Elevated experiences celebrating the culture through dance and rhythm
Elevated experiences celebrating the culture through dance and rhythm
The countdown to Afrobeats’ most prestigious night is officially on. The Headies has unveiled its nominees for the 18th edition of the awards, set to take over Canada on October 23, 2026, and the list reads like a who’s who of African musical excellence. Leading the pack is rising star FOLA with an impressive 10 nominations, while Afrobeats heavyweight Davido follows closely with 8 nods, signaling a potential changing of the guard while honoring established royalty.
The nominations showcase the incredible depth of talent currently shaping the Afrobeats landscape. Wizkid’s Morayo has earned recognition across multiple categories including Afrobeats Album of the Year and Album of the Year, while Omah Lay’s Clarity of Mind competes in the same prestigious categories. The Song of the Year category features heavy hitters like “MMS” by Asake and Wizkid, “With You” by Davido and Omah Lay, and Ayra Starr’s “Hot Body,” highlighting the collaborations and solo efforts that defined the year. Meanwhile, the Next Rated category—often a crystal ball for future superstars—features FOLA alongside Fido, Llona, Mavo, and Shoday, each vying for the coveted breakthrough artist recognition.
What makes this year’s nominations particularly compelling is the continental scope of the celebration. Beyond the Nigerian-dominated categories, The Headies continues to honor excellence across Africa with regional categories spanning West, East, North, and Central Africa. Ghana’s King Promise and Black Sherif compete for Best West African Artiste alongside Senegal’s Wally B. Seck, while Kenya’s Bien and Uganda’s Joshua Baraka represent East Africa. The awards also recognize the diaspora, with a dedicated category for African-Canadian artists featuring Nonso Amadi, Debby Friday, and Tobi. From R&B to street-hop, alternative to inspirational music, the 2026 Headies nominations affirm that African music isn’t just one sound—it’s an entire universe of creative expression.
The complete list of nominees includes categories for Best Female Artiste (featuring Ayra Starr, Tems, and Tiwa Savage), Best Male Artiste (with Wizkid, Burna Boy, Rema, and Asake among the contenders), Producer of the Year, and specialized honors for live performances, music videos, and songwriting. As the October ceremony approaches, the stage is set for a celebration that reflects both Afrobeats’ global dominance and the genre’s rich, evolving diversity.
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