Nigeria’s most prominent music awards show, the Headies, has announced the highly anticipated nominations list for its 17th edition. This year’s list features a wide variety of local and international musicians who have made significant contributions to the music industry over the past 12 months. Leading the pack with five nominations is Tochukwu Ojogwu, also known as Odumodublvck, followed by the late Ilerioluwa Aloba, better known as Mohbad, who received three nominations posthumously.
Odumodublvck, a rising star in the Nigerian music scene, is in the running for Best Collaboration with two songs and is also up for several other prestigious awards. His exceptional work has not gone unnoticed, earning him a well-deserved spot at the top of the nominations list. Despite his untimely passing in 2023, Mohbad’s enduring impact on the music industry continues to be recognized, with three nominations celebrating his legacy.
Other notable artists making waves at this year’s Headies include Ayra Starr and Shallipopi, each securing three nominations. The categories announced by the Headies’ official X handle include Producer of the Year, Best Recording of the Year, Songwriter of the Year, Best R&B Single, Rookie of the Year, Best Rap Single, Best Vocal Performance (Female), Music Video of the Year, and Best Collaboration.
Here’s a closer look at some of the key nominations:
Music Video of the Year:
- “Charm” – Rema, Oerlinks and Folarin Oludare
- “Metaverse” – Jyde Ajala
- “Like Ice Spice” – Perlinks and Emeka Shine
- “Ojapiano” – Mattmax
- “Egwu” – Director Pink
- “Showa” – TG Omori
- “Na Money” – Dammy Twitch
Best Vocal Performance (Female):
- Ayra Star – “Last Heartbreak Song”
- Niniola – “Level”
- Simi – “Stranger”
- Liya – “I’m Done”
- Yemi Alade – “Tomorrow”
Best Rap Single:
- “Cast” – Odumodublvck and Shallipopi
- “Blood on the Dance Floor” – Bloody Civilian, Wale, and Odumodublvck
- “Hallelujah” – Ladipoe, Rozzz, and Morello
- “Canada” – Magnito
- “Ije Nwoke” – Jeriq
Rookie of the Year:
- Zerry DL
- Taves
- Kaestyles
- Llona
Best R&B Single:
- Qing Madi – “Vision”
- Jonny Drille – “For You”
- Simi – “Stranger”
- Tems – “Burning”
- Ayra Starr – “Last Heartbreak Song” ft. Giveon
Songwriter of the Year:
- Simisola Kosoko – “Stranger” (Simi)
- Chimamanda Pearl Chukwuma – “Vision” (Qing Madi)
- Michael Ajuma Attah – “Can’t Breathe” (Llona)
- Emoseh Khamofu – “Family Meeting” (Bloody Civilian)
- Fuayefika Maxwell – “Stages of Life” (Wizard Chan)
Producer of the Year:
- Sarz – “Happiness”
- London – “Ozeba”
- Magicsticks – “Basquiat”
- Rema/Producer X/Cubeats/Deatz/Klimperboy – “Hehehe”
- Dibs – “Different Pattern”
Best Recording of the Year:
- Tems – “Burning”
- Seyi Vibez – “Different Pattern”
- Burna Boy – “Higher”
- Ayra Starr and Giveon – “Last Heartbreak Song”
- Sarz and Lojay – “Billions”
Best Collaboration:
- “Emotions” – Tiwa Savage ft Asa
- “Blood on the Dance Floor” – Odumodublvck, Bloody Civilian, and Wale
- “Cast” – Shallipopi ft. Odumodublvck
- “Egwu” – Chike ft Mohbad
- “Ole” – Qing Madi ft. Bnxn
- “Twe Twe Remix” – Kizz Daniel ft. Davido
- “IDK” – Wizkid ft. Zlatan
As anticipation builds for the 2024 Headies, fans eagerly await the ceremony to celebrate the incredible talent and achievements of Nigeria’s music artists. This year’s nominations reflect the diversity and dynamism of the Nigerian music scene, promising an unforgettable night of accolades and performances.
