Headies 2026 Nominees Revealed: Newcomer Leads Pack Ahead of Toronto Ceremony

It’s official. The Headies are back, and this year a breakout star is leading the race.

Organisers unveiled the full nominee list for the 18th Headies Awards on Tuesday. The big night will hold in Toronto, Canada, on October 25, 2026, celebrating the best songs and performances released between August 1, 2024, and April 30, 2026.

This year’s nominations cover 35 categories, reflecting a music scene that keeps growing bigger, bolder, and more diverse. From chart-topping veterans to fresh faces breaking through, everyone got a seat at the table.

Topping the list is newcomer Fola, who earned 10 nominations off the success of his debut album 'Catharsis'. Close behind is Omah Lay with 8 nods, while Wizkid and Mavo both picked up 7 nominations each. Heavyweights Davido and Asake also pulled in 6 nominations each. On the female side, Ayra Starr and Tiwa Savage lead with 5 nominations apiece.

The battle for 'Song of the Year' looks set to be a thriller. In the running are Kunmie’s 'Arike', Ayra Starr’s 'Hot Body', Fido’s 'Joy Is Coming', Asake and Wizkid’s 'MMS', 'Hey Jago' by Poco Lee, Shoday and Rahman Jago, and Davido and Omah Lay’s 'With You'.

Fans can also expect fireworks in 'Afrobeats Single of the Year' where Rema’s 'Fun', Shallipopi’s 'Laho', Burna Boy’s 'Bundle by Bundle', Fola’s 'You', 'Jogodo' by Asake and Wizkid, 'Joy Is Coming' and 'With You' made the cut.

For albums, 'Afrobeats Album of the Year' pits Davido’s '5ive' against Wizkid’s 'Morayo', Burna Boy’s 'No Sign of Weakness', BNXN’s Captain, Omah Lay’s Clarity of Mind, and Adekunle Gold’s Fuji.

In the personality categories, 'Best Male Artiste' will see Adekunle Gold, Asake, Fola, Mavo, Rema, Wizkid, Burna Boy and Davido go head to head. 'Best Female Artiste' features Ayra Starr, Tems, Tiwa Savage, Qing Madi, Sewa and Teni.

The Headies also turned the light on the next generation. Fido, Fola, Llona, Mavo and Shoday are up for 'Next Rated', while 'Rookie of the Year' highlights new names like Amma, Danpapa GTA, FirstKlaz and Kidd Carder. The 'Digital Artiste of the Year' category brings together Asake, Ayra Starr, BNXN, Chella, Fola, Mavo, Seyi Vibez and Wizkid.

It’s not just Afrobeats. Tems, Tiwa Savage, Qing Madi, Kunmie and Fola are in the running for Best R&B Album. Gospel music is represented in Best Inspirational Single with Mercy Chinwo and Sinach among the nominees. Street-hop and rap also got love, with Shallipopi, Seyi Vibez, Odumodublvck, Erigga and Tuff King all nominated.

The awards went wider this year too. There are categories celebrating music from East Africa, West Africa, North Africa, Central Africa, and the African diaspora in Canada. Global stars Ciara, Dave and Shenseea earned nominations for International Artiste of the Year.

There will be special moments as well. Congolese icon Awilo Longomba will be honoured in the Headies Hall of Fame, and veteran music executive Cecil Hammond will receive the Special Recognition Award.

According to organisers, this year’s nominations capture the sound, the energy, and the stories that moved African music forward in the last 12 months.

Glance through the complete list of all categories and nominees here.

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