The long-anticipated Headies has come and gone, leaving many talking points but of paramount priority are the winners which made the event an interesting one. Among the many winners are Wizkid (5), Burna Boy (2), Tems (4), Patoranking (2) and Davido (2) who ended up winning multiple plaques on an individual basis.
Wizkid and Tems were the most nominated acts so it was not surprising to see them both come out on top, sharing 9 wins among themselves; Wizkid had the album categories on lockdown, securing the Best Afrobeats Album and Album of the Year awards for the successful cross-over “Made in Lagos (Deluxe)” album, then it was time for his greatest hit till date to shine as “Essence” featuring Tems stole the show, winning 3 awards – Best Collaboration, Song of the Year and Best R&B Single. Tems solo win came in form of the Best R&B Album for the beautiful “If Orange Was a Place” sophomore project.
As written, Burna Boy, Davido and Patoranking all won 2 Headies awards each. On Burna Boy’s ends are the Best Male Artiste and African Artiste of the Year plaques; Davido scooped up the Humanitarian Award of the Year and Digital Artiste of the Year recognitions as Patoranking rounded up the ‘2’s club’ by winning the Best Reggae & Dancehall Album (“Three”) and Best Recording of the Year (“Celebrate Me”).
D’Banj [Special Recognition (Talent)], Akon & Wycleaf Jean (International Artiste Special Recognition), Efe Omoregbe, Sunday Are and Bose Ogulu (Special Recognition) were honoured for their immense contribution to the ever-growing Nigerian music industry.
Non-Nigerian artistes also enjoyed a victorious outing with Gyakie from Ghana taking home the Best West African Artiste of the Year plaque as Focalistic (South Africa) was honoured for being the Best South African Artiste of the Year, Tanzanian Diamond Platnumz snatched the Best East African Artiste of the Year accolade. Latifa (Tunisia) and Congolese star Innoss’B complete this segment with the Best North African Artiste of the Year and Best Central African Artiste of the Year awards added to their cabinets respectively.
Baby Riddim crooner, Fave received the Rookie of the Year plaque, Oxlade – Best Vocal Performance (Male) for “Ojuju”. LadiPoe, Flavour, Waje, Goya Menor & Nektunes and A-Q also received an award each in various categories. Sarz (Producer of the Year) and TG Omori (director of the Best Music Video) are the only pair of non-performing artistes (aside from the Special Recognition category) to get ahold of The Headies.
Olamide’s streak for the most Headies awards won stays alive with the Best Rap Album falling on his palm. Explore the comprehensive winners’ gallery here.