The 18th Headies Awards has unveiled its nominees, setting the stage for another major night in Nigerian music as music stars, rising artists and some of Afrobeats’ biggest releases compete for recognition.
The nominations cover music released between August 1, 2024 and April 30, 2026, bringing together some of the biggest names and songs from the period. The announcement also puts several emerging artists in the spotlight, particularly in categories such as Next Rated.
Who received the most attention in the 2026 Headies nominations?
The latest nominations reflect a Nigerian music industry where established stars continue to dominate major categories, while a new generation of artists is increasingly competing for the same recognition. 
Among the notable nominees are Burna Boy, Wizkid, Davido, Ayra Starr, Tems, Asake, Rema, Omah Lay, Tiwa Savage, BNXN and Adekunle Gold.
The Next Rated category, one of the most closely watched awards at The Headies, features Fola, Shoday, Mavo, Fido and Llona.
When and where will the 18th Headies Awards take place?
The nominations mark the beginning of the race for the 18th Headies Awards. The headies week is starting with the headies trade and investment summit as well as the creative summit on the 22nd october, 2026 in Toronto, Canada.
The headies awards ceremony will be taking place 9pm on the 23rd of october, 2026, in Toronto, Canada.
Why the 18th Headies nominations matter
The nominations arrive at a time when Nigerian music continues to expand its international reach, while competition within the local industry becomes increasingly intense.
For established artists, another Headies nomination adds to an already significant body of recognition. For emerging musicians, however, a nomination can provide something just as valuable: visibility.
The Next Rated category is particularly important in this regard. Previous winners and nominees have gone on to become some of the most commercially successful names in Nigerian music, making the category one of the clearest indicators of the industry’s next wave.
The nominations also show how the definition of success in Nigerian music continues to evolve. Streaming, digital audiences, international collaborations and social media visibility now play a much larger role in how artists build careers and connect with listeners.
SEE ALSO: Africans Nominated for the 2026 BET Awards
Major categories and nominees
Some of the biggest categories include Song of the Year, Afrobeats Single of the Year, Afrobeats Album of the Year, Best R&B Album and Digital Artiste of the Year.
Song of the Year: Kunmie’s “Arike”, “Hey Jago” by Poco Lee, Shoday and Rahman Jago, Ayra Starr’s “Hot Body”, Fido’s “Joy Is Coming”, “MMS” by Asake and Wizkid, and “With You” by Davido and Omah Lay.
Afrobeats Single of the Year category: Rema’s “Fun”, “Jogodo” by Asake and Wizkid, Shallipopi’s “Laho”, “With You” by Davido and Omah Lay, Fola’s “You” and Burna Boy’s “Bundle by Bundle”.
The Afrobeats Album of the Year : Davido’s 5ive, BNXN’s Captain, Omah Lay’s Clarity of Mind, Adekunle Gold’s Fuji, Wizkid’s Morayo and Burna Boy’s No Sign of Weakness.
For Best R&B Album: Kunmie’s Before We Became Strangers, Fola’s Catharsis, Qing Madi’s I Am the Blueprint, Tems’ Love Is a Kingdom, Tay Iwar’s Reflection Station and Tiwa Savage’s This One Is Personal.
The Digital Artiste of the Year category: Asake, Ayra Starr, BNXN, Chella, Fola, Mavo, Seyi Vibez and Wizkid among the nominees.
SEE FULL LIST : The 18th Headies Nominees
For the nominated artists, the wait now begins. Some will leave the ceremony with one of Nigeria’s most recognisable music awards, while others will have to wait for another opportunity.
For fans, however, the nominations have already started another debate: who deserves to win?
READ ALSO: Why No African Artist Won at the BET Awards 2026
About The Author
