The 17th edition of the 2025 Headies Awards was meant to be a celebration of Nigeria’s finest musical talents, but instead, it turned into a night of delays, discontent, and drama that had everyone talking—from the red carpet to the Twitter timelines.
Held on April 27, 2025, at the Landmark Event Centre in Lagos, this year’s Headies carried the theme “Back to Base”, marking its return to Nigeria after previous editions were hosted in the U.S. But if the organizers hoped to reclaim lost glory, the outcome was far from the prestige they aimed for.
A Late Start That Set the Tone
Let’s be real—Nigerians may be used to “African time,” but when an event that should showcase industry excellence kicks off over two hours late, it’s more than fashionably late—it’s downright disrespectful. Attendees, including top industry names like Don Jazzy, Mavin stars Ayra Starr and Johnny Drille, and even Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu, were left waiting and wondering if the show would even start. The energy never quite recovered, and the rushed program that followed didn’t help matters.
Shallipopi: “Handshake Instead of Headie?”
One of the night’s most talked-about snubs was when fast-rising star Shallipopi, who rightfully won Best Rap Single, walked up expecting a shiny plaque… and got a handshake instead. Yes, you read that right—a handshake.
The camera panned awkwardly as Shallipopi stood, visibly confused. No plaque, no speech. Just a congratulatory handshake like he was at a family meeting, not Nigeria’s biggest music award show.
Taking to X (formerly Twitter), the Plutomania boss later posted:
“The next one if una see me make I bend.”
Translation? He’s not coming back unless there’s serious change.
Odumodublvck and the Mic Muting Moment
As if that wasn’t enough, another viral moment came from Next Rated and Best Alternative Song winner, Odumodublvck During his acceptance speech, just as he began expressing his faith and praising Jesus Christ, his microphone was abruptly cut off.
The audience was stunned. Security appeared to urge him off stage, but Odumodublvck held his ground, visibly upset.
Days later, he explained the moment on X:
“I WAS TALKING ABOUT JESUS AND THEY TRIED TO SHUT ME DOWN. I AM HUNDRED PERCENT SURE THAT IF I WAS TALKING ABOUT HIS EXCELLENCY GOVERNOR BABAJIDE SANWO-OLU I WOULD NOT HAVE BEEN CUT OFF.”
He went on to clarify that he held no grudge against the Headies, adding:
“I GENUINELY HAVE NO BAD BLOOD TOWARDS THE HEADIES, RATHER, I AM GRATEFUL THEY PUT MY MIC BACK ON TO SPREAD THE GOSPEL… JESUS IS KING. HE IS BEFORE NOW AND FOREVER. INDUSTRY MACHINE.”
Don Jazzy’s Dad Stole the Show—Lowkey
Amid the chaos, one surprise highlight was the unexpected appearance of Don Jazzy’s father, Collins Enebeli, who stepped up to receive Special Recognition on behalf of his son. Stylishly dressed and composed, he delivered a dignified moment in a night that desperately needed it.
People couldn’t stop talking about how he exuded more grace and presence than most of the celebs at the event. Some fans even joked online that “Don Jazzy’s dad is the real MVP of Headies 2025.”
The Verdict: A Night to Remember for the Wrong Reasons
This year’s Headies will be remembered, no doubt—but not for the reasons organizers would have hoped. Between technical glitches, awkward moments, and questionable treatment of artists, fans and insiders alike are asking: Is this the best we can do for Nigeria’s biggest music stage?
As the industry continues to shine globally, with Afrobeats dominating charts and stages worldwide, there’s no excuse for mediocrity at home. The Headies must do better.
If “Back to Base” was about going back to our roots, maybe it’s time to return to the basics: respect artists, start on time, and for goodness’ sake—hand them their awards.
