The 16th Headies Award Show, held on Sunday, September 3, 2023, marked a significant moment in the Nigerian music industry as it returned to Atlanta, Georgia, for the second consecutive year.
Overtime, the Headies has played a pivotal role in documenting the remarkable achievements within the Nigerian music scene, cementing its status as the most prestigious award in Nigerian music.
The evening’s standout was undoubtedly Mavin star Rema, who walked away with three well-deserved awards. His impassioned speech on the resurgence of Nigerian music was a highlight of the event, resonating deeply with the audience.
Another notable winner was Asake, securing two awards, including the coveted Next Rated Award. The incomparable Burna Boy claimed honors for Afrobeat Single of the Year and Best R&B Song.
16th Headies Award: Here is the complete list of winners:
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
