With just two months to go until the 17th edition of the prestigious Headies Awards in April 2025, excitement is at an all-time high following the official announcement of this year’s nominees on Wednesday, February 12, 2025.

While every category carries its weight, some stand out as the most anticipated of the night. Here are the top three categories music lovers will be watching closely:
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Song of the Year—The Ultimate Hitmaker Showdown
One of the most prestigious categories of the Headies, Song of the Year, is once again set to be a battleground for some of the biggest anthems that defined 2024. With a star-studded nominee lineup, this category promises to be one of the most talked-about at the awards.
Nominees:
– ‘Showa’—Kizz Daniel
– ‘Commas’—Ayra Starr
– ‘Egwu‘—Chike & Mohbad
– ‘Lonely at the Top‘—Asake
– ‘Ozeba’—Rema
– ‘Big Baller‘—Flavour
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Next Rated—The Future of Nigerian Music
The Next Rated category has always been a launchpad for Nigeria’s rising stars, and this year’s competition is fiercer than ever. The 2025 nominees have already made waves in the industry, and winning this award could be the key to superstardom.
Nominees:
– Qing Madi
– Shallipopi
– Odumodublvck
– Ayo Maff
– Nasboi
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Album of the Year – Celebrating Excellence in Music
With Nigerian albums dominating the African music scene in 2024 and many receiving international recognition, the Album of the Year category is highly anticipated.
Fans and critics alike will be eager to see which project takes home the trophy.
Nominees:
– ‘Born in the Wild’—Tems
– ‘Heis‘—Rema
– ‘The Year I Turned 21‘—Ayra Starr
– ‘Stubborn’—Victony
– ‘Work of Art’—Asake
As the countdown to April 2025 continues, fans are gearing up for an unforgettable night of celebration, recognition, and iconic moments in Nigerian music. Who will take home the gold? Stay tuned!