AFRICA'S BIGGEST AND MOST PRESTIGIOUS AWARD
AFRICA'S BIGGEST AND MOST PRESTIGIOUS AWARD
- The 18th Headies - MMXXVI
AFRICA
to the WORLD
Africa’s biggest music award crosses the Atlantic to Canada, a global stage for the sound that conquered the world.
OPEN CALL
The Stage Is Open
Unsigned with bars? Record your verse to our exclusive theme song beat for a shot at performing LIVE at the 18th Headies in Toronto.
- Entries close
- Thursday, September 10, 2026
THE BIG MOVE
The Stage Moves North
From the streets of Lagos to the diaspora and now to Canada, the journey of African music’s biggest night mirrors the global rise of the sound itself.
Lagos, NG
2006 – 2021 · HOME
Where it all began
Atlanta, USA
2022 – 2023 · USA
The first crossing
Toronto, Canada
2026 · New Frontier
Africa to the World.
THE 18TH HEADIES EVENTS
More Than An Awards Night
Three connected experiences. One defining week for African culture and commerce.
JUNE 15, 2006
The Big Announcement
The host city, venue and 18th Headies nominees are revealed to the world.
HEADIES WEEK
Trade & Investment Summit
A Nigeria–Canada corridor for music, capital, technology and the creative economy.
TORONTO, CANADA
The 18th Headies Awards
Africa’s biggest music night arrives on a new global stage.
GET TICKETS
Reserve Your Place at the 18th Headies
Africa’s biggest music night arrives in Toronto. Choose your experience below.
Date:
Fri, Oct 23 – Sat, Oct 24, 2026
Location:
Toronto, Canada
Dress code:
Contemporary African
Regular
CA$100
per guest
- Awards ceremony access
- Red carpet access
- Designated seating or standing
- PREFERRED
VVIP Special Guests
CA$500
per guest
- Reserved seating + Red carpet access
- Pre-party & after-party access
- Priority + VIP check-in
- Enhanced guest experience
Regular
CA$100
per guest
- Awards ceremony access
- Red carpet access
- Designated seating or standing
- PREFERRED
VVIP Special Guests
CA$500
per guest
- Reserved seating + Red carpet access
- Pre-party & after-party access
- Priority + VIP check-in
- Enhanced guest experience
Also available:
TRAVEL PARTNER
Get There With Wakanow
Flights, hotels and airport transfers to Toronto, bundled and booked through our official travel partner.
- In partnership with
TWO DECADES OF EXCELLENCE
A Legacy Measured In Milestones
Since 2006, The Headies has been the definitive honour in African music, the night that crowned the stars now filling arenas across the globe.
Editions
Years of Legacy
Award Categories
Continents Staged
Editions
Years of Legacy
Award Categories
Continents Staged
SPOTLIGHT ON THE NOMINEES
CELEBRATING EXCELLENCE IN MUSIC
Immerse yourself in a vibrant showcase of artistes and there fantastic contributions to the music industry.
NOMINEE SPOTLIGHT
Join us in recognising our celebrated artistes who have been nominated for pushing creative boundaries and redefining the music landscpe.
WINNER SHOWCASE
Discover the winners of this edition of The Headies Awards, each leaving a significant mark with their outstanding performance and excellence.
MUSIC & LEGACY
The Headies Past Events
Be part of the excitement as we celebrate remarkable milestones in music. This features an array of events from star-studded ceremonies to unique gatherings.
LATEST FROM THE HEADIES
Recent News Highlights
Discover the latest articles and updates in music and entertainment.
The Headies Open Verse Challenge
The stage is open! Download the 18th Headies theme song beat, record your hottest verse and enter for a chance to perform live...
Photos From The 18th Headies Big Announcement
THE BIG ANNOUNCEMENT Photos From The 18th Headies Big Announcement The 18th Headies Big Announcement brought together music stars, industry personalities, and fans...
Highlights From The 18th Headies Big Announcement
The highlights from the 18th Headies Big Announcement that was held in Eko Hotels and Suites.
WATCH
The Headies Videos
Watch exclusive moments, performances, and unforgettable highlights that shaped the prestige and global footprint of the Headies.
ABOUT THE HEADIES
Africa's Premier Music Honours
The Headies (originally the Hip Hop World Awards) is a music awards show established in 2006 by the Hip Hop World Magazine of Nigeria to recognise outstanding achievements in the Nigerian music industry. The annual ceremony features performances by established and promising artists, broadcast live on HipTV to viewers across Nigeria and streamed globally on YouTube.
Voting categories are open to the public including Headies Next Rated, Viewers’ Choice, and Best Digital Artiste. Non-voting categories such as Best Recording of the Year, Best Rap Album, and Lyricist on the Roll are determined by a panel of industry judges.
KEY MILESTONES
18 Editions. One Legacy
2006
Founded Hip Hop World Awards
First and second editionsnheld at Muson centre, Onikan, Lagos State.
2010
Eko Hotel Era Begins
Moved to Eko Hotel & Suites, Victoria Island – held here through 2012.
2018
12th Headies - Eko Convention Centre
Simi leads with 7 Nominations; new categories added including Viewer’s Choice.
2022
Historic U.S. Debut - Atalanta
15th edition at Cobb Energy Centre; first time held outside Nigeria
2025
Back to Base - 17th Headies
Landmark Event Centre; Ayra Starr, Rema & Tems lead with nominations in a historic night.
ABOUT THE HEADIES
Africa's Premier Music Honours
The Headies (originally the Hip Hop World Awards) is a music awards show established in 2006 by the Hip Hop World Magazine of Nigeria to recognise outstanding achievements in the Nigerian music industry. The annual ceremony features performances by established and promising artists, broadcast live on HipTV to viewers across Nigeria and streamed globally on YouTube.
Voting categories are open to the public including Headies Next Rated, Viewers’ Choice, and Best Digital Artiste. Non-voting categories such as Best Recording of the Year, Best Rap Album, and Lyricist on the Roll are determined by a panel of industry judges.
KEY MILESTONES
18 Editions. One Legacy.
2006
Founded Hip Hop World Awards
First and second editionsnheld at Muson centre, Onikan, Lagos State.
2010
Eko Hotel Era Begins
Moved to Eko Hotel & Suites, Victoria Island – held here through 2012.
2018
12th Headies - Eko Convention Centre
Simi leads with 7 Nominations; new categories added including Viewer’s Choice.
2022
Historic U.S. Debut - Atalanta
15th edition at Cobb Energy Centre; first time held outside Nigeria
2025
Back to Base - 17th Headies
Landmark Event Centre; Ayra Starr, Rema & Tems lead with nominations in a historic night.
The 18th Headies Esteemed Partners
Join Our Music Revolution
Subscribe today and stay connected with the latest news from The Headies! Get exclusive updates and behind-the-scenes insights and exciting announcements in your inbox
THE HEADIES ORACLE
Become a Part of Our Musical Legacy
Join us in celebrating the spirit of music and community at The Headies! This is your chance to engage with fellow music lovers, enjoy captivating performances, and witness the unveiling of exceptional talent. Embrace the moments that define our culture and share in the excitement that each event brings as we honor artistes and their incredible achievements.