The 18th Headies Awards has unveiled its nominees, and rising Nigerian singer FOLAFOhhh FOLA has emerged as the most nominated artiste, earning 10 nominations across some of the ceremony's biggest categories.
The nominations, announced on Tuesday, recognise music released between August 1, 2024 and April 30, 2026, with this year's edition themed “Africa to the World.” The awards ceremony is scheduled to take place in Toronto, Canada, on October 25, 2026.
FOLA Leads a New Generation
FOLA's 10 nominations mark a significant moment in his rapidly growing career, particularly following the release of his debut album, Catharsis.
The singer is nominated for Album of the Year, Best Male Artiste, Digital Artiste of the Year, Best R&B Album, Best Recording of the Year, Next Rated, Songwriter of the Year, Headies Viewers' Choice and other major categories.
His album Catharsis competes for both Album of the Year and Best R&B Album, while his song “You” is recognised across several categories.
FOLA's presence in both Next Rated and Best Male Artiste is particularly notable, placing one of the year's emerging names alongside some of the biggest artistes in African music.
OMAH LAY, WIZKID, DAVIDO and MAVO Follow
Omah Lay, Wizkid, Davido, and Mavo follow with seven nominations, while Asake is also among the leading nominees, with six nominations.
Omah Lay's strong showing is partly driven by his collaboration with Davido, “With You”, which features prominently across the nominations, including Song of the Year, Afrobeats Single of the Year, Best Recording of the Year, Music Video of the Year and Headies Viewers' Choice.
Wizkid's Morayo is in contention for both Album of the Year and Afro-Beats Album of the Year, while he also competes for Best Male Artiste and Digital Artiste of the Year.
Davido's 5ive also earns a nomination for Afro-Beats Album of the Year, alongside his appearances in several categories for “With You”.
TEMS, AYRA STARR and TIWA SAVAGE Lead Female Nominees
Among the female artistes, Ayra Starr and Tiwa Savage have the highest number of nominations, with five each.
Tems is nominated for Best Female Artiste, Best R&B Album for Love Is a Kingdom, Best R&B Single and Digital Artiste of the Year, while Ayra Starr competes for Best Female Artiste, Digital Artiste of the Year and Headies viewers’ choice
Tiwa Savage is also nominated for Best Female Artiste, Best R&B Album for This One Is Personal and Best R&B Single.
Next Rated Race Takes Shape
The Next Rated category brings together Fido, Fola, Llona, Mavo and Shoday setting up a contest between some of the most closely watched emerging artistes.
Beyond the major competitive categories, the 18th Headies will also honour Awilo Longomba with its Hall of Fame Award, while entertainment executive Cecil Hammond will receive a Special Recognition Award.
With FOLA leading the nominations and established stars competing alongside a new generation of artistes, the 18th Headies is shaping up as a notable reflection of how far African music has travelled, and where its next wave of stars may be headed.
