Pop and Afrobeat stars Davido, Tems, Rema, and Zerry DL were among the major winners at the 17th edition of the Headies Awards, held in Lagos on Sunday.

After two years of hosting the ceremony in Atlanta, United States, the prestigious music awards made a grand return to Nigeria. This year’s event is the first of two editions planned for 2025, with the 18th Headies scheduled for December, compensating for the awards’ absence in 2024.

The night celebrated musical excellence across Nigeria and Africa, with winners announced in 31 categories.

Rema won Afrobeats Album of the Year for his project HEIS, while Tems clinched Best Recording of the Year for her soulful track Burning. Davido was named Digital Artiste of the Year, reaffirming his dominance in the digital music space. Rising star Zerry DL, brother to Shallipopi, was crowned Rookie of the Year, marking a significant milestone in his career.

In one of the most keenly contested categories, Odumodublvck beat strong contenders including Shallipopi, Qing Madi, and Ayo Maff to win the coveted Next Rated award.

The star-studded event attracted prominent figures from entertainment and politics, including Lagos State Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu, who received a Special Recognition Award for his contributions to the music and creative sectors. Other Special Recognition recipients included Alex Okosi and Amaju Pinnick.

This 17th edition introduced two new categories — “Soundtrack of the Year” and “Best Performer (Live)” — broadening the scope of recognition. Funke Akindele’s record-breaking film A Tribe Called Judah won the inaugural Soundtrack of the Year award.

The ceremony drew a host of celebrities, including Tanzanian singer Juma Jux and his wife Priscilla, actress Nancy Isime, BamBam, Cubana Chief Priest, Big Brother Naija winner White Money, and Mavin Records boss Don Jazzy.

Themed “Back to Base” and “Apologetically African,” the event honoured music released between 1 April 2023 and 31 July 2024.