The nominations for the 18th Headies Awards are officially out, and the race is heating up! Africa’s biggest and most prestigious music awards, themed “Africa to the World”, will take place on October 25, 2026, in Toronto, Canada. The list celebrates music released between August 1, 2024, and April 30, 2026, across 35 categories.
This year’s nominations paint an exciting picture of Nigerian music: established giants still dominating, while a new wave of talent is making serious noise.
The Nomination Leaders
Rising star Fola emerges as the most-nominated artiste with an impressive 10 nods, powered by his debut album, Catharsis. He is closely followed by:
• Omah Lay – 8 nominations
• Wizkid and Mavo – 7 each
• Davido and Asake – around 6 each
Among the ladies, Ayra Starr and Tiwa Savage lead with 5 nominations apiece, while Tems, Teni, and others also feature strongly.
Key Categories to Watch
Song of the Year
• “With You” – Davido & Omah Lay
• “Hot Body” – Ayra Starr
• “MMS” – Asake & Wizkid
• “Arike” – Kunmie
• “Joy Is Coming” – Fido
• “Hey Jago” – Poco Lee, Shoday & Rahman Jago
Afrobeats Single of the Year
Strong contenders include Davido & Omah Lay’s “With You”, Asake & Wizkid’s “Jogodo”, Fola’s “You”, Burna Boy’s “Bundle by Bundle”, Rema’s “Fun”, and Shallipopi’s “Laho”.
Album of the Year
• Catharsis – Fola
• Clarity of Mind – Omah Lay
• Morayo – Wizkid
• No Sign of Weakness – Burna Boy
• This One Is Personal – Tiwa Savage
• G.O.A.T – Erigga
• The Machine Is Coming – Odumodublvck
Afrobeats Album of the Year
Davido’s 5ive, Wizkid’s Morayo, Burna Boy’s No Sign of Weakness, Omah Lay’s Clarity of Mind, Adekunle Gold’s Fuji, and BNXN’s Captain are all in the mix.
Best Male Artiste features heavyweights like Wizkid, Burna Boy, Asake, Rema, Adekunle Gold, Fola, and Mavo.
Best Female Artiste sees Ayra Starr, Tems, Tiwa Savage, Teni, Qing Madi, and Sewa competing.
The Next Rated category (always one of the most exciting) includes Fola, Mavo, Shoday, Fido, Llona and others — signalling the next generation ready to take over.
Special honours will also be handed out: Congolese legend Awilo Longomba enters the Headies Hall of Fame, while entertainment executive Cecil Hammond receives a Special Recognition Award.
Why This Year Feels Special
The 2026 Headies highlight a healthy balance. The “Big Three” (Davido, Wizkid, Burna Boy) remain major forces, but newer voices like Fola, Omah Lay, Mavo, Kunmie, and Fido are forcing their way into the conversation. Collaborations continue to dominate, and the international stage in Toronto reinforces the theme of taking African music even further globally.
Fans can look forward to a live watch party in Lagos so the home crowd can still be part of the celebration.
Who do you think will walk away with the biggest wins in Toronto? Will Fola continue his dominance, or will the established stars reclaim the top prizes? Drop your predictions in the comments!
The countdown to the 18th Headies has officially begun. Africa to the World starts now.
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