The Headies 2023: A Celebration of African Renaissance
The 16th edition of the Headies, the most prestigious music awards ceremony in Nigeria, took place on Sunday, September 3, 2023, in Atlanta, Georgia, for the second consecutive year. The event, tagged ‘Celebrating African Renaissance’, showcased the best of Afrobeats and African culture, with performances from A-list artists and recognition of their achievements.
The show was hosted by comedian AY and singer Wande Coal, who also won the Best Male Vocal Performance for his song ‘Kpe Paso’. The night was full of surprises, as some of the winners were not expected by many. For instance, OdumoduBlvck, a newcomer in the rap scene, won the Rookie of the Year and the Best Rap Single for his song ‘Declan Rice’. He also performed alongside Asake, who won the Next Rated and the Album of the Year for his debut project ‘Mr. Money With The Vibe’.
Another highlight of the night was the special recognition award given to Sound Sultan, a veteran musician and actor who passed away in July 2023. He was honored for his immense impact on the Nigerian music industry and his contributions to social causes. His wife, Farida Fasasi, received the award on his behalf and thanked everyone for their support.
The Headies 2023 also featured some international collaborations, such as Burna Boy and Ed Sheeran’s ‘For My Mind’, which won the Best RnB Single, and Asake and Burna Boy’s ‘Sungba Remix’, which won the Best Collaboration. Rema was also a big winner of the night, as he bagged the Best Male Artist, the Digital Artist of the Year, and the Best Video Director for his song ‘Calm Down’.
Here is the full list of winners:
– Best Recording of The Year: ‘Soweto’ by Victony and Tempoe
– Producer of The Year: Rexxie for ‘Abracadabra Remix’
– Best Rap Album: ‘Young Preacher’ by Blaqbonez
– Best RnB Single: ‘For My Mind’ by Burna Boy and Ed Sheeran
– Best Alternative Song: ‘Earth Song’ by Wizard Chan
– Best Rap Single: ‘Declan Rice’ by OdumoduBlvck
– Best Vocal Performance (Male): ‘Kpe Paso’ by Wande Coal
– Best Vocal Performance (Female): ‘Loyal’ by Simi
– Best Music Video: ‘Calm Down’ by Rema (Director K)
– Best Collaboration: ‘Sungba Remix’ by Asake and Burna Boy
– Afrobeats Single of The Year: ‘Last Last’ by Burna Boy
– Songwriter of The Year: Tems for ‘Lift Me Up’
– Lyricist on The Roll: Payper Corleone for ‘Flytalk Only’
– Best Male Artist: Rema
– Rookie of The Year: OdumoduBlvck
– Best Inspirational Song: ‘Eze Ebube’ by Neon Adejo
– Special Recognition: Sound Sultan
– Digital Artist of The Year: Rema
– Best Street Hip-Hop Artiste: Seyi Vibez for ‘Chance (Na Ham)’
– Next-Rated: Asake
– Album of The Year: ‘Mr. Money With The Vibe’ by Asake
BEST COLLABORATION
‘Who’s Your Guy Remix’ by Spyro, Tiwa Savage
AFRICAN ARTISTE OF THE YEAR
Rema (Nigeria)
BEST WEST AFRICAN ARTISTE OF THE YEAR
Black Sherif (Ghana)
BEST R&B Album
‘The Brother’s Keeper’ by Chike
INTERNATIONAL ARTISTE OF THE YEAR
Selena Gomez
BEST RECORDING OF THE YEAR
‘Soweto’ by Victony, Tempoe
BEST VOCAL PERFORMANCE (FEMALE)
In Between by Waje
BEST CENTRAL AFRICAN ARTISTE OF THE YEAR
Libianca (Cameroon)
HEADIES VIEWERS’ CHOICE
‘Soweto’ by Victony
BEST EAST AFRICAN ARTISTE OF THE YEAR
Diamond Platinumz (Tanzania)
BEST NORTH AFRICAN ARTISTE OF THE YEAR
El Grande Toto (Morocco)
SONGWRITER OF THE YEAR
‘Loyal’ by Simi Kosoko, Goodsfavour Chidozie, Kosoko Adekunle, Marcel Akunwata
BEST R&B SINGLE
“For my hand’ by Burna Boy
BEST FEMALE ARTISTE
Ayra Starr
BEST SOUTHERN AFRICAN ARTISTE OF THE YEAR
Focalistic (South Africa)
BEST ALTERNATIVE ALBUM
‘Gbagada Express’ by BOJ
HALL OF FAME
Youssou N’dour
The Headies 2023 was a memorable night that celebrated the creativity and diversity of African music. It also demonstrated the global appeal and influence of Afrobeats, as artists from different countries and genres collaborated and shared their talents. The event was a testament to the African renaissance that is happening in music and culture.
