On the evening of September 3, 2023, the 16th edition of the Headies Award unfolded in Atlanta, Georgia, marking its second consecutive year in this location.
Since its establishment in 2006, the Headies has consistently played a significant role in chronicling the remarkable achievements within the Nigerian music industry. It has achieved this through its prestigious awards, which have evolved to become the most coveted honors in the Nigerian music scene.
During this memorable night, Rema, the shining star from Mavin Records, emerged as the most celebrated artist, clinching three prestigious awards. Notably, his speech on the resurgence of Nigerian music left a lasting impression and stood out as a highlight of the event.
In addition to Rema’s success, other notable winners included Asake, who secured two awards, including the highly coveted Next Rated Award. The internationally acclaimed Burna Boy also took home two awards, one for Afrobeat Single of the Year and the other for Best R&B Song.
For a comprehensive list of all the winners, please see below.
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
‘Calm Down’ by Director K (Rema)
BEST RAP ALBUM
‘Young Preacher‘ by Blaqbonez
LYRICIST ON THE ROLL
‘Flytalk Only’ by Payper Corleone
PRODUCER OF THE YEAR
‘Abracadabra’by Rexxie
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
‘Calm Down’ by Rema
BEST STREET HIP-HOP ARTISTE
‘Chance (Na Ham)’ by Seyi Vibez
NEXT-RATED
Asake
ALBUM OF THE YEAR
‘Mr. Money With The Vibe’ by Asake
BEST COLLABORATION
‘Who’s Your Guy Remix’ by Spyro, Tiwa Savage
AFRICAN ARTISTE OF THE YEAR
Rema (Nigeria)
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, 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, 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
