The 17th edition of The Headies, which rewards excellence in Nigerian music, is scheduled for April 5, 2025, in Lagos.
By Emmanuel ‘Waziri’ Okoro
Nigeria’s foremost music award, The Headies, is set to return home after a two-year stint in the United States. The 17th edition of the prestigious award ceremony, which rewards excellence in Nigerian music, is scheduled for April 5, 2025, in Lagos.
This edition will focus on recognising the outstanding achievements in Nigerian music that should have been celebrated in 2024, a year when the awards were not held.
The announcement was made by Ayo Animashaun, Founder and Executive Producer of Smooth Productions, the organisers of The Headies, during a special event tagged The Big Announcement. Held in Lagos, the event was attended by key stakeholders in the entertainment industry, including music journalists, artistes, and other industry professionals.
Animashaun revealed that this year’s edition will not only mark the return of the awards to Nigeria but also introduce several new initiatives aimed at strengthening the brand and its impact. Among these is the establishment of The Headies Board, a governing body that will oversee the awards and ensure its continued relevance and integrity.
Additionally, The Headies Foundation, which has been operating quietly for a few years, will be officially launched to support and empower creatives in the Nigerian music industry.
In a move to expand its global footprint, The Headies also announced plans to organise “The Headies Creative Summit”, an initiative aimed at fostering collaboration and innovation within the African creative industry. The summit is slated to be held in the United States or Canada in the near future.
Looking ahead, the 18th edition of The Headies has already been scheduled for December 2025, promising another grand celebration of Nigerian and African music and talent. The nominees list for the 17th edition will be unveiled on February 12, 2025, with possible voting lines opening shortly after for categories subject to public voting.