The Headies’ Big Announcement

Vanessa Obioha

The last edition of The Headies music awards took place in 2023 at the Cobb Energy Performing Arts Center in Atlanta, Georgia, with actress and TV host Osas Ighodaro and American actor and presenter Terrence Jenkins co-hosting the event. Last year, Smooth Promotions, the organisers of The Headies, announced that the 17th edition would return to Nigeria, calling it a “homecoming” after two successful outings in the U.S.

“The world got a chance to see our global stars and our future stars,” read their statement at the time.

However, 2024 came and went with no Headies ceremony.

Recently, the organisers sent out invitations to an event titled The Headies’ Big Announcement, scheduled for Tuesday, January 28, at Cube 65, Victoria Island, Lagos.

This invitation followed the earlier announcement that the 17th edition of The Headies would officially begin on March 29, 2025, with a Stakeholders Brunch, followed by nominees’ parties, and culminating in the main awards ceremony on April 5, 2025.

In addition, the organisers revealed plans to introduce The Headies Festival, which will feature a series of activities celebrating the best of music, entertainment, and culture.

“This year’s edition is packed with an extraordinary lineup of events, culminating in a week-long celebration of the industry’s growth and artistic ingenuity,” said Ayo Animashaun, the founder and Executive Head of the awards.

As anticipation builds, it remains to be seen whether the big announcement on Tuesday will reaffirm these plans or unveil a surprise, perhaps even a new location for the awards.

Launched in 2006, The Headies was once regarded as Nigeria’s version of the Grammys. However, with many Nigerian artists now setting their sights on global accolades, The Headies faces the challenge of maintaining its relevance in an ever-evolving music landscape. The upcoming edition, with its expanded schedule and added festivities, will once again place the awards’ reputation under scrutiny as it seeks to honour and celebrate the nation’s musical talents.