In an exciting night of music and celebration, the 16th Headies Awards unfolded on Sunday, September 3, 2023, in Atlanta, Georgia, marking the second consecutive year of the prestigious event being held abroad.
Since its inception in 2006, the Headies has been a beacon of recognition and achievement in the Nigerian music industry. This year’s edition reaffirmed its status as the biggest accolade in Nigerian music, honoring the most outstanding talents in the industry.
Mavin sensation Rema emerged as the night’s big winner, clinching three prestigious awards. However, it wasn’t just his victories that had everyone talking; it was his impassioned speech about the resurgence of Nigerian music that truly stole the show.
Another standout winner was Asake, who took home two accolades, including the highly coveted Next Rated Award. Meanwhile, Burna Boy added to his impressive list of achievements with awards for Afrobeat Single of the Year and Best R&B Song.
Here is the complete list of the 2023 Headies Award 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
Afrobeat Single of the Year: ‘Last Last’ by Burna Boy
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
The 16th Headies Awards showcased the immense talent and creativity that continue to drive the Nigerian music industry forward, while also recognizing the contributions of international artists and those from neighboring African nations. It was a night to remember, celebrating the very best in African music.
