So, the 17th Headies Awards came through with all the heat this year, and I can’t even begin to explain how hyped I am about it. After being hosted in the USA for the past two years, it finally returned to Nigeria, and let me tell you, it did not disappoint. The event took place on April 5, 2025, at the Eko Convention Centre in Lagos, and from the moment the show started, I knew it was going to be one for the books. It wasn’t just about the music; the fashion was on a whole other level.
I’ll be honest, I was watching the headies live stream, glued to my screen, and thinking “wow, these guys really know how to make an entrance.” From the nominees to the winners and the performances, everything about the night felt special, like this was a celebration of the culture, the music, and of course, the fashion.
Let’s start with Davido, the Artist of the Year headies winner. I mean, what can I say? When it comes to making an entrance, OBO knows how to do it. Davido stepped onto headies stage in a custom agbada by Ugo Monye that screamed royalty. The intricate embroidery was a nod to his Yoruba roots, while the tailoring felt fresh and contemporary. The vibe was everything but the banger? Those green bedazzled sandals. Boy, davido’s stylist is on another level and speaking about his stylist, Mushin, he is an amazing stylist who definitely knows his onions.
Ayra Starr is the star she thinks she is. One of the headies nominees I was rooting for, especially after the crazy year she’s had. She didn’t just come to the event, she came to slay. Ayra wore a custom piece by Lanre Da Silva Ajayi, and I’m still thinking about it. It was like a perfect mix of traditional Nigerian Aso-Oke fabric and modern elegance. The beaded detailing and the flowing cape had me in awe. Styled by Tola Adewumi, she looked like she stepped straight out of a fairy tale, but with that Ayra swagger. She made sure we all remembered who the real star was.
Another look that took me by surprise in the best way possible was Rema. The Album of the Year winner, of course, had to show up looking like a star. He wore an ultra-cool piece by Tokyo James, and it was edgy and futuristic, which made sense since Rema is always ahead of the curve with his music and style. The sharp fit, the attention to detail in the fabrics, everything was just on point. Styled by Tayo Faniran, his look was modern, sleek, and reflected the innovative artist we know and love.
Now, let’s talk about Tems. This woman continues to blow my mind, both musically and fashion-wise. She took home the Best Recording of the Year award for “Burning,” and trust me, her look matched her talent. She wore a custom Lisa Folawiyo gown, and it was so breathtaking, I had to pause the stream just to take it all in. The dress mixed modern tailoring with traditional African prints, and the sheer details and voluminous sleeves? Pure elegance. Styled by Simeon Ororo, Tems’ look was the perfect balance of power and grace. Honestly, I couldn’t have imagined anyone else taking that award in such style.
I also can’t forget about Odumodublvck, the new sensation who snagged the Next Rated headies award. I have to say, his look was one of my personal favorites. He wore an agbada by Ugo Monye, and it was giving me everything, traditional with a modern twist, sharp tailoring, and the right accessories to bring it all together. Styled by Bola Stylist, Odumodublvck looked every bit like the new king of Afrobeats, and I couldn’t be happier for him.
The headies night had a lot of standouts, and I have to mention Zerry DL who won Rookie of the Year. His style was effortlessly cool, with a streetwear-inspired look that gave me major vibes. Styled by The Style Infidel, his jacket had these bold patterns that were fresh and trendy, and it felt like he was ready to take over the scene, not just musically, but fashionably too. The look was so easy yet impactful, and I really loved how he kept things authentic.
Okay, now let’s talk headies red carpet, because the stars were definitely shining and repping the theme in their ‘Unapologetically African’ outfits.
Liquorose was one of the first celebrities to grab my attention, and let’s just say, she nailed it. She wore a stunning by black gown with cape for sleeves and a matching cap, a nod to the ‘Tiv tribe’ in Nigeria, designed by the talented Prudent Gabriel Okopi, the look was pure elegance. The gown was figure-hugging, bedazzled with stones, and everything about it screamed sophistication. Liquorose was giving us classic glam, and I was all here for it.
Then, we had Annie Idibia or McCauley like she said, who I’ve always seen as the queen of classic glamour, and she didn’t disappoint. Styled by the ever talented, luxury stylist, Medlin Boss, Annie came blazing in a matching two piece set of a crop top and trouser in a flowered print. But what really took that outfit to 100% was the long lemon jacket, which she hung over both shoulders, and the beaded emerald green finish? Excellence and sophistication wrapped up in one. She definitely turned heads, and it was a look I wouldn’t forget in a hurry.
Chioma GoodHair was another standout at headies in a custom dress by Becca Needles and Stitches. Chioma came looking like a garden of black flowers, she was dripping in rhinestone and flowers. It was sleek, chic, and oh-so-sophisticated. She looked like a queen, effortlessly owning the room with a body-hugging silhouette. Chioma’s style was all about confidence, and she didn’t need to say a word to have us all in awe.
Priscilla Ojo, the youngest of the group, brought her A-game with a very polished look that screamed, ‘I’m married now’, and I heard that girl. Styled by her wedding stylist Emmanuel Goodnews, Priscilla Ajoke Jux came dripping in red. The stunning ball gown piece was curated by Dorhann and they definitely nailed this. She looked stunning, like a star who’s just starting to shine but already making waves in the industry.
Performances were another highlight of the evening. Shallipopi took the stage with his hit “Cast,” and let me tell you, the energy was wild. He wore a custom outfit by Tolu Bally, and it was a perfect mix of Afrobeat streetwear with a touch of edge. I was watching his performance, and honestly, the guy owns the stage. His look and vibe were a match made in heaven.
There was Qing Madi, who performed “Vision.” She was so graceful, and her gown by April by Kunbi had me speechless. The whole performance at headies was ethereal, and I could tell she truly felt every word she sang. Styled by April by Kunbi, her look was the embodiment of elegance, and her presence on stage was nothing short of magical.
Finally, Rema and Ayra Starr teamed up for an epic performance of “Sability,” and I couldn’t take my eyes off them. Their matching outfits for the headies designed by Tokyo James and styled by Tayo Faniran were so cohesive, and their energy together on headies stage was electric. These two were clearly having the time of their lives, and it showed. And the banger of them all was Rema’s performance of his record breaking ‘Ozeba’, I was high up in the air, screaming the lyrics word for word. Rema is who he thinks he is.
Honestly, watching the 17th Headies from the comfort of my screen, I was blown away. The fashion was just as iconic as the music, and you could see the care and thought put into every look. The night was a perfect representation of where Nigerian music and fashion are headed, bold, unapologetic, and undeniably powerful.
