By Ibrahim Kegbegbe
LAGOS, Nigeria – In a night filled with excitement, nostalgia, and musical celebration, ODUMODUBLVCK emerged as the winner of the highly anticipated Next Rated Award at the 17th edition of the Headies Awards, held at the prestigious Eko Hotel and Suites in Lagos, on Sunday, April 27, through the early hours of Monday, April 28, 2025.
The Next Rated category, which has historically launched the careers of Nigerian superstars like Wizkid, Davido, and Tems, was fiercely contested by Shallipopi, Ayo Maff, Nasboi, and Qing Madi. But it was ODUMODUBLVCK — real name Tochukwu Gbubemi Ojogwu — whose genre-blending style, street credibility, and cultural impact ultimately won over voters and judges alike.
The award was presented by none other than David Adeleke, popularly known as Davido, himself a former winner of the category.
“This award is the most important one at the Headies every year,” Davido declared on stage. “I remember winning it 12 years ago. It changed my life forever.”
As the large screen displayed the nominees’ names to roaring applause, Davido broke the suspense and announced ODUMODUBLVCK as the winner, cementing his place among Nigeria’s brightest new stars. In addition to the prestigious plaque, ODUMODUBLVCK also received the traditional brand-new car — a reward that has become synonymous with the category’s life-changing impact.
While addressing the crowd, ODUMODUBLVCK said that receiving the award was not by his power or might, but by the power of God.
“I thank Almighty God, and I thank my mother,” he said.
A New Dawn for the Headies
This year’s ceremony was historic for more reasons than one. After two consecutive editions hosted in Atlanta, USA, the Headies returned home to Lagos, reaffirming its deep roots in African music culture. Furthermore, 2025 will witness two Headies ceremonies — the 17th held this April, and the 18th edition scheduled for December — making up for the missed event in 2024.
Beyond the Next Rated Award, the night celebrated a host of other talented artists and professionals, recognizing their extraordinary contributions to the music and entertainment industry.
Some of the Major Winners:
Rookie of the Year: Zerry DL
Soundtrack of the Year: “Tribe Called Judah Soundtrack” – TCJ and Abbey Wonder (A Tribe Called Judah)
Best Recording of the Year: “Burning” – Tems
Best Vocal Performance (Male): “Billions” – Lojay
Best Vocal Performance (Female): “I’m Done” – Liya
Afrobeats Album of the Year: HEIS – Rema
Music Video of the Year: “EGWU” – Director Pink
Afrobeats Single of the Year: “Big Baller” – Flavour
Headies’ Viewers’ Choice: “Egwu” – Chike and Mohbad
Producer of the Year: “OZEBA” – London
Songwriter of the Year: “Vision” – Chimamanda Pearl Chukwuma (Qing Madi)
Special recognition awards were also presented to distinguished personalities, including Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu, Alex Okosi, and Amaju Pinnick, acknowledging their contributions to music, entertainment, and societal development.
Humanitarian awards were given to Temitola Adekunle Johnson and Michelle Mukoro (King Mitchy) for their philanthropic efforts.
A Night to Remember
From emotional acceptance speeches to show-stopping performances, the 17th Headies Awards was a reminder of the resilience, creativity, and global influence of Nigerian and African music.
With ODUMODUBLVCK’s Next Rated win and the crowning of many other deserving talents, the future of African music shines even brighter.
Fans can look forward to another unforgettable celebration in December when the 18th edition of the Headies returns to cap off a landmark year in Nigerian music history.
