The Headies sets course for Toronto ahead of 18th edition

..Burna Boy, Davido, Wizkid, Rema, others battle for supremacy

By Benjamin Njoku

The countdown to the 18th Headies has officially begun in Toronto.

The journey started with “The Headies: Road to Toronto,” a pre-awards media briefing and reception hosted by the Deputy High Commission of Canada in Lagos on Friday evening.

The event gathered stakeholders from entertainment, media, business, government and the wider creative economy to discuss the global rise of African creativity and how to turn it into stronger business and investment opportunities.

Founder and CEO Ayo Animashaun said the move to Toronto under the theme “Africa to the World” is about more than music.
“The Headies has always been about celebrating the people and sounds shaping African music. With our return to Toronto, we are expanding that conversation to explore the wider economic opportunities around African creativity and create stronger connections between creatives, businesses, investors and international markets,” he said.
Speaking at the event, Carlos Rojas-Abulu, Deputy High Commissioner of Canada in Nigeria, said “Behind the music is an entire ecosystem, and some of you know it very well. There are artists, producers, but also managers, technology companies, media platforms, designers, lawyers, investors, and the list goes on. And they are building businesses around African creativity.”
He noted that the opportunity extends to film, fashion, media and technology, and stressed the need to deepen trade partnerships between Canada and Nigeria.
A major addition to this year’s programme is the Trade and Investment Summit. The summit will connect culture, capital and global trade, bringing together investors, business leaders, creatives and public-sector stakeholders to explore opportunities in technology, aviation, infrastructure, smart cities and the creative industries.
Barrister Hannatu Musawa, Honourable Minister of Arts, Culture and the Creative Economy, said the Canada edition aligns with Nigeria’s goal to monetize culture.
“For us in the Federal Government, this is about more than cultural celebration. It has got to be about economic expansion,” she said.
The Toronto edition will also leverage the strong African diaspora in Canada to build new bridges for music, culture and trade.
Organizers have also unveiled 218 nominations across 35 categories, covering the period August 1, 2024 – April 30, 2026.
Fola leads the pack with 10 nominations, including Album of the Year, Next Rated, Songwriter of the Year and Best Male Artiste for his debut album, Catharsis.
Omah Lay follows with 8 nominations while Davido, Mavo and Wizkid are tied with 7 each.
The headline battle will be for Artiste of the Year, where Burna Boy faces Davido, Wizkid, Rema, Asake, Adekunle Gold, Fola and Mavo.
Fans are already campaigning hard for their faves, but if history has taught us anything, it’s that award shows love to throw curve balls.
On the women’s side, it’s a two-horse race for now. Ayra Starr and Tiwa Savage both pulled five nominations each.
Breakout star Kunmie also earned 5 nods, including Song of the Year for “Arike.” He joins Adekunle Gold, Odumodublvck, and Shallipopi in the 5-nomination tier.
The most-nominated song is “With You” by Davido and Omah Lay, with 6 nominations including Recording of the Year, Song of the Year, and Best Collaboration.
The Best Collaboration category is stacked with 9 entries, from Olamide’s “99” to Mr Eazi and King Promise’s “See What We’ve Done.”
This year, Alternative artists earned spots in general categories. The awards have also expanded regionally to 16 African countries, including International Artiste of the Year and Best Canadian/African Diaspora Artiste.
The night will feature special moments. Congolese legend Awilo Longomba will be inducted into the Headies Hall of Fame, while veteran executive Cecil Hammond will receive the Special Recognition Award for his lasting contributions to African entertainment
The 18th Headies will hold in Toronto, Canada, bringing together leaders from across Africa, Canada and the diaspora to celebrate African music and its growing global influence.