AFRICA'S BIGGEST AND MOST PRESTIGIOUS AWARD
AFRICA'S BIGGEST AND MOST PRESTIGIOUS AWARD
20 Years of Excellence
Africa’s most prestigious music awards honouring the greatest voices in Nigerian music since 2006.
THE JOURNEY OF THE HEADIES
THE BEGINNING
FOUNDED IN 2006
From a Magazine's Vision to Africa's Biggest Night in Music
The Headies (originally called the Hip Hop World Awards) is a music awards show established in 2006 by the Hip Hop World Magazine of Nigeria to recognize outstanding achievements in the Nigerian music industry.
The annual ceremony features performances by established and promising artists. It is broadcast live on HipTV to viewers across Nigeria. The first and second editions of The Headies were held at the Muson Center in Onikan, Lagos State. Between 2010 and 2012, the awards were held at the Eko Hotel and Suites in Victoria Island, Lagos. Several media personalities in Nigeria have hosted the annual ceremony, including Darey Art Alade, D’banj, Dakore Egbuson, Banky W., Rita Dominic, M.I, Tiwa Savage, Dr SID etc.
"It represents the image and the shout of a young, vibrant individual whose talent can challenge that of renowned local and international artistes combined."
— THE MEANING OF THE HEADIES PLAQUE
The image of The Headies was created by Ayo Animashaun, the founder of the awards, and drawn by Matthias Aragbada. The first Headie plaque was done by Jide Adewoye. It represents the “image and the shout of a young, vibrant individual whose talent can challenge that of renowned local and international artistes combined, but who has almost lost confidence in his abilities in the face of discouraging circumstances presented by the peculiar Nigerian environment.” In 2008, the plaque was redone in the United Kingdom. It was plated with 21 carat gold. The new plaque is a mixture of resin, copper, steel, marble and gold.
As of 2018, The Headies is composed of 25 categories. Open voting decides majority of the awards’ categories. However, the Best Recording of the Year, Best Rap Album, Best Vocal Performance (Male), Best Vocal Performance (Female), Lyricist on the Roll, and Best Performer categories are not open to public voting.
KEY MILESTONES
18 Editions. One Legacy.
From the Muson Centre to Atlanta and back to Lagos every milestone that has shaped The Headies into the institution it is today.
The Headies Awards — dates and locations table, 2006 to 2025
Ceremonies
17
Years skipped
2
Unique venues
10
Outside Nigeria
2
| # | Year | Date | City | Venue | Host(s) |
|---|
ROLL OF HONOUR
The Champions of Each Era.
The Winner Archive showcases the remarkable artists recognized by The Headies over the years, many of whom have gone on to become leading voices in African music and global entertainment.
HOW TO WATCH
Broadcast & Formats.
The Headies is a live television and streaming event, produced for a global audience and celebrating Nigeria’s position at the centre of the Afrobeats movement worldwide.
Past hosts have included Darey Art Alade, D’banj, Dakore Egbuson, Banky W., Rita Dominic, M.I, Tiwa Savage, Dr SID, Reminisce, Nancy Isime, and many more of Nigeria’s brightest presenting talents.
HipTV
Broadcast live across Nigeria via HipTV, the country’s premier music television network and Sub Saharan Africa since the very first edition.
YouTube
Broadcast live across Nigeria via HipTV, the country’s premier music television network and Sub Saharan Africa since the very first edition.
Live Performances
Every edition features live performances from Nigeria’s biggest stars and rising talents making The Headies as much a concert as an awards show.
Continental Reach
Categories for Best East African Artiste and Best North African Artiste reflect The Headies’ ambition to honour excellence across the entire continent.
A Grand Tribute to the Art of Music
Welcome to a tribute that honors not just music, but the passionate souls behind it! Here, we delve deep into the essence of creativity, collaboration, and cultural impact, showcasing the moments that resonate. Let us unite in our mission to celebrate the melodies and stories that shape our world.
- A commitment to artistic expression and innovation.
- Empowering artistes through recognition and inspiration.
- Creating a vibrant community celebrating musical achievements.
Become a Part of Our Musical Legacy
Join us in celebrating the spirit of music and community at The Headies! This is your chance to engage with fellow music lovers, enjoy captivating performances, and witness the unveiling of exceptional talent. Embrace the moments that define our culture and share in the excitement that each event brings as we honor artistes and their incredible achievements.