The award which is returning to Nigeria after two editions in the United States is set to a highly competitive one as some of the biggest hits and acclaimed albums released between 2023 and 2024 have been nominated in multiple categories.
Over the years, the Headies Next Rated prize has become one of the most anticipated and keenly contested categories.
This year, the trend is set to continue with OdumoduBlvck, Shallipopi, Ayo Maff, Qing Madi, and Nasboi nominated for the prize.
The nominees have enjoyed impressive commercial success since breaking into the mainstream and they will all be eyeing the prize.
Among the nominees, OdumoudBlcvk has the most Headies pedigree having won the Best Rap Song and Rookie of the Year at the 16th edition.
According to the Headies, only music materials including singles, videos, video live recordings, EPs & albums released & distributed on digital streaming platforms, & physical music media (cassettes, CDs & vinyl) within the year in review (April 1, 2023, & July 31, 2024) were considered for nomination.
Only music materials including singles, videos, video live recordings, EPs & albums released & distributed on digital streaming platforms, & physical music media (cassettes, CDs & vinyl) within the year in review (April 1, 2023 & July 31,2024) were considered for nomination. pic.twitter.com/VYlG6d99Ci
— IG: the_headies (@The_Headies) February 12, 2025
See the full nominations list below.
HEADIES NEXT RATED
QING MADI
SHALLIPOPI
ODUMODUBLVCK
AYO MAFF
NASBOI
BEST RECORDING OF THE YEAR
TEMS – BURNING
SEYI VIBEZ - DIFFERENT PATTERN
BURNA BOY - HIGHER
AYRA STARR & GIVEON - LAST HEARTBREAK SONG
SARZ FEATURING LOJAY - BILLIONS
PRODUCER OF THE YEAR
SARZ – HAPPINESS
LONDON – OZEBA
MAGICSTICKS – BASQUIAT
REMA/PRODUCER X/CUBEATZ/DEATZ/KLIMPERBOY – HEHEHE
DIBS - DIFFERENT PATTERN
SONGWRITER OF THE YEAR
SIMISOLA KOSOKO - STRANGER (SIMI)
CHIMAMANDA PEARL CHUKWUMA - VISION (QING MADI)
MICHAEL AJUMA ATTAH - CAN'T BREATHE (LLONA)
EMOSEH KHAMOFU - FAMILY MEETING (BLOODY CIVILIAN)
FUAYEFIKA MAXWELL - STAGES OF LIFE (WIZARD CHAN)
BEST R&B SINGLE
QING MADI – VISION
JOHNNY DRILLE - FOR YOU
SIMI – STRANGER
TEMS – BURNING
AYRA STARR - LAST HEARTBREAK SONG FT. GIVEON
ROOKIE OF THE YEAR
LLONA
KAESTYLE
TAVES
ZERRYDL
BEST RAP SINGLE
CAST - ODUMODUBLVCK FEAT SHALLIPOPI
BLOOD ON THE DANCE FLOOR - ODUMODUBLVCK FEAT BLOODY CIVILIAN & WALE –
HALLELUJAH - LADIPOE, ROZZZ & MORRELO
CANADA - MAGNITO
IJE NWOKE - JERIQ
BEST WEST AFRICAN ARTISTE OF THE YEAR
BLACK SHERIF (GHANA)
KING PROMISE (GHANA)
HIMRA (IVORY COAST)
JOSEY (IVORY COAST)
TOOFAN (TOGO)