With an array of moments from past editions that became cultural landmarks and meme material, the Hip TV-organized award show is undoubtedly up there with the very best on the continent.

The whole industry was definitely buzzing when Nigeria took its magic to Atlanta for the latest installment of The Headies.

The 15th edition was held at Cobb Energy Performing Arts Centre in Atlanta, Georgia, United States on 4th September 2022. The event brought out the likes of Babajide Sanwo-Olu (governor of Lagos State) and a host of other prominent figures.

Wizkid led nominations with ten, while Tems and Ayra Starr had eight each. Davido and Adekunle received seven each.

The Songwriter of the Year category included in the 2020 edition of The Headies, was renamed to Best Song Writer of the Year in this year’s edition.

American actor and comedian Anthony Anderson hosted the event alongside media personality Osas Ighodoro.

As ever, the performances raised the roof. Next Rated nominee Ruger performed a medley of some of his hits to a thrilled audience. Other performances of the night came from Asake, who is one of the most sensational revelations of Nigerian music in 2022, Finesse singer and producer Pheelz, and veteran afro-pop and highlife singer KCee.

Olamide won the award for Best Rap Album with his project Carpe Diem which contained hits like Loading and Infinity, while Best Songwriter went to Adekunle Gold for his penmanship on his single Sinner.

Much has been said about Davido’s charitable acts in the past, so it came as no surprise to see him snap up the Humanitarian (alongside the Digital Artiste award). Wizkid won four awards, including Album of the Year for the deluxe release of his groundbreaking Made In Lagos album.

The African Giant Burna Boy unsurprisingly won African Artiste of the Year, while Fave surprised many when her name was announced as the Rookie of the Year. Veteran singer D’Banj took home a Special Recognition award for role in the development and propagation of Nigerian music.

The much publicized and most anticipated award of the night was the Next Rated which went to BNXN amidst a talented group nominees.

Alongside his plaque, he took home a brand new Bentley luxury car.
All in all, the 15th Headies wasn’t just a celebration of Nigerian music and the progress it has made; it was also a statement of our intent to take it to the next level.

This year’s was the first edition hosted outside Nigeria, and the first to hand out a luxury car to a Next Rated winner. Expect the bar to be raised further next year.