It’s 2025, and The Headies is in its 19th year. Originally launched in 2006 as the Hip-Hop World Magazine Award (renamed The Headies in 2011), the event is organized by Hip TV. Over the years, the ceremony has cemented its place as Nigeria’s premier music award.
After a two-year stint in the U.S., The Headies will return to Lagos this year. According to executive producer Ayo Animashaun, two award ceremonies will be held in 2025: the 17th edition, which was postponed last year, will take place on April 5, while the 18th edition is scheduled for December.
What have been the most memorable parts of the events in its almost two decades of running? We’re taking a wild ride through the highs, lows, and controversies that have made The Headies a staple of Nigerian pop culture.
The highs
The Next Rated Awards
The Next Rated category, which is awarded to the most promising act under the year in review, is the gift that keeps on giving. A huge percentage of its winners have gone on to have successful careers as global music stars. Some winners include Asa (its first winner), Wizkid, Davido, Mr Eazi, Adekunle Gold and most recently BNXN (formerly known as Buju).
Compensation for winners
The Headies is one of the few music award shows in Nigeria — and across the continent — that has offered more than just a plaque to a category winner, ensuring they get their promised prize. In contrast, Kora Awards promised a cash prize to winners of some categories, but there have been reports that some winners never receive them.
The Next Rated award always comes with a car. In 2022, The Headies said the category would include a brand new 2022 Bentley Bentayga. BNXN was the first recipient.
More representation
In 2022, The Headies Awards added more award categories, taking the number of awards from 29 to 32. The new categories are International Artiste of the Year, Best Inspirational Single, and Digital Artiste of the Year.
The lows
Musicians’ disregard for The Headies
Many musicians have expressed gripes with the nomination process. In 2016, singer and music producer Tekno disagreed that he was an upcoming musician after he was nominated in the Headies’ Next Rated category, leading to the organisers disqualifying him. Another example was in 2019, when many A-list musicians did not attend the event. Some opted, instead, to attend Wizkid’s Starboy Fest in O2 concert in London.
Gender-based categorisation
In a world where gender equality is taking the forefront of every conversation, The Headies retains its “Best Male” and “Best Female” categories. Critics of the show have said this demarcation boxes women in music as “female musicians,” a category that critics have said is ranked less prestigious than “male musicians.”
Inconsistency
The 2022 and 2023 editions of The Headies were held in the US, a decision that sparked discussions about accessibility and representation. While the organisers framed it as an opportunity to showcase Nigerian artists globally, critics questioned the impact on local fans who had limited access to the event.
Another challenge was the issue of travel visas. Some nominated artists could not attend due to visa restrictions, highlighting a logistical hurdle for Nigeria-based entertainers. As The Headies continues to evolve, its choice of location remains a key factor in balancing global recognition with local engagement.
Hollywood hosts
In recent years, The Headies has opted for Hollywood personalities as hosts, with Anthony Anderson leading the 2022 edition and Terrence J taking over in 2023. This choice has sparked conversations about the role of African-American entertainers in a Nigerian music award show.
While these hosts bring international visibility, some industry observers question whether there is a need to look outside Nigeria when the country has a wealth of talented MCs who can command the stage. The decision raises broader discussions about representation and the balance between local and global appeal.
Production quality
The decision to host The Headies 2023 in the US was partly influenced by cost considerations, with founder Ayo Animashaun citing “cheaper production costs” as a key factor.
However, the event faced significant production challenges, including poor lighting, inconsistent sound quality, and weak visuals, making it difficult to clearly see performers and presenters. These issues led to widespread criticism, raising questions about whether the cost-saving measures ultimately compromised the viewing experience.
The controversies
Don Jazzy vs. Olamide
One of the most talked-about moments in Headies history occurred in 2015, when Reekado Banks, then signed to Mavin Records, won the Next Rated award over YBNL’s Lil Kesh. The decision sparked controversy, with Lil Kesh’s label boss, Olamide, expressing his dissatisfaction on stage, accusing the organisers of being unfair.
Shortly after, Mavin Records boss Don Jazzy responded in a heated exchange, creating a tense moment that stopped short of an outright confrontation. The fallout continued on social media, with Olamide taking his grievances to Twitter (now X), further fueling discussions about the credibility of the award.
Wizkid snubbed Caesar
One of the most talked-about moments in Headies history remains the awkward exchange between Wizkid and Caesar, the ex-fiancé of rapper Eva Alordiah in 2016. During the event, Wizkid greeted Eva with a warm hug, but when Caesar extended his hand for a handshake, Wizkid completely ignored him.
The moment caught on camera quickly went viral and became a major topic of discussion. Years later, it’s still referenced whenever that edition of The Headies is brought up, proving that sometimes, a simple snub can be just as memorable as the awards themselves.
Bovi’s Bloody Fashion Statement at the 2020 Headies Awards
At the 2020 Headies, comedian Bovi made a bold statement by stepping onto the stage in a bloodied Nigerian flag dress. This wasn’t just a fashion moment — it was his protest against the state-sanctioned killings during the #EndSARS movement.
To catch you up: on October 20, 2020, the Nigerian government ordered the military to open fire on peaceful protesters calling for an end to police brutality. The Lekki Massacre left dozens dead and ignited outrage worldwide. Bovi’s choice to wear a bloodied flag was a stark reminder that while the night celebrated winners, the fight for justice was far from over.
Portable’s disqualification
Street-hop sensation Portable was nominated for Best Street-Hop Artist but was disqualified after he claimed to have founded “One Million Boys,” a notorious gang. The Headies organisers released a statement condemning his comments and revoked his nomination.
