FUNSHO AROGUNDADE
The Headies, Africa’s leading entertainment awards, has released its nominations list ahead of the 18th ceremony, scheduled for October in Toronto, Canada.
The list features 218 nominations across 35 categories, celebrating the biggest names and breakout stars who shaped African music between August 1, 2024 and April 30, 2026.
Singer-songwriter Fola emerges as the most nominated act with 10 nods.
His nominations include Album of the Year, Next Rated, Songwriter of the Year and Best Male Artiste, driven by the success of his acclaimed debut album CATHARSIS.
Omah Lay follows closely with 8 nominations.
Davido, Mavo and Wizkid each secured 7 nominations.
On the female side, Ayra Starr and Tiwa Savage lead with 5 nominations each.
Breakout star Kunmie also earned 5 nods, including Song of the Year for his hit single “Arike.”
Adekunle Gold, Odumodublvck, and Shoday complete the 5-nomination tier.
Davido and Omah Lay’s collaboration “With You” is the most-nominated song of the year, with 6 nominations: Recording of the Year, Music Video, Best Collaboration, Afrobeats Single, Viewers’ Choice, and Song of the Year.
The Best Collaboration category is one of the most competitive this year with 9 entries, reflecting the wave of standout joint records.
Nominees include Olamide’s star-studded posse cut “99” and Mr Eazi and King Promise’s “See What We’ve Done.”
The Next Rated category features Fido, FOLA, Llona, Mavo, and Shoday.
The Rookie of the Year category spotlights fresh talent: Amma, Danpapa GTA, FirstKlaz, Kidd Carder, NO11, Priesst and OG Abbah.
For Album of the Year, 7 projects made the cut:
CATHARSIS – Fola
CLARITY OF MIND – Omah Lay
G.O.A.T – Erigga
MORAYO – Wizkid
NO SIGN OF WEAKNESS – Burna Boy
THE MACHINE IS COMING – Odumodublvck
THIS ONE IS PERSONAL – Tiwa Savage
This year’s nominations also highlight artists from the Alternative genre earning spots in general categories.
The Headies has also extended its regional awards across 16 African countries, alongside International Artiste of the Year and Best Canadian/African Diaspora Artiste categories, reinforcing its continental and global reach.
Legendary Congolese performer Awilo Longomba will receive the iconic HEADIES HALL OF FAME AWARD.
Veteran entertainment executive Cecil Hammond will be honoured with the SPECIAL RECOGNITION AWARD for his lasting contributions to African entertainment.
The 18th Headies Awards is themed “Africa to the World” and will hold on October 25, 2026, in Toronto, Canada.
The organisers said voting details and full list of nominees in all categories will be announced later.
The move to Toronto marks another milestone for The Headies as it continues to position African music before a global audience.
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