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17th Headies Awards: Shallipopi, Chike, Flavour, Others Set to Perform as Ceremony Returns to Nigeria
The Headies Academy has officially unveiled the lineup of performers for the much-anticipated 17th edition of the Headies Awards, scheduled to take place on April 27, 2025, at the Landmark Event Centre in Lagos.
Among the top acts taking the stage:
- Shallipopi, who received six nominations, including the highly coveted Next Rated category.
- Qing Madi and Nasboi, also contenders for Next Rated, will bring their fresh energy to the Headies stage.
- Chike, a past Headies winner and this year’s four-time nominee, including a nod for Song of the Year, will deliver a soulful performance.
- Flavour, the legendary highlife musician and Headies Lifetime Achievement Award recipient, is also confirmed to perform—bringing cultural richness to the lineup.
Tagged “Back to Base,” this edition marks the award ceremony’s return to Nigeria after two consecutive years in the United States. In a symbolic gesture, the U.S. Consular General recently hosted a premiere event where the Lagos State Commissioner for Tourism hailed the homecoming as a “welcome development.”
To address growing concerns over irregular timelines, the Headies Academy revealed that two editions will be held in 2025—one in April and another in December—to close the gap year and realign the calendar.
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This year’s nomination list has sparked heated reactions, with fans and industry insiders calling out notable omissions and guideline inconsistencies, particularly in nominating ineligible materials. Despite this, major stars like Rema, Tems, Odumodublvck, and Ayra Starr lead the pack with multiple nods.
Headies Executive Producer Mr. Ayo Animashaun recently expressed concern about dwindling local support, noting that the Grammys have become more celebrated in Nigeria—a shift he hopes to change by rekindling national pride in the Headies.
With performances from rising stars and veterans alike and a renewed focus on local culture and credibility, the 17th Headies is shaping up to be both a celebration and a turning point for Nigeria’s most iconic music award.