The 17th Headies Awards, Nigeria’s premier music celebration, electrified Landmark Events Centre in Victoria Island, Lagos on Sunday, April 27, 2025, delivering a night of surprises, heartfelt tributes, and Afrobeats supremacy. Social media platforms, particularly X, exploded with emotional reactions as the late Ilerioluwa Oladimeji Aloba, popularly known as Mohbad, posthumously won Best Street-Hop Artiste and dominated three other categories, including Viewer’s Choice and Best Collaboration for “Egwu” with Chike.
Several fans took to the microblogging site X to celebrate Mohbad’s enduring legacy and a well-deserved recognition nearly two years after his tragic passing in September 2023.
The ceremony, which marked Headies’ return to Nigeria after two years in Atlanta, was a vibrant showcase of Afrobeats, hip-hop, and Nigerian music’s global influence. Davido clinched Artiste of the Year, while Rema’s HEIS secured Album of the Year and Afrobeats Album of the Year, cementing their dominance. Mohbad’s posthumous triumphs and performances by Shallipopi, Seyi Vibez, and Qing Madi defined a night that celebrated both established stars and rising talents.
However, the event was not without flaws, as poor time management and technical glitches forced organisers to abruptly end the ceremony before announcing winners in several categories, including Best R&B Single, Best Collaboration, and Lyricist on the Roll, sparking criticism online.
Origins of The Headies
Now in its 17th edition, The Headies was founded in 2006 by Ayo Animashaun’s Hip Hop World Magazine. Initially known as the Hip Hop World Awards, it began as a platform to honour artists in Nigeria’s burgeoning hip-hop scene. Over the years, it expanded to embrace Afrobeats, R&B, and other genres, reflecting the industry’s evolution.
The iconic Headies plaque, designed by Matthias Aragbada and crafted by Jide Adewoye, symbolises the resilience of young Nigerian creatives. From its debut at the Muson Centre to its global stage, The Headies remains a cultural touchstone, chronicling Afrobeats’ rise to worldwide prominence.
Mohbad’s posthumous triumph
Mohbad’s victories were the emotional part of the night. His widow, Wunmi, and their son, Liam, accepted the Best Street-Hop Artiste award, presented by Regina Daniels and BBNaija’s Bambam. Wunmi, holding the plaque, said, “Although Mohbad is not here, he lives on through our son, Liam. Thank you for this honour.”
Mohbad’s seven nominations, including Song of the Year and Afrobeats Single of the Year, underscored his street anthems’ resonance. His wins for Best Collaboration and Viewer’s Choice for “Egwu” with Chike, alongside Best Music Video for the same track, sparked widespread tributes on X, with @MusiqFro posting, “Imole lives on.”
Full list of winners at the 17th Headies
The 17th Headies honoured excellence across 30 categories, with a mix of veterans and newcomers taking home awards. Below is the complete list of winners:
- Artiste of the Year: Davido
- Album of the Year: HEIS – Rema
- Song of the Year: “Lonely at the Top” – Asake
- Best Collaboration: “Egwu” – Chike & Mohbad
- Best Rap Album: Family Time (Erigga)
- Best Performer (Live): Burna Boy
- Digital Artiste of the Year: Davido
- Producer of the Year: London
- Best Soundtrack: A Tribe Called Judah – Funke Akindele
- Best International Act: Travis Scott
- Best Southern Africa Act: Titom
- Best Northern Africa Act: Soolking
- Best Western Africa Act: Himra
- Best Eastern Africa Act: Juma Jux
- Best Central Africa Act: Innoss’B
- Special Recognition: Kcee
- Best Street-Hop Artiste: Mohbad
- Afrobeats Single of the Year: “Big Baller” – Flavour
- Best Music Video: “Egwu” – Directed by Pink (Chike & Mohbad)
- Viewer’s Choice Award: “Egwu” – Chike & Mohbad
- Afrobeats Album of the Year: HEIS – Rema
- Recording of the Year: “Burning” – Tems
- Songwriter of the Year: Qing Madi
- Best Vocal Performance: Lojay
- Best Inspirational Single: Mercy Chinwo
- Next Rated: Odumodublvck
- Rookie of the Year: Zerry DL
Social media reactions and controversy
Mohbad’s wins dominated X, with fans addressing him by his longtime moniker, “Imole” (light) for his lasting impact. @bouncenetworks shared celebratory images, while others praised Wunmi and Liam’s emotional acceptance.
However, the event’s abrupt end due to technical glitches frustrated fans, with unannounced categories initially leaving gaps. Posts on X criticised organisers, though the full winner list later clarified the outcomes. Davido’s Artiste of the Year win and Rema’s double victory for HEIS also trended, with fans lauding their consistency.
Overall, the 17th Headies reaffirmed its status as Nigeria’s musical cornerstone, honouring Mohbad’s legacy, Davido’s star power, and Rema’s innovation. Despite organisational hiccups, the return to Lagos celebrated Afrobeats’ global ascent and Nigeria’s creative spirit. As Mohbad’s music continues to inspire and new talents like Odumodublvck and Zerry DL rise, The Headies 2025 marked a pivotal moment in the industry’s evolution.
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