Rema Triumphs at the 17th Headies Awards, Wins Afrobeats Album of the Year for HEIS
Lagos, Nigeria – April 27, 2025 – The 17th edition of The Headies Awards, Nigeria’s most prestigious music award ceremony, was a night of celebration, talent, and recognition for the country’s vibrant music industry. Among the standout moments was Divine Ikubor, popularly known as Rema, clinching the highly coveted Afrobeats Album of the Year award for his sophomore album, HEIS. The event, held at the Eko Hotel and Suites in Lagos, saw Rema dominate the night, solidifying his position as one of Africa’s leading musical talents.
Rema entered the 17th Headies Awards as the most nominated artist, with an impressive nine nominations, including categories like Album of the Year, Song of the Year, and Best Male Artiste. His album HEIS, a bold and genre-defying project, faced stiff competition from other critically acclaimed albums, including Asake’s Work of Art, Ayra Starr’s The Year I Turned 21, Victony’s Stubborn, and Young Jonn’s Jiggy Forever. However, it was HEIS that resonated most with the Headies Academy, earning Rema the Afrobeats Album of the Year award.
HEIS, released in 2024, has been hailed as a groundbreaking project that blends Afrobeats with elements of hip-hop, trap, and electronic music. The 11-track album, featuring hits like “HEHEHE,” “OZEBA,” and “BENIN BOYS,” showcases Rema’s versatility and his ability to push the boundaries of Afrobeats while staying true to his Benin City roots. Critics and fans alike have praised the album for its innovative sound, introspective lyricism, and global appeal, which have cemented Rema’s status as a trailblazer in the Afrobeats scene.
The win sparked an outpouring of excitement from fans on social media, particularly on X, where posts celebrated Rema’s achievement. One user wrote, “Rema’s HEIS winning Album of the Year at The Headies is no surprise. That project is a masterpiece! Congrats, @heisrema!” Another fan noted, “Rema carried Afrobeats on his back with HEIS. Well-deserved win! #Headies2025.” The sentiment online reflected the widespread belief that HEIS was a defining moment not only for Rema but for the Afrobeats genre as a whole.
During his acceptance speech, Rema expressed gratitude to his fans, whom he affectionately calls “Ravers,” his family, and his team at Mavin Records. “This is for everyone who believed in me from day one. HEIS is more than an album; it’s a movement. Thank you to The Headies for this honor,” he said, holding the iconic Headies plaque aloft to cheers from the audience.
The 17th Headies Awards, themed “Harmony in Diversity,” celebrated the richness of Nigerian music while honoring both established and emerging artists. Other notable winners of the night included Tems, who took home the Best Female Artiste award, and Burna Boy, who won Best Male Artiste. The ceremony also featured electrifying performances from artists like Fireboy DML, Kizz Daniel, and Ayra Starr, adding to the night’s festive atmosphere.
Rema’s win at The Headies comes on the heels of a stellar year for the 24-year-old superstar. In 2024, he became the first African artist to perform at the Ballon d’Or ceremony in Paris, further elevating Afrobeats on the global stage. His collaboration with international artists and his sold-out world tour have also contributed to his growing influence in the music industry.
As Rema continues to break new ground, his Headies win for HEIS serves as a testament to his artistry and the ever-evolving sound of Afrobeats. For fans and industry watchers, this victory is not just a milestone but a sign of even greater things to come from the Benin-born prodigy.
The Headies Awards, established in 2006, remains a cornerstone of Nigerian music culture, recognizing excellence in artistry, production, and innovation. With Rema’s triumph at the 17th edition, the future of Afrobeats looks brighter than ever.
