regional & Diaspora Categories
The 18th edition expands its footprint across the continent and beyond, featuring dedicated categories for international talent and regional sounds:
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African Diaspora-Canadian Artiste: Debby Friday, Tôme, Bolu Ajibade, Nonso Amadi, Rooky Kamiz, Tobi
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West African Artiste: Black Sherif, Himra, KiDi, King Promise, Moliy, Wally B. Seck, Stonebwoy
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East African Artiste: Abigail Chams, Bien, Bruce Melodie, Harmonize, Joshua Baraka
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Central African Artiste: Fally Ipupa, Ferré Gola, Héritier Watanabe, Hiro, Innoss’B, Locko
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North African Artiste: Balti, Dystinct, Marwan Moussa, Soolking, Tul8te
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International Artiste of the Year: Ciara, Dave, Gunna, Jazmine Sullivan, Shenseea, Tiakola
Details regarding voting channels, ticket sales, and broadcast schedules for the live show in Toronto will be released in the coming weeks.
About The Headies
Established in 2006, The Headies (formerly Hip Hop World Awards) is Africa’s premier music awards show, celebrating outstanding achievements in Nigerian and African music culture.
