The Headies Awards, Nigeria’s most prestigious music honors, is officially returning home after a two-year stint in the United States. The 17th edition of the ceremony is set to take place in Lagos on April 5, 2025, bringing the iconic event back to its roots and reaffirming its commitment to celebrating Nigerian and African music on home soil.
For years, The Headies was synonymous with Nigerian music excellence, hosting unforgettable ceremonies in Lagos and recognizing the biggest names in Afrobeats. However, in 2022 and 2023, the organizers made the controversial decision to move the event to Atlanta, Georgia, USA, citing a desire to globalize Nigerian music and increase international recognition for the awards. While the move gave the award exposure to a broader audience and positioned Afrobeats in the global entertainment space, it also faced backlash from Nigerian music fans and stakeholders. Many believed the event should remain in Nigeria, where the industry is based, to properly celebrate homegrown talents in front of their biggest supporters.
The return to Nigeria was announced by Ayo Animashaun, the Founder and Executive Producer of Smooth Promotions, during “The Big Announcement“ event held in Lagos. He revealed that the decision was influenced by the need to reconnect with the local music community and maintain the awards’ authenticity. The official nominee announcement is set for February 12, 2025 and following this, voting will commence for categories that allow public participation.
Apart from the ceremony itself, The Headies is introducing several new initiatives to enhance its impact. The first of these is The Headies Board, a governing body designed to ensure fairness and credibility in the selection process. There is also The Headies Foundation, a non-profit initiative aimed at supporting and empowering young creatives in the Nigerian music industry. Another major addition is The Headies Creative Summit, a platform for discussions on the future of African music, with planned editions in the United States and Canada. Furthermore, the 18th edition of The Headies has already been scheduled for December 2025, ensuring that the awards remain consistent moving forward.
The Headies’ move back to Nigeria signals a renewed commitment to the local music industry. While global expansion is crucial, the essence of The Headies has always been rooted in Nigerian culture, and bringing it back home allows for deeper engagement with artists, fans, and industry professionals. With Nigerian music enjoying unprecedented international success, the 2025 edition of The Headies is expected to be a massive celebration of Afrobeats, the African sound that has taken the world by storm.
As the nominations are set to be unveiled soon, all eyes will be on who makes the cut, which new categories might emerge, and whether the awards can reignite its magic on home soil. One thing is certain: The Headies is back where it belongs.