The 16th edition of the highly anticipated Afrobeats and African culture award ceremony, The Headies, took place at the Cobbs Energy Performing Arts Center in Atlanta on September 3rd, 2023. With the theme, “Celebrating African Renaissance,” the event brought together top artists from across the continent to honor the great talents ruling Afrobeats.

American actor, Terrence J., and Nigerian actress, Osas Ighodaro, hosted the show, which was streamed live on YouTube and HipTV Network.

Rema shone brightly as the artist with the highest wins with three awards. Not far behind were Asake, Burna Boy, ODUMODUBLVCK, and the Outlaw King, Victony, each snagging two well-deserved awards.

As expected, Asake won the “Next Rated” award, besting Young Jonn, Seyi Vibez, Victony, and Spyro who were also nominated in the same category. He also made history by being the first artist to win both “Next Rated” and “Album of the Year” in one night — joining Kizz Daniel, Simi, and Asa as artists who won Album of the Year with their debut projects.

The winners’ triumphs serve as proof of the immense talent and hard work replete in the African music industry, and the awards ceremony provided a platform to recognise and honor these exceptional artists.

Here is the full list of winners:

ALBUM OF THE YEAR

Mr. Money With The Vibez – Asake

BEST STREET HOP SINGLE

“Chance” – Seyi Vibez

BEST STREET HOP ARTIST

Seyi Vibez

NEXT RATED ARTIST

Asake

ROOKIE OF THE YEAR

ODUMODUBLVCK

SONG OF THE YEAR

“Last Last” – Burna Boy

LYRICIST ON THE ROLL

“Flytalk Only” – Payper Corleone

PRODUCER OF THE YEAR

 Rexxie (“Abracadabra”)

BEST MALE ARTIST

Rema (“Calm Down”)

BEST FEMALE ARTIST 

Ayra Starr

BEST R&B ALBUM

The Brother’s Keeper – Chike

BEST COLLABORATION

“Who’s Your Guy” – Spyro featuring Tiwa Savage

BEST AFRICAN ARTIST

Rema

SPECIAL RECOGNITION

Sound Sultan

DIGITAL ARTIST OF THE YEAR

Rema (“Calm Down”)

BEST VIDEO DIRECTOR

“Calm Down” – Director K (Rema)

BEST RAP ALBUM

Young Preacher – Blaqbonez

BEST INSPIRATIONAL SONG

“Eze Ebube” – Neon Adejo

BEST RAP SINGLE

“Declan Rice” – ODUMODUBLVCK

BEST MALE VOCAL PERFORMANCE

“Kpe Paso” – Wande Coal

BEST FEMALE VOCAL PERFORMANCE

“In Between” – Waje

BEST ALTERNATIVE SONG

“Earth Song” – Wizard Chan

BEST ALTERNATIVE ALBUM

Gbagada Express – BOJ

HEADIES VIEWERS CHOICE

“Soweto” – Victony

SONGWRITER OF THE YEAR

Simi Kosoko, Godsfavour Chidozie, Kosoko Adekunle, Marcel Akunwata – “Loyal” (Simi)

WEST AFRICAN ARTIST OF THE YEAR

Black Sheriff

CENTRAL AFRICAN ARTIST OF THE YEAR

Libianca

EAST AFRICAN ARTIST OF THE YEAR

Diamond Platnumz

NORTH AFRICAN ARTIST OF THE YEAR

El Grande Toto

INTERNATIONAL ARTIST OF THE YEAR

Selena Gomez