Headies 2026 nominations announced for Toronto ceremony

The organisers of the Headies Awards have unveiled the nomination list for the 18th edition of Nigeria's premier music awards, with the ceremony scheduled to take place in Toronto, Canada, on October 25, 2026. The nominees were announced on Tuesday, August 25, via the awards' official channels, revealing 213 nominations across all categories under the theme "Africa to the World."

Leading the pack is Fola, who secured 10 nominations, including nods for Song of the Year, Afrobeats Single of the Year, Best RB Album, and Best Male Artiste. He is followed by Omah Lay with eight nominations, while Wizkid and Mavo each received seven. Among female artistes, Tiwa Savage and Ayra Starr are the most nominated, with five nods each.

The major categories feature a competitive lineup of established and emerging stars. For Song of the Year, Davido and Omah Lay's collaboration "With You" faces off against Ayra Starr's "Hot Body," Fido's "Joy Is Coming," and Asake and Wizkid's "MMS." The Afrobeats Album of the Year category includes Davido's "5ive," BNXN's "Captain," Omah Lay's "Clarity of Mind," Adekunle Gold's "Fuji," Wizkid's "Morayo," and Burna Boy's "No Sign of Weakness."