On the evening of Sunday, September 3, 2023, the 16th Headies Award ceremony took place in Atlanta, Georgia, marking its second consecutive year on foreign soil. Since its inception in 2006, the Headies Awards have played a prominent role in documenting the strides achieved within the Nigerian music industry. Over the years, it has become the most coveted prize in Nigerian music, highlighting the talent within the nation’s musical landscape.
During the event, Rema, a rising star from the Mavin record label, secured three awards and delivered a speech emphasizing the Nigerian music renaissance, which resonated with the audience.
Other winners included Asake, who received two awards, and Burna Boy, who won recognition for Afrobeat Single of the Year and Best R&B Song.
The Headies Awards featured various categories:
- 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: Director K for Rema’s “Calm Down.”
- BEST RAP ALBUM: “Young Preacher” by Blaqbonez.
- LYRICIST ON THE ROLL: “Flytalk Only” by Payper Corleone.
- PRODUCER OF THE YEAR: Rexxie for “Abracadabra.”
- 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: Rema for “Calm Down.”
- BEST STREET HIP-HOP ARTISTE: Seyi Vibez for “Chance (Na Ham).”
- NEXT-RATED: Asake.
- ALBUM OF THE YEAR: “Mr. Money With The Vibe” by Asake.
- BEST COLLABORATION: “Who’s Your Guy Remix” by Spyro and Tiwa Savage.
- AFRICAN ARTISTE OF THE YEAR: Rema.
- 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 and 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, and 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.
The 16th Headies Awards celebrated the talent within the Nigerian and African music scenes and highlighted the growing influence of Nigerian music globally. From Rema’s success to the recognition of international and regional talents, the event showcased the vibrancy of the music industry captivating audiences worldwide.
