Congolese music star Awilo Longomba will receive a Hall of Fame honour.
The Headies organisers have released the full list of nominees for the 18th edition of Nigeria’s foremost music awards, with Davido, Wizkid, Burna Boy, Odumodublvck, Ayra Starr, Adekunle Gold and socialite Cubana Chief Priest among those nominated.
Davido, Wizkid and Burna Boy will compete for honours across some of the major categories, including Afrobeats Album of the Year, Best Male Artiste, Song of the Year, Afrobeats Single of the Year, Best Collaboration and Producer of the Year.
Davido and Omah Lay’s “With You” will compete against Ayra Starr’s “Hot Body”, Fido’s “Joy Is Coming” and Asake and Wizkid’s “MMS” for Song of the Year. The artistes will also compete in other categories, including Afrobeats Single of the Year, Best Recording of the Year, Best Headies Collaboration and Headies Viewers’ Choice.
This edition also gives emerging acts a strong presence, with Fido, Fola, Llona, Mavo and Shoday competing in the Next Rated category.
Fola earned multiple nominations, including Afrobeats Single of the Year for “You”, Best R&B Album for “Catharsis”, Best Recording of the Year, Digital Artiste of the Year, Best Male Artiste, Best Headies Collaboration for “Lost” featuring Kizz Daniel, and Songwriter of the Year.
The organisers will also honour entertainment executive Cecil Hammond with a Special Recognition Award, while Congolese music star Awilo Longomba will receive a Hall of Fame honour.
The awards first left Nigeria in 2022 when the organisers held the 15th edition in Atlanta, United States. They returned to Atlanta for the 16th edition in 2023, then brought the ceremony back to Lagos for the 17th edition in 2025 under the theme “Back to Base.”
Song of the Year
Arike — Kunmie
Hey Jago — Poco Lee, Shoday & Rahman Jago
Hot Body — Ayra Starr
Joy Is Coming — Fido
MMS — Asake & Wizkid
With You — Davido & Omah Lay
Afrobeats Single of the Year
Fun — Rema
Jogodo — Asake & Wizkid
Laho — Shallipopi
With You — Davido & Omah Lay
You — Fola
Bundle by Bundle — Burna Boy
Best Performer (Live)
Adekunle Gold — Live at the National Theatre, Lagos
Asake — Red Bull Symphonic
Ayra Starr — Global Citizen Festival 2025
Johnny Drille — Johnny’s Room Live 6
Ruger — Live at Indigo at The O2, London (2025)
