The Headies, Nigeria’s premier music awards show, has revealed its highly anticipated nominations for the 17th edition, which recognizes local and international artists for their contributions to music over the past year. Odumodublvck Leads Nominations with Five Nods Odumodublvck (Tochukwu Ojogwu) leads the nominations with five nominations, making him the most nominated artist this year. The rising star is followed by Ayra Starr (Oyinkansola Aderibigbe) and Shallipopi (Crown Uzama), both of whom secured three nominations each. Odumodublvck is also nominated in the Best Collaboration category for two tracks, alongside industry heavyweights like Chike, Wizkid, Zlatan, Asa, and Tiwa Savage. Posthumous Recognition for Mohbad The late Mohbad (Ilerioluwa Aloba), who passed away on September 12, 2023, is posthumously nominated in three categories. Despite his tragic passing, Mohbad’s impact on the music scene remains undeniable. Categories Announced The categories released by Headies through their official X handle include:
  • Producer of the Year
  • Best Recording of the Year
  • Songwriter of the Year
  • Best R&B Single
  • Rookie of the Year
  • Best Rap Single
  • Best Vocal Performance (Female)
  • Music Video of the Year
  • Best Collaboration
Notable Nominations Here are some standout nominations in key categories: Music Video of the Year
  • Charm – Rema, Oerlinks, and Folarin Oludare
  • Metaverse – Jyde Ajala
  • Ojapiano – Mattmax
  • Na Money – Dammy Twitch
Best Vocal Performance (Female)
  • Ayra Starr – Last Heartbreak Song
  • Niniola – Level
  • Simi – Stranger
  • Liya – I’m Done
  • Yemi Alade – Tomorrow
Best Rap Single
  • Cast – Odumodublvck and Shallipopi
  • Blood on the Dance Floor – Bloody Civilian, Wale, and Odumodublvck
  • Hallelujah – Ladipoe, Rozzz, and Morello
  • Canada – Magnito
  • Ije Nwoke – Jeriq
Rookie of the Year
  • Zerry DL
  • Taves
  • Kaestyles
  • Llona
Best R&B Single
  • Qing Madi – Vision
  • Jonny Drille – For You
  • Simi – Stranger
  • Tems – Burning
  • Ayra Starr – Last Heartbreak Song ft Giveon
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)
Producer of the Year
  • Sarz – Happiness
  • London – Ozeba
  • Magicsticks – Basquiat
  • Rema/Producer X/Cubeats/Deatz/Klimperboy – Hehehe
  • Dibs – Different Pattern
Best Collaboration
  • Emotions – Tiwa Savage ft Asa
  • Blood on the Dance Floor – Odumodublvck, Bloody Civilian, and Wale
  • Cast – Shallipopi ft Odumodublvck
  • Egwu – Chike ft Mohbad
  • Ole – Qing Madi ft Bnxn
  • Twe Twe Remix – Kizz Daniel ft Davido
  • IDK – Wizkid ft Zlatan
Best Street-Hop Artist
  • Seyi Vibez – Different Patterns
  • Ayo Maff – Dealer ft Fire Boy
  • Shallipopi – Cast ft Odumodublvck
  • Zhus Jdo – Johnbull
  • Mohbad – Ask About Me
Afrobeats Single of the Year
  • Big Big Things – Young John ft Kizz Daniel and Seyi Vibez
  • Twe Twe Remix – Kizz Daniel ft Davido
  • Egwu – Chike ft Mohbad
  • Remember – Asake
  • Ogechi Remix – Hyce, Boypee, and Brown Joel ft Davido
  • Big Baller – Flavour
Lyricist on the Roll
  • Mogadishu – AQ
  • Chocolate City Cypher – MI Abaga
  • Chocolate City Cypher – Blaqbonez
  • Hallelujah – Ladipoe
  • Efeleme – Alpha Ojini
Best Inspirational Single
  • Gratitude – Anendlessocean
  • Worthy of My Praise – Dunsin Oyekan ft Lawrence Oyor
  • Good God 2 – Limoblaze ft Naomi Raine
  • Particularly – Gaise Baba ft Tope Alabi
  • You Do This One – Mercy Chinwo