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Summary
Female artists dominate the 2025 Headies Awards nominations, with Tems, Ayra Starr, and Qing Madi leading in multiple categories, highlighting their growing influence in the music industry.
The 2025 Headies Awards nominations have been unveiled, and female artists are leading the charge like never before. The 17th edition, themed “Stronger Together,” sees Tems, Ayra Starr, and Qing Madi securing multiple nominations, solidifying their dominance in the music industry.
The Headies, known for celebrating the heartbeat of Afrobeats, continue to recognise outstanding talent and creativity. This year, female artists have claimed nominations across key categories, proving their increasing influence on the local and international music scenes. The postponed 17th edition will take place on April 5, while the 18th edition is set for December.
Tems’ track Burning is nominated for Best Recording of the Year, further cementing her impact in the industry. The Songwriter of the Year category includes Simisola Kosoko for Stranger, Chimamanda Pearl Chukwuma for Vision (Qing Madi), and Emoseh Khamofu for Family Meeting (Bloody Civilian), showcasing the lyrical brilliance of female musicians.
The Best R&B Single category is filled with powerhouse female talent, with Qing Madi’s Vision, Simi’s Stranger, Tems’ Burning, and Ayra Starr’s Last Heartbreak Song featuring Giveon all in the running. In Best Vocal Performance (Female), Ayra Starr (Last Heartbreak Song), Niniola (Level), Simi (Stranger), Liya (I’m Done), and Yemi Alade (Tomorrow) showcase their vocal prowess.
Women continue to excel in collaboration, with Tiwa Savage’s Emotions featuring Asa, and Qing Madi and Bnxn’s Ole nominated for Best Collaboration. Gospel sensation Mercy Chinwo’s You Do This One also earns a spot in Best Inspirational Single.
Beyond Nigeria, South African singer Tyla receives a nomination for Best Southern African Artiste of the Year, while the International Artiste of the Year category sees Chloe Bailey’s Vision Remix (Qing Madi) receiving recognition. Qing Madi is nominated for Headies Next Rated, while Ayra Starr’s The Year I Turned 21 secures a spot in Afrobeats Album of the Year. Both Ayra Starr and Tems earn nominations for Digital Artiste of the Year, underscoring their influence in the digital music space.
Ayra Starr’s hit Commas is nominated for Song of the Year. The coveted Album of the Year category includes Born in the Wild by Tems and The Year I Turned 21 by Ayra Starr, reinforcing the dominance of female musicians. Tems also secures a nomination in the Viewers’ Choice Award for her song Love Me Jeje.
The overwhelming representation of women across categories at the Headies is a testament to their growing dominance in the industry. Female artists are not just participating; they are leading and reshaping the music scene both locally and internationally.
