The 17th edition of the prestigious Headies Awards, held on Sunday in Lagos with the theme ‘Back to Base,’ marked a vibrant return to Nigeria after two years of being hosted overseas. The event was hosted by the charming Nancy Isime alongside media personality IK Osakioduwa, who brought their unique energy, humor, and charisma to the stage, making it an unforgettable night.
Celebrating Nigeria's thriving music industry, the Headies is a platform that continues to spotlight exceptional talent across various categories, including the highly anticipated Next Rated Award. This award is given to the emerging artist poised to become the next big star in the Nigerian music scene. Over the years, winners of the Next Rated Award have gone on to make huge waves globally, influencing Afrobeats and the broader music industry.
Here’s a list of Next Rated Award winners from 2006 to 2024:
- Odumodu Blvck – 2024
Known for blending rap with street sounds, Odumodu Blvck brought fresh energy to Nigerian hip-hop, becoming a voice for the new wave. - Asake – 2023
Asake’s blend of Fuji influences, street pop, and infectious energy made him one of the fastest-rising stars with hits dominating global charts. - Bnxn (formerly Buju) – 2022
With a soulful voice and smooth collaborations, Bnxn became one of Afrobeats' most promising voices. - Omah Lay – 2020
Omah Lay's mellow Afrobeats sound and emotionally raw lyrics won him a loyal fanbase, redefining modern pop. - Rema – 2019
Rema’s genre-bending style, combining Afrobeat, trap, and pop, made him a global standout from the moment he debuted. - Mayorkun – 2017
The “Mayor of Lagos” delivered hit after hit, cementing his place in Afrobeats with catchy tunes. - Mr Eazi – 2016
Mr Eazi popularized “Banku music,” blending Ghanaian and Nigerian styles, carving a unique space in African pop music. - Reekado Banks – 2015
Known for his smooth vocals and versatility, Reekado became a radio favorite and consistent hitmaker. - Patoranking – 2014
Patoranking brought socially conscious lyrics and a dancehall sound to the Nigerian mainstream, quickly gaining popularity. - Sean Tizzle – 2013
With hits like “Sho Lee,” Sean Tizzle made his mark with infectious, feel-good music. - Davido – 2012
Now a global superstar, Davido’s energetic performances and anthem-like hits made him a household name. - Wizkid – 2011
Wizkid revolutionized Nigerian pop with his smooth sound, becoming one of Africa's most influential music exports. - Skuki – 2010
The duo Skuki brought fun, dance, and playful lyrics to Nigerian music with their lively party tracks. - Omawumi – 2009
Omawumi’s powerful voice and emotional depth earned her a spot as one of Nigeria’s finest vocalists and songwriters. - Wande Coal – 2008
Wande Coal’s rich vocals made him a central figure in Nigerian music, setting new standards for pop artists. - Overdose – 2007
A respected lyricist, Overdose represented the underground hip-hop movement, earning recognition for his storytelling. - Asa – 2006
Asa’s soulful sound and socially conscious lyrics made her a global icon and a standout in the Nigerian music scene.
These artists are not just celebrated for their music but also for their ability to push boundaries and shape the future of African music. With each Next Rated winner, the trajectory of Nigerian music continues to rise on the global stage, and the Headies remains the gold standard for recognizing emerging talent.
