1 week Ago By Oluchi Ezumezu
Lagos was the heart of glitz and glamour on Sunday, April 27, 2025, as the 17th edition of the Headies Awards took over the Landmark Event Centre to honor the music industry’s top performers. The evening saw notable victories from stars like Zerry DL, Tems, Flavour, Rema, and Davido. The ceremony drew some of the biggest figures in entertainment and government, including the presence of Lagos State Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu.
Other high-profile appearances included Tanzanian artist Juma Jux with his wife Priscilla, screen diva Nancy Isime, Bamike Olawunmi-Adenibuyan (popularly known as BamBam), nightlife entrepreneur Cubana Chief Priest, and Big Brother Naija 2021 champion, White Money. Adding to the distinguished crowd were Collins Enebeli Ajereh, father of Don Jazzy of Mavin Records, and Lagos State’s Commissioner for Information, Gbenga Omotoso. Rookie of the Year saw Zerry DL clinching the top prize, leaving contenders like Taves, Kaestyle, and Llona behind.
For Soundtrack of the Year, “Tribe Called Judah Soundtrack” – TCJ and Abbey Wonder (A Tribe Called Judah Soundtrack) earned the trophy, surpassing entries from Teledalase, Kaline, Native Filmworks and Wizard Chan, Beriola, and Tiwa Savage with Asa. Tems took home Best Recording of the Year for “Burning”, beating out Seyi Vibez, Burna Boy, Ayra Starr and Giveon, and Sarz with Lojay. In the male category for Best Vocal Performance, Lojay triumphed with “Billions”, while Liya captured the female equivalent for her powerful song “I’m Done”.
The Headies honored Lagos State Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu, Alex Okosi, and Amaju Pinnick with Special Recognition Awards. The title of Songwriter of the Year was awarded to Chimamanda Pearl Chukwuma (Qing Madi) for “Vision”, winning over strong competition. Humanitarian efforts were recognized, with Temitola Adekunle Johnson and Michelle Mukoro (King Mitchy) receiving accolades.
In the production arena, London was crowned Producer of the Year for “OZEBA”. Rema’s HEIS snagged Afrobeats Album of the Year, further cementing his star status. For visual storytelling, Director Pink stood out, winning Music Video of the Year for “EGWU”.
Flavour took home Afrobeats Single of the Year with “Big Baller”, while Chike and Mohbad’s “Egwu” captivated fans to earn the Headies’ Viewers’ Choice Award. Rising star Odumodublvck secured the prestigious Next Rated honor. Davido proved his digital dominance, winning Best Digital Artiste of the Year.
Meanwhile, Tanzanian sensation Juma Jux was celebrated as the Best East African Artiste of the Year..
