The 17th Headies Award was held on April 27, 2025, at the Landmark Event Centre in Lagos.
The award, which rewards excellence in Nigerian music, had in attendance artists, executives, media personalities, and other celebrities across different areas of the Nigerian entertainment.
One of the night’s performers, Shallipopi, whose hit single ‘Cast’ featuring OdumoduBlvck won the Best Rap Song, has shared a veiled displeasure at the award ceremony.
In a post on his X account, the rapper shared that he will not be attending the subsequent ceremonies.
“The next one if una see me make I bend,” he wrote on his X page hours after the award ceremony.
The rapper’s words are likely motivated by the poor organisation that rocked the ceremony with poor award presentation, unnecessary delay, and a shocking lack of professionalism.
Shallipopi, who was also nominated for the Next Rated prize, was one of the biggest stars present at the award ceremony, which has reignited conversation over the poor organisation that has caused the award to lose a lot of prestige.
The ceremony saw performances from Next Rated winner OdumoduBlvck, Special Recognition recipient KCEE, Lifetime Achievement recipient Flavour, rising stars Qing Madi and Ayo Maff.
Other stars who performed at the ceremony include Tanzanian singer Juma Jux and DR Congo star Innoss B.
