The 17th edition of Nigeria’s most prestigious music awards show, the Headies, recently unveiled its nominations list, causing a stir in the music industry. The list features a diverse range of local and international artists who have made significant contributions to the music scene over the past year.
Leading the pack with an impressive five nominations is Tochukwu Ojogwu, popularly known as Odumodu Blvck. Following closely behind are Oyinkansola Aderibigbe, also known as Ayra Starr, and Crown Uzama, known as Shallipopi, each with three nominations to their names.
One of the most anticipated categories is the Best Collaboration, where Odumodu Blvck is a strong contender with two songs. The late Ilerioluwa Aloba, better known as Mohbad, also received three nominations posthumously, despite his absence from the music scene since September 2023.
The Headies nominations cover a wide range of categories, including Producer of the Year, Best Recording of the Year, Songwriter of the Year, Best R&B Singles, Rookie of the Year, Best Rap Single, Best Vocal Performance (female), Music Video of the Year, and Best Collaboration.
Some of the standout nominees include Rema, Jyde Ajala, Perlinks, and Emeka Shine Shine for Music Video of the Year. In the Best Vocal Performance (Female) category, Ayra Star, Niniola, Simi, Liya, and Yemi Alade are all vying for the top spot.
For Best Rap Single, Odumodu Blvck, Bloody Civilian, Wale, Ladipoe, Rozzz, Morello, Magnito, and Jeriq are all in contention. The Rookie of the Year category features rising stars like Zerry DL, Taves, Kaestyles, and Llona.
In the Best R&B Single category, Vision, Jonny Drille, Simi, Tems, and Ayra Star are all competing for the coveted title. The Songwriter of the Year category includes talented individuals like Simisola Kosoko, Chimamanda Pearl Chukwuma, Michael Ajuma Attah, Emoseh Khamofu, and Fuayefika Maxwell.
Producers like Sarz, London, Magicsticks, Rema/Producer X/Cubeats/Deatz/Klimperboy, and Dibs are in the running for Producer of the Year. The Best Recording of the Year category includes tracks from Tems, Seyi Vibez, Burna Boy, Ayra Star, Giveon, Sarz, Lojay, and many more.
The Best Collaboration category boasts impressive pairings such as Tiwa Savage and Asa, Odumodu Blvck, Bloody Civilian, Wale, Shallipopi, Chike, Mohbad, Qing Madi, Bnxn, Kizz Daniel, Davido, and Wizkid, Zlatan.
With such a diverse and talented pool of nominees, the 17th edition of the Headies promises to be a night to remember for the Nigerian music industry. Stay tuned for the winners to be announced and celebrate the best of the best in Nigerian music.