Full List of Winners: The 17th Headies Awards 2025 Shine Bright

The event, held at the Landmark Events Centre in Lagos, celebrated African music's global impact with electrifying performances and heartfelt tributes to the continent's musical legends. Despite some technical issues, the ceremony honored excellence in African music during the eligibility period from April 1, 2023, to July 31, 2024.

Key figures attended the event such as Davido, who won Digital Artiste of the Year, and Don Jazzy, reflecting the awards' influence on both established and emerging artists. Social media buzzed with reactions to the awards, particularly around Mohbad's posthumous win for Best Street-Hop Artiste, which sparked both celebration and controversy.

Carter Efe, a popular content creator, expressed dissatisfaction with Mohbad's win, suggesting it was a bid for clout following his passing. However, many fans saw it as a heartfelt tribute to his legacy. As one fan noted, "He’s alive in SPIRIT!! Don’t joke with spirit oh!!!".

The Headies Awards 2025 underscored the cultural significance of African music, celebrating its global appeal while honoring its roots. The event debuted new categories like Soundtrack of the Year and Best Performer (Live), further expanding its recognition of artistic contributions.

"African music has truly become a global phenomenon, and events like the Headies remind us of our rich cultural heritage and the incredible talent we have on the continent," said a fan attending the event.

Full List of Winners

Here is the full list of winners from the 17th Headies Awards:

• Best Recording of the Year: Tems – Burning

• Best Vocal Performance (Male): Lojay – Billions

• Best Vocal Performance (Female): Liya – I’m Done

• Artiste of the Year: Not Announced

• Next Rated: Odumodublvck

• Rookie of the Year: Zerry DL

• Album of the Year: A Tribe Called Judah (Abbey Wonder & TCJ)

• Afrobeats Album of the Year: Rema – HEIS

• Song of the Year: Asake - Lonely At The Top

• Producer of the Year: London – Ozeba

• Songwriter of the Year: Qing Madi – Vision

• Best Street-Hop Artiste: Mohbad – Ask About Me

• Best East African Artiste: Juma Jux

• Best Central African Artiste: Innoss’B

• Soundtrack of the Year: A Tribe Called Judah – TCJ and Abbey Wonder

• Digital Artist of the Year: Davido

• Special Recognition Awards: Babajide Sanwo-Olu, Alex Okosi, Amaju Pinnick, Kcee

• Humanitarian Awards: Temitola Adekunle Johnson, Mitchell Mukoro

The 17th Headies Awards not only reflected the vibrant evolution of African music but also highlighted its growing influence worldwide. As the African entertainment scene continues to flourish, events like the Headies serve as a testament to the continent's creative power and its ability to inspire and unite through music.