The 16th edition of the prestigious Headies Award, which honors outstanding achievements in the Nigerian music industry, took place on Sunday, September 3, 2023, in Atlanta, Georgia.
This marked the second consecutive year the event was held in the United States. Established in 2006 by the Hip Hop World Magazine of Nigeria, the Headies Award has become the foremost recognition platform for the Nigerian music scene.
Since its inception, the Headies has played a pivotal role in documenting the Nigerian music industry’s remarkable progress, making its awards the most coveted prizes in Nigerian music.
From the emergence of new stars to the recognition of seasoned veterans, the annual ceremony encapsulates the industry’s dynamism and ability to evolve with the times.
Photos from the #16thHeadiesAwards red carpet #TheHeadiesAwards #16thHeadies#Headies pic.twitter.com/9klkaRiIec
— IG: the_headies (@The_Headies) September 4, 2023
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The Awards also reflect the diversity and genre evolution within Nigerian music, as the winners’ list encompasses a wide array of genres, from Afrobeats and rap to alternative and R&B.
In addition to celebrating talents, the Headies Awards also honour music icons, and this year, the late Sound Sultan received a Special Recognition award, paying tribute to his enduring influence and contributions to the Nigerian music industry.
Performances from the #16thHeadies #Headies #16thHeadiesAwards#TheHeadiesAwards#16thHeadies pic.twitter.com/V99SSJo70W
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— IG: the_headies (@The_Headies) September 4, 2023
The night of glitz and glamour which was broadcast live on HipTV to audiences across Nigeria, saw several artists and industry professionals honoured for their exceptional contributions to the music scene.
Here’s the full list of winners:
Best Rap Single:
‘Declan Rice’ by ODUMODUBLVCK
Best Male Vocal Performance:
‘Kpe Paso’ by Wande Coal
Best Alternative Song:
‘Tinko Tinko’ by Obong Jayar
Best Video Director:
‘Calm Down’ by 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
Rookie of the Year:
ODUMODUBLVCK
Best Inspirational Song:
‘Eze Ebube’ by Neon Adejo
Afrobeats Single of the Year:
‘Last Last’ by Burna Boy
Special Recognition:
Sound Sultan
Digital Artist of the Year:
‘Calm Down’ by Rema
Best Street Hip-Hop Artiste:
‘Chance (Na Ham)’ by Seyi Vibez
Next-Rated:
Asake
Album of the Year:
‘Mr. Money With The Vibe’ by Asake
Best Collaboration:
‘Who’s Your Guy Remix’ by Spyro, Tiwa Savage
African Artiste of the Year:
Rema (Nigeria)
Best West African Artiste of the Year:
Black Sherif (Ghana)
Best R&B Album:
‘The Brother’s Keeper’ by Chike
International Artiste of the Year:
Selena Gomez
Best Recording of the Year:
‘Soweto’ by Victony, Tempoe
Best Vocal Performance (Female):
In Between by Waje
Best Central African Artiste of the Year:
Libianca (Cameroon)
Headies Viewers’ Choice:
‘Soweto’ by Victony
Best East African Artiste of the Year:
Diamond Platinumz (Tanzania)
Best North African Artiste of the Year:
El Grande Toto (Morocco)
Songwriter of the Year:
‘Loyal’ by Simi Kosoko, Goodsfavour Chidozie, Kosoko Adekunle, Marcel Akunwata
Best R&B Single:
“For my hand’ by Burna Boy
Best Female Artiste:
Ayra Starr
Best Southern African Artiste of the Year:
Focalistic (South Africa)
Best Alternative Album:
‘Gbagada Express’ by BOJ
Hall of Fame:
Youssou N’dour