The 17th edition of the Headies Awards, Nigeria’s premier music award ceremony, has unveiled its nominations, with rapper Odumodublvck and the late singer Mohbad emerging as prominent figures. Odumodublvck, born Tochukwu Ojogwu, leads with an impressive eight nominations, while Mohbad, whose untimely passing in 2024 shook the music community, has received multiple posthumous nods.
Odumodublvck’s remarkable year is reflected in his multiple nominations across various categories:
Best Rap Album: His project Eziokwu is recognized for its lyrical depth and production quality.
Best Rap Single: The track Declan Rice showcases his unique style and has garnered significant acclaim.
Songwriter of the Year: A testament to his lyrical prowess and storytelling ability.
Next Rated: Highlighting his rapid ascent in the Nigerian music scene.
Lyricist on the Roll: Acknowledging his skillful wordplay and impactful lyrics.
Best Street-Hop Artiste: Celebrating his influence in the street-hop genre.
Revelation of the Year: Marking his significant breakthrough into mainstream success.
Hip Hop World Revelation: Recognizing his impact on the hip-hop landscape.
The late Ilerioluwa Oladimeji Aloba, popularly known as Mohbad, has been honored with several posthumous nominations, reflecting his enduring impact on the industry:
Best Street-Hop Artiste: For his hit single Egwu featuring Chike, which resonated with a wide audience.
Song of the Year: Egwu stands out as one of the year’s most impactful tracks.
Collaboration of the Year: Recognizing his successful partnership with Chike on Egwu.
Best Alternative Song: For his innovative approach in Egwu, blending different musical styles.
The Headies Awards continue to celebrate a diverse range of talents within the Nigerian music industry. Artists such as Tems, Ayra Starr, and Rema have also received multiple nominations, underscoring their contributions to the Afrobeats genre and beyond.
Best Recording of the Year: Tems’ Burning and Ayra Starr & Giveon’s Last Heartbreak Song are among the top contenders.
Best R&B Single: Qing Madi’s Vision and Johnny Drille’s For You have been recognized for their soulful melodies.
Producer of the Year: Sarz, London, and Magicsticks are acknowledged for their exceptional production work.
Music Video of the Year: Visuals for Rema’s Charm and Olamide’s Metaverse have been lauded for their creativity.
The Headies Awards also extend their reach beyond Nigeria, acknowledging artists from across the African continent and the diaspora:
Best West African Artiste of the Year: Nominees include Black Sherif (Ghana) and King Promise (Ghana).
Best East African Artiste of the Year: Featuring Diamond Platnumz (Tanzania) and Bien (Kenya).
International Artiste of the Year: Recognizing non-African artists like Wale and Skepta for their contributions to Afrobeats.
As the awards ceremony approaches, fans and industry stakeholders eagerly await the outcomes, celebrating the rich tapestry of talent that defines the Nigerian and African music scenes. The 17th Headies Awards not only honor established artists but also shine a spotlight on emerging talents, reflecting the dynamic and evolving nature of the industry.
