The Headies https://theheadies.com/ Hip Hop World Magazine Sat, 10 Oct 2026 14:50:55 +0000 en-US hourly 1 https://theheadies.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/02/cropped-theheadies-siteicon-32x32.png The Headies https://theheadies.com/ 32 32 The 18th Headies Toronto Finale Reschedules to April 2027 https://theheadies.com/18th-headies-toronto-finale-april-2027/ https://theheadies.com/18th-headies-toronto-finale-april-2027/#respond Sat, 10 Oct 2026 12:35:06 +0000 https://theheadies.com/?p=25554 The Headies has expanded its Nigeria–Canada programme for the 18th edition, rescheduling its Toronto finale to April 10–11, 2027. Road to The Headies engagements will continue ahead of the awards and Global Trade & Investment Summit under the theme “Africa to the World.”

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The 18th Headies Expands Nigeria–Canada Programme, Reschedules Toronto Finale To April 2027

Road to The Headies engagements to continue ahead of the awards and Global Trade & Investment Summit on April 10–11, 2027

LAGOS, NIGERIA (October 8, 2026) — The Headies has announced plans to expand the programme for its 18th edition across Nigeria and Canada, with its Toronto finale rescheduled to April 10 and 11, 2027.

Under the edition’s “Africa to the World” theme, the wider programme will bring together music, industry engagement and business exchange, culminating in the awards and the Headies Global Trade & Investment Summit in Toronto.

Road to The Headies activities will continue during the originally scheduled event period, with workshops, seminars and industry engagements connecting artists, nominees and stakeholders ahead of the April finale. The organisers will announce the confirmed calendar, venues and participation details through The Headies’ official channels.

The Headies was created to recognise the talent and work driving our music industry. With this edition, we want to extend that purpose by bringing the people creating the music into closer conversation with those who can support its growth. The awards remain at the heart of the programme, while the wider engagements create opportunities to connect across music, business and investment.

Ayo Animashaun Founder of The Headies

The Toronto edition marks The Headies’ expansion into Canada following previous international editions in Atlanta. Its “Africa to the World” positioning places the recognition of musical achievement alongside the growing commercial and cultural connections between Africa and international markets.

The Headies Global Trade & Investment Summit forms a central part of that programme. It is designed to connect African businesses, investors, government representatives and creative-industry leaders with international markets, capital and strategic partners. Together with the awards, it will provide a platform for both celebrating talent and examining opportunities for business and investment.

The organisers acknowledged that the revised Toronto dates affect guests who have already made travel plans and other commitments.

We recognise the inconvenience this change causes, particularly for guests who have committed time and resources to joining us in Toronto,” Animashaun said. “We sincerely apologise and appreciate their patience. Our responsibility now is to communicate clearly, provide practical information to those affected and deliver the programme we have committed to on a larger scale than ever.”

Organizing Committee The Headies

Further announcements will set out the Road to The Headies calendar and the schedule for the Toronto finale.

About The Headies

Established in 2006 as the Hip Hop World Awards, The Headies recognises outstanding achievements in Nigerian music. Founded by Ayo Animashaun, the awards celebrate the artists and professionals shaping the industry. The 18th edition carries the theme “Africa to the World,” with Toronto hosting the forthcoming international programme.

For more information, visit theheadies.com.

Media Enquiries

Njideka Akabogu
njideka@idafricans.com
+234-810-644-6326

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]]> https://theheadies.com/18th-headies-toronto-finale-april-2027/feed/ 0 FOLADAVID Paints Headies-Inspired Artwork Live at Nathan Phillips Square https://theheadies.com/headies-toronto-foladavid-live-art-nathan-phillips-square/ https://theheadies.com/headies-toronto-foladavid-live-art-nathan-phillips-square/#respond Wed, 30 Sep 2026 11:27:00 +0000 https://theheadies.com/?p=25526 Guinness World Records-recognized artist Foladavid created a Headies Award-inspired artwork live beside the Toronto Sign at Nathan Phillips Square, with a live performance by SEWA, marking The Headies' arrival in the Greater Toronto Area.

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A live art and music activation beside the iconic Toronto Sign marked The Headies' arrival in the Greater Toronto Area.

The Headies officially announced its arrival in Toronto with a live art and music activation at Nathan Phillips Square.

Foladavid, the Guinness World Records-recognized drawing artist, created a Headies Award-inspired artwork live beside the iconic Toronto Sign, drawing the attention of passersby and guests as the piece came together.

The activation also featured a live musical performance by SEWA. Mr. Ayo Animashaun, Founder of The Headies, joined guests, members of the Local Organizing Committee (LOC), and entertainment industry stakeholders for a meet-and-greet.

The event was designed to build awareness and excitement for The Headies across the Greater Toronto Area (GTA), while showcasing African music, culture, creativity, and entertainment to the wider Toronto community.

Event details:

  • Date: Monday, September 28, 2026
  • Location: Nathan Phillips Square, Toronto
  • Featured artist: Foladavid
  • Live performance: SEWA

Follow The Headies’ official channels for updates as the journey to Toronto continues.

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]]> https://theheadies.com/headies-toronto-foladavid-live-art-nathan-phillips-square/feed/ 0 The 18th Headies Reception https://theheadies.com/18th-headies-reception/ https://theheadies.com/18th-headies-reception/#respond Sat, 29 Aug 2026 09:02:10 +0000 https://theheadies.com/?p=25235 The 18th Headies Reception brought together key figures from the music, entertainment and diplomatic communities at the Deputy High Commission of Canada in Nigeria.

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THE 18TH HEADIES RECEPTION

Photos From The 18th Headies Reception

Africa’s leading music awards platform, The Headies, led by its founder and CEO, Ayo Animashaun, organised the 18th Headies Reception with the theme The Headies: Road to Toronto. Prominent representatives from Nigeria’s entertainment and creative sectors, government, business, media, and diplomatic community attended the event, which was hosted by the Deputy High Commission of Canada in Lagos. In addition to showcasing the expanding relationship between Africa’s creative sector and the global world, the reception represented a significant turning point in the run-up to the 18th Headies Awards in Toronto, Canada.

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]]> https://theheadies.com/18th-headies-reception/feed/ 0 The 18th Headies Nominees List https://theheadies.com/18th-headies-nominees/ https://theheadies.com/18th-headies-nominees/#respond Tue, 25 Aug 2026 14:33:43 +0000 https://theheadies.com/?p=25157 The 18th Headies nominees are here. Explore the full list of nominated artistes, songs, albums and categories competing for honours at the 18th Headies Awards.

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The 18th Headies Nominees

Only music materials including singles, videos, EPs and Albums released and distributed on digital streaming platforms within the year in review (1st August 2024 and 30th April 2026) were considered for nomination.

VOTE NOW

ROOKIE OF THE YEAR

A category that recognizes the most outstanding new artiste who achieved a breakthrough during the year under review and has not released a commercially distributed full-length album before the eligibility period.

BEST RECORDING OF THE YEAR

A category that recognizes the most outstanding recorded song released during the year under review, celebrating excellence in recording quality and musical execution.

SONG WRITER OF THE YEAR

This is a category that honours the songwriter responsible for the most exceptional writing on a song in the year under review.

BEST R&B SINGLE

Recognizes the best R&B single by a solo artiste or group released in the year under review.

BEST RAP SINGLE

A category that recognizes the best rap song released as a single, by a solo artiste or group in the year under review.

BEST ALTERNATIVE SONG

Category for the best song that creatively explores sounds outside the mainstream.

BEST VOCAL PERFORMANCE (FEMALE)

Category that recognizes the female artiste with the most outstanding vocal performance on an eligible recording.

BEST VOCAL PERFORMANCE (MALE)

Category that recognizes the male artiste with the most outstanding vocal performance on an eligible recording.

BEST R&B ALBUM

Recognizes the best R&B album or EP by an individual or group.

BEST ALTERNATIVE ALBUM

A category for the best Alternative album or EP by an artiste or group in the year under review.

PRODUCER OF THE YEAR

An award that is presented to the producer responsible for the most exceptional production on a song, EP or album released during the year under review.

MUSIC VIDEO OF THE YEAR

Award presented to the video director of the most outstanding music video within the year under review.

BEST COLLABORATION

A vote category that recognizes the most outstanding collaborative recording featuring two or more artistes.

BEST STREET-HOP ARTISTE

A category that recognizes the artiste whose music best reflects street culture and resonates strongly with grassroots audiences.

AFROBEATS SINGLE OF THE YEAR

A category for the year’s most outstanding Afrobeats single by a single individual or group.

LYRICIST ON THE ROLL

A non-voting category for the rapper with the most lyrical depth on a song in the year under review.

BEST INSPIRATIONAL SINGLE

A voting category for the most outstanding inspirational or faith-based song.

HEADIES VIEWERS' CHOICE

A fan-voted award recognizing the year’s favourite artiste based on public support and digital engagement.

BEST WEST AFRICAN ARTISTE

Recognizes the most outstanding artiste or group from West Africa in the year under review (non-Nigerian).

BEST EAST AFRICAN ARTISTE

Recognizes the most outstanding artiste or group from East Africa in the year under review.

BEST NORTH AFRICAN ARTISTE

Recognizes the most outstanding artiste or group from North Africa in the year under review.

BEST CENTRAL AFRICAN ARTISTE

Recognizes the most outstanding artiste or group from Central Africa in the year under review.

BEST SOUTHERN AFRICAN ARTISTE

Recognizes the most outstanding artiste or group from Southern Africa in the year under review.

BEST AFRICAN DIASPORA-CANADIAN ARTISTE

A voting award category for the best Canadian or Canada-affiliated artiste of African descent in the year under review.

INTERNATIONAL ARTISTE OF THE YEAR

A voting category for the non-African artiste or group that made the most significant contribution to the global growth of Afrobeats.

BEST RAP ALBUM

Recognizes the best rap album or EP by an artiste or group in the year under review.

BEST ORIGINAL SONG FOR VISUAL MEDIA

A non-voting category for a song written and composed originally for use in a motion picture or series.

NEXT RATED

An award that recognizes the most promising emerging artiste poised for mainstream superstardom. Material can be two singles, an EP or an album.

BEST PERFORMER (LIVE)

A non-voting category for the artiste with the most outstanding live performance in front of an audience by singing, or playing a musical instrument. The live performance must have been recorded and officially released in video format – streaming, TV and/or physical media.

DIGITAL ARTISTE OF THE YEAR

A voting category for the artiste or group with the most outstanding achievement and digital impact in the year under review.

SONG OF THE YEAR

A category that recognizes the song that achieved the greatest cultural impact within the year under review

AFROBEATS ALBUM OF THE YEAR

A voting category for the best Afrobeats album or EP (solo or group) in the year under review, that meets judges’ requirements of excellence (songwriting, production, rendition and impact).

ALBUM OF THE YEAR

A voting category for the best overall album or EP (solo or group) in the year under review, that meets judges’ requirements of excellence (songwriting, production, rendition and impact).

BEST FEMALE ARTISTE

A category for the female artiste with outstanding cultural impact, having a minimum of 3 singles or an EP/album in the year under review.

BEST MALE ARTISTE

A category for the male artiste with outstanding cultural impact, having a minimum of 3 singles or an EP/album in the year under review.

SPECIAL RECOGNITION AWARDS

Presented to an individual or organization for exceptional contributions to the African entertainment industry

HALL OF FAME

Lifetime honour recognizing an individual of African descent for excellence and outstanding impact to the African entertainment industry.

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]]> https://theheadies.com/18th-headies-nominees/feed/ 0 The Headies Open Verse Challenge https://theheadies.com/themesong/ https://theheadies.com/themesong/#comments Thu, 13 Aug 2026 22:30:00 +0000 https://staging.theheadies.com/?p=24396 The stage is open! Download the 18th Headies theme song beat, record your hottest verse and enter for a chance to perform live in Toronto, Canada.

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THE STAGE IS OPEN.

It’s the 18th Headies Showcase and we’re bringing the mic to YOU. Are you unsigned but have what it takes to stand on the big stage? This is your chance.

Download our exclusive #HeadiesInCanada theme song beat, record your hottest verse, and you could be performing it LIVE at the 18th Headies Awards in Toronto, Canada.

DOWNLOAD THE BEAT NOW

Here’s how to participate.

  1. Download the beat (Click Here).
  2. Record your verse.
  3. Post it and tag @the_headies on Instagram or @the__headies on TikTok, and use the hashtag #HeadiesInCanada

Shortlisted verses will be posted on our official YouTube account: @theheadiesawards.

Winners will be selected by a jury and the winner will be decided by the fans.

Entries close on Thursday, September 10, 2026.

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]]> https://theheadies.com/themesong/feed/ 36 Photos From The 18th Headies Big Announcement https://theheadies.com/18th-headies-big-announcement-photos/ https://theheadies.com/18th-headies-big-announcement-photos/#respond Thu, 13 Aug 2026 20:54:01 +0000 https://staging.theheadies.com/?p=24609 THE BIG ANNOUNCEMENT Photos From The 18th Headies Big Announcement The 18th Headies Big Announcement brought together music stars, industry personalities, and fans for an exciting reveal ahead of the highly anticipated awards. Back To Home More Photos From The Headies

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THE BIG ANNOUNCEMENT

Photos From The 18th Headies Big Announcement

The 18th Headies Big Announcement brought together music stars, industry personalities, and fans for an exciting reveal ahead of the highly anticipated awards.

Photos fom the 18th Headies Big Announcement

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]]> https://theheadies.com/18th-headies-big-announcement-photos/feed/ 0 Highlights From The 18th Headies Big Announcement https://theheadies.com/highlights-from-the-18th-headies-big-announcement/ https://theheadies.com/highlights-from-the-18th-headies-big-announcement/#respond Thu, 13 Aug 2026 03:53:44 +0000 https://staging.theheadies.com/?p=24573 The highlights from the 18th Headies Big Announcement that was held in Eko Hotels and Suites.

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]]> https://theheadies.com/highlights-from-the-18th-headies-big-announcement/feed/ 0 The 17TH Headies: Watch the full video https://theheadies.com/the-17th-headies-watch-the-full-video/ https://theheadies.com/the-17th-headies-watch-the-full-video/#respond Mon, 05 May 2025 13:55:52 +0000 https://staging.theheadies.com/?p=20848 Watch the full video of The 17th Headies and relive every unforgettable moment from music’s biggest night!

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The 17th Headies Back To Base Full Show

Experience the energy and excitement of the 17th Headies Awards 2025 – Back to Base Edition, held on April 27 at the Landmark Event Centre in Lagos, Nigeria. After two years in Atlanta, the prestigious music awards show returned home to celebrate the best in Afrobeats and African music.

This full highlight video features top moments from the event — emotional award wins, powerful speeches, electrifying performances, and behind-the-scenes action. From red carpet glam to unforgettable reactions on stage, The Headies 2025 was a night to remember.

Highlights include:

  • Odumodublvck wins Next Rated Award (presented by Davido).
  • King Mitchy receives the Humanitarian Award.
  • Performances from Shallipopi, Ayox, and more.
  • Special moments with Don Jazzy’s father, Liquorose, and other stars.
  • Inspiring speeches from winners and creatives shaping the culture

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]]> https://theheadies.com/the-17th-headies-watch-the-full-video/feed/ 0 Tribute and Recognition: A group of videos honoring individuals. https://theheadies.com/tribute-and-recognition-a-group-of-videos-honoring-individuals/ https://theheadies.com/tribute-and-recognition-a-group-of-videos-honoring-individuals/#respond Wed, 30 Apr 2025 09:08:04 +0000 https://staging.theheadies.com/?p=20800 Tribute and Recognition: A group of videos honoring individuals. Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu Honored with Special Recognition Award at The Headies Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu of Lagos State was presented with the Special Recognition Award at the 17th Headies. A proud moment celebrating leadership, impact, and contribution to the creative industry. Watch the full highlight of this […]

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Tribute and Recognition: A group of videos honoring individuals.

Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu Honored with Special Recognition Award at The Headies

Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu of Lagos State was presented with the Special Recognition Award at the 17th Headies. A proud moment celebrating leadership, impact, and contribution to the creative industry. Watch the full highlight of this prestigious honor!

Special Recognition Award Presented to Amaju Pinnick at the 17th Headies "Back 2 Base"

The 17th Headies “Back 2 Base” honored Amaju Pinnick with a Special Recognition Award for his exceptional contributions and leadership. A celebrated figure in sports and culture, his influence continues to inspire new generations. Congratulations to Amaju Pinnick!

Special Recognition Award Presented to Alex Okosi at the 17th Headies Back to Base

The 17th Headies Back to Base event honored Alex Okosi with a Special Recognition Award for his exceptional contributions to the entertainment industry. His impact has paved the way for many in the field, and we celebrate his legacy tonight. Watch the moment as we acknowledge his invaluable role in shaping the entertainment landscape

Temitope Adekunle Johnson Receives Distinguished Impact Award at the 17th Headies

At the 17th Headies Awards, Temitope Adekunle Johnson, Special Adviser to the President on Job Creation and MSMEs (Office of the Vice President), was honoured with the Distinguished Impact Award. The recognition celebrates his remarkable contributions to empowering small businesses, job creation, and supporting creative industries across Nigeria.

The 17th Headies Pays Tribute to Mohbad: Celebrating His Artistry, Hustle, and Legacy

At the 17th Headies Awards “Back to Base,” a moving tribute was given to the late Mohbad — an artiste whose sound was more than just music. Mohbad’s voice became a rhythm of resilience, a voice for the streets, and an anthem of hope. The Headies celebrate his artistry, his hustle, and his unwavering dedication to the craft. Though his time with us was short, his impact will forever live on in our hearts and playlists. Rest easy, Imole. May his light never fade.

King Mitchy Receives Humanitarian Award at the 17th Headies "Back 2 Base"

At the 17th Headies “Back 2 Base,” King Mitchy was honored with the prestigious Humanitarian Award in recognition of her outstanding contributions to society. Her passion, commitment, and selfless service continue to inspire many. Congratulations, King Mitchy!

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]]> https://theheadies.com/tribute-and-recognition-a-group-of-videos-honoring-individuals/feed/ 0 Highlights from the 17th Headies Awards https://theheadies.com/highliights-from-the-17th-headies-awards/ https://theheadies.com/highliights-from-the-17th-headies-awards/#respond Tue, 29 Apr 2025 13:33:14 +0000 https://staging.theheadies.com/?p=20708 Glamour, style, and unforgettable moments! The 17th Headies brought the heat as stars showed up and showed out in grand style. Here are photos of some moments from the event

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Glamour, style, and unforgettable moments! The 17th Headies brought the heat as stars showed up and showed out in grand style.

Here are photos of some moments from the event

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