The Headies, Nigeria’s premier music awards, is making its highly anticipated return to the country in 2025, with two separate editions scheduled. Organisers have confirmed that the 17th edition will take place on April 5, focusing on the achievements of 2024’s music scene.
Ayo Animashuan, founder of The Headies, announced the news in a video shared on the award show’s X page. He also revealed that nominations for the 17th edition would be unveiled on February 12. In addition, the 18th edition is set for December, celebrating the music of both 2024 and 2025.
Animashuan explained, “This awards ceremony in April was originally planned for last year, but due to unforeseen circumstances, it didn’t happen. We didn’t want to skip a calendar year, so the next edition will be in December, aligning with the Detty December trend.”
The Headies, established in 2006, has become a prestigious platform to recognize excellence in Nigerian music. The inaugural event, hosted by Dare Art Alade, took place at the Shell Hall of the MUSON Center in Lagos, with early honorees like Don Jazzy, P-Square, Mode 9, and DJ Jimmy Jatt.
In 2023, the 16th edition of the awards was held in Atlanta, Georgia, at the Cobb Energy Performing Arts Center, where Rema and Burna Boy emerged as the biggest winners, each taking home three awards. Other notable winners included Wizkid, Davido, Ayra Starr, Asake, and Omah Lay. The event also saw Angelique Kidjo inducted into the Headies Hall of Fame.
After two years of hosting the awards in the United States, the organisers have confirmed that the 17th edition will return to Nigeria in 2025.
