By Segun Adebayo
The race for honours at the 18th Headies Awards has intensified following the release of the nominees for the 2026 edition, with some of Nigeria’s biggest music stars set to battle across several competitive categories.
PerSecondNews reports that Davido, Wizkid, Burna Boy, Adekunle Gold, Ayra Starr, Tems, Asake and Rema are among the leading names on the nomination list unveiled by the organisers on Tuesday.
The ceremony is scheduled to hold in Toronto, Canada, on October 25, 2026 under the theme, “Africa to the World.”
The nominations recognise music released between August 1, 2024 and April 30, 2026, with 213 nominations spread across 35 categories.
Fola emerged as the biggest individual nominee with 10 nominations, while Omah Lay followed with eight. Mavo and Wizkid secured seven nominations each, further setting the stage for a highly competitive awards season.
Wizkid is in contention in major categories including Best Male Artiste, Digital Artiste of the Year, Afrobeats Album of the Year and Song of the Year, with his album Morayo also nominated for Afrobeats Album of the Year.
Davido also features prominently, with his album 5ive nominated for Afrobeats Album of the Year.
His collaboration with Omah Lay, With You, earned nominations in Song of the Year, Afrobeats Single of the Year, Best Recording of the Year, Best Headies Collaboration and Viewers’ Choice.
Adekunle Gold joins the heavyweight contenders with Fuji nominated for Afrobeats Album of the Year, while he is also nominated for Best Male Artiste and Best Performer (Live) for his performance at the National Theatre in Lagos.
Among the female stars, Ayra Starr and Tiwa Savage lead with five nominations apiece, while Ayra Starr is also in contention for Best Female Artiste, Digital Artiste of the Year and Best Performer (Live).
The Next Rated category is equally expected to attract attention, with Fido, Fola, Llona, Mavo and Shoday competing for the coveted prize.
The category traditionally serves as a major platform for identifying the next generation of Nigerian music stars.
The organisers have also announced special honours, with veteran Congolese singer Awilo Longomba set to receive the Headies Hall of Fame award, while Nigerian entertainment executive Cecil Hammond will receive the Special Recognition Award for his contributions to African entertainment.
With established superstars, rising acts and a new crop of contenders spread across the categories, attention will now turn to the October ceremony in Toronto, where the nominees will battle for one of Africa’s most recognised music honours.