Elevated experiences celebrating the culture through dance and rhythm
Elevated experiences celebrating the culture through dance and rhythm
The 18th edition of The Headies Awards is shaping up to be one of the most competitive yet, with rising star FOLA and Afrobeats heavyweight Davido leading the pack with 10 and 8 nominations respectively. Set to take place in Canada on October 23, 2026, this year’s ceremony showcases both the evolution of African music and the new generation of artists reshaping the continent’s sonic landscape.
FOLA’s breakthrough year has positioned the artist as a serious contender across multiple categories, including Next Rated, Best Male Artiste, Digital Artiste of the Year, and Album of the Year for “Catharsis.” Meanwhile, Davido’s “5ive” album and collaborations continue to cement his status as one of Africa’s most consistent hitmakers, with nominations spanning Song of the Year, Best Collaboration, and Music Video of the Year.
The competition remains fierce in the major categories. Wizkid’s “Morayo” appears in both Album of the Year and Afrobeats Album of the Year, while his collaboration with Asake on “MMS” and “Jogodo” earned multiple nods. Omah Lay’s “Clarity of Mind” also features prominently, and his collaboration with Davido on “With You” has become one of the year’s most nominated tracks. Burna Boy, Asake, Ayra Starr, and Tems round out the established stars vying for top honors, while emerging talents like Mavo, Shoday, Fido, and Llona battle it out in the Next Rated category.
The international scope of The Headies continues to expand, with categories recognizing excellence across West, East, North, and Central Africa, plus a new Best African Diaspora-Canadian Artiste category reflecting the awards’ Canadian location. From Ghana’s King Promise and Black Sherif to Tanzania’s Harmonize and DR Congo’s Fally Ipupa, the nominations celebrate the full spectrum of African musical talent. The complete list of nominations is available on the official Headies website, and fans can participate through the Viewers’ Choice category to ensure their favorite artists get the recognition they deserve.
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