In a star-studded evening filled with glitz, glamour, and the pulsating rhythms of Afrobeat, the 16th Headies Award ceremony took center stage on Sunday, September 3, 2023. This grand musical extravaganza unfolded in Atlanta, Georgia, marking the second consecutive year the prestigious event graced American soil.
Since its inception in 2006, the Headies Awards has steadily etched its name into the annals of Nigerian music history. Recognized as the foremost accolade in the nation’s thriving music industry, it has consistently celebrated the monumental achievements and talent within the industry.
The night’s brightest star was none other than the prodigious Mavin sensation, Rema, who claimed the spotlight by clinching three coveted Headies trophies. However, it wasn’t just his impressive haul of awards that stole the limelight, but also his impassioned speech on the Nigerian music renaissance that resonated with music enthusiasts worldwide.
Listen to Rema’s full speech at the Headies
I STAN A SMART KING 👑 pic.twitter.com/eyYzUPvL8c
— MBAH (@Mbahdeyforyou) September 4, 2023
Asake emerged as another prominent victor of the evening, clutching two esteemed accolades, including the highly coveted Next Rated Award. The indomitable Burna Boy, already a household name, added to his ever-growing list of triumphs by securing the Afrobeat Single of the Year and Best R&B Song awards.
The list of victors further expanded with Victony, who notched two well-deserved plaques. The diverse array of award categories showcased the breadth of talent within the Nigerian music scene:
- Best Rap Single: ‘Declan Rice’ – ODUMODUBLVCK
- Best Male Vocal Performance: ‘Kpe Paso’ – Wande Coal
- Best Female Vocal Performance: ‘In Between’ – WAJE
- Best Alternative Song: ‘Earth Song’ – Wizard Chan
- Best Video Director: ‘Calm Down’ – Director K (Rema)
- Best Rap Album: ‘Young Preacher’ by Blaqbonez
- Lyricist on the Roll: ‘Flytalk Only’ by Payper Corleone
- Producer of the Year: ‘Abracadabra’ by Rexxie
- Best Male Artist: Rema (Calm Down)
- Rookie of the Year: ODUMODUBLVCK
- Best Inspirational Song: ‘Eze Ebube’ – Neon Adejo
- Afrobeat Single of the Year: ‘Last Last’ – Burna Boy
- Special Recognition: Sound Sultan
- Digital Artist of the Year: Rema (Calm Down)
- Best Street Hop Single: ‘Chance’ – Seyi Vibez
- Next Rated Artist: Asake
- Album of the Year: ‘Mr. Money With The Vibez’ – Asake
- Song of the Year: ‘Last Last’ – Burna Boy
- Best Collaboration: ‘Who’s Your Guy’ – Spyro featuring Tiwa Savage
- Best African Artist: Rema
- West African Artist of the Year: Black Sheriff
- Best North African Artist: EL Grande Toto (Morocco)
- Best East African Artist: Diamond Platnumz (Tanzania)
- Best Central African Artist: Libianca (Cameroon)
- Best South African Artist: Focalistic (South Africa)
- Best R&B Album: ‘The Brother’s Keeper’ – Chike
- Headies Viewer’s Choice Award: ‘Soweto’ – Victony
- International Artist of the Year: Selena Gomez
- Recording of the Year: ‘Soweto’ – Victony & Tempoe
- Best Female Artist: Ayra Star
- Hall of Fame: Youssou N’Dour
- Songwriter of the Year: Simi Sokoto, Godsfavour Chidozie, Kosoko Marcel Akunwata – ‘Loyal’ (Simi)
- Best Alternative Album: ‘Gbagada Express’ – BOJ
- Best R&B Single: ‘For My Hand’ – Burna Boy
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