The event also witnessed the brilliance of Nigerian female stars including Waje, Arya Starr, and Tiwa Savage.
By Helena Olori
Mavin Records’ star, Divine Ikubor, professionally known as Rema, takes the lead as the 16th Headies Awards announced its winning artistes for the year, amidst the glitz and glamour during the grand event held on Sunday 3rd September 2023, at the Cobb Energy Performing Arts Centre in Atlanta, USA.
Rema clinched three major awards; Best Male Artiste of the Year, Digital Artiste of the Year, and African Artiste of the Year. “Be it Afro rave, Afro this, Afro that, las las we go jam for Afrobeats award,” quipped the sensational performer whose track with international singer, Selena Gomez, recently broke records as the first song to spend one year on the US Billboard chart.
Rema’s “Calm Down” also earned Selena Gomez and Director K the awards for Best International Artiste of the Year and Best Video Director respectively.
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Grammy award-winning artiste, Burna Boy’s hit track, Last Last also won both the Afrobeats Single of the Year and the Best Song of the Year, while Asake joined the ranks of top winners, securing the highly coveted award for emerging stars, the “Next-Rated”, as well as the Album of the Year award for his debut studio album, Mr. Money with the Vibe. Odumodublvck claimed the Rookie of the Year award – which comes with a house in Lagos – and the award for Best Rap Single.
The event, themed “Celebrating African Renaissance”, also witnessed the brilliance of Nigerian female stars, with Waje clinching the title for Best Vocal Performance (Female), and Arya Starr winning the Best Female Artiste. Tiwa Savage and Spyro’s collaboration on “Who’s Your Guy Remix” was awarded the Best Collaboration of the Year.
Other notable winners are Blaqbonez, whose album, The Young Preacher, took home the Best Rap Album of the Year, Wande Coal as Best Vocal Performance (Male), Chike’s The Brother’s Keeper for Best R&B Album, while Soweto by Victony emerged as the Headies Viewers’ Choice. The late singer, Sound Sultan, was honoured with a Special Recognition Award.
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Hosted by Nigerian actress, Osas Ighodaro and American actor Terrence J, the 16th Headies Awards night featured thrilling performances from Wande Coal, Kcee, Odumodublvck, Young Jonn, Black Sheriff, Asake and others.
The annual Headies Awards was broadcast live on HipTV channels to viewers across Nigeria, recognising outstanding achievements in the Nigerian music industry.
See the full list of winners here.