Entertainment
VIDEO: Odumodublvck Wins Next Rated Artist At 17th Headies Awards

Rapper Odumodublvck has emerged as the winner of the Next Rated Artist category at the 17th Headies Awards, surpassing fellow nominees Shallipopi, Qing Madi, and Ayo Maff.
The Next Rated award, one of the most prestigious honours at the Headies, is presented to promising talents making significant contributions to the Nigerian music scene.
The award was presented by music icon, Davido, and recognises Odumodublvck’s distinct style, blending gritty rap, street influences, and cultural storytelling — a combination that has quickly earned him a loyal following.
Born Tochukwu Ojogwu, Odumodublvck first gained widespread attention with his single “Declan Rice,” which showcased his bold lyricism and charismatic delivery. Known for infusing Nigerian street culture into his music while maintaining a unique sonic identity, he has been praised for pushing the boundaries of contemporary Nigerian rap.
The 17th edition of the Headies, dedicated to celebrating outstanding achievements in Nigerian music, was held on Sunday, April 27, 2025, at the Landmark Event Centre in Lagos.
The event featured a star-studded gathering of the industry’s leading figures and performances from some of its brightest talents.
Other major winners included Zerry DL, Tems, Funke Akindele, and Rema.
READ ALSO: VIDEO: Davido Named Best Digital Artiste At 17th Headies Awards
Full list of winners:
Rookie of the Year
Zerry DL — Winner
Taves
Kaestyle
Llona
Soundtrack of the Year
“Tribe Called Judah Soundtrack” – TCJ and Abbey Wonder (A Tribe Called Judah Soundtrack) — Winner
“Eledumare” – Teledalase (Anikulapo: Rise of the Spectre)
“Lose to Gain” – Kaline (Breathe of Life)
“Kill Boro” – Native Filmworks and Wizard Chan (Kill Boro)
“Orisa” – Beriola (Orisa)
“Emotions” – Tiwa Savage and Asa (Water and Garri)
Best Recording of the Year
“Burning” – Tems — Winner
“Different Patterns” – Seyi Vibez
“Higher” – Burna Boy
“Last Heartbreak Song” – Ayra Starr and Giveon
“Billions” – Sarz and Lojay
Best Vocal Performance (Male)
“Billions” – Lojay — Winner
“Moving” – Omah Lay
“Gratitude” – Anendlessocean
“For You” – Johnny Drille
“Ke Na Ke So” – Timi Dakolo
Best Vocal Performance (Female)
“I’m Done” – Liya — Winner
“Last Song Heartbreak” – Ayra Starr
“Level” – Niniola
“Stranger” – Simi
“Tomorrow” – Yemi Alade
Special Recognition Award Recipients
Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu of Lagos
Alex Okosi
Amaju Pinnick
Songwriter of the Year
“Vision” – Chimamanda Pearl Chukwuma (Qing Madi) — Winner
“Stranger” – Simisola Kosoko (Simi)
“Can’t Breathe” – Michael Ajuma Attah (Llona)
“Family Meeting” – Emoseh Khamofu (Bloody Civilian)
“Stages of Life” – Fuayefika Maxwell (Wizard Chan)
READ ALSO: (FULL LIST) Davido, Mohbad, Tems, Others Shine At 17th Headies Awards
Humanitarian Award Recipients
Temitola Adekunle Johnson
Michelle Mukoro (King Mitchy)
Producer of the Year
“OZEBA” – London — Winner
“Happiness” – Sarz
“Basquiat” – Magicsticks
“HEHEHE” – Rema, Producer X, Cubeatz, Deatz and Klimperboy
“Different Patterns” – Dibs
Afrobeats Album of the Year
HEIS – Rema — Winner
Stubborn – Victony
Work of Art – Asake
The Year I Turned 21 – Ayra Starr
Jiggy Forever – Young Jonn
Music Video of the Year
“EGWU” – Director Pink — Winner
“Charm” – Rema, Perliks and Folarin Oludare
“Metaverse” – Jyde Ajala
“Like Ice Spice” – Perliks and Emeka Shine Shine
“Ojapiano” – Mattmax
“Showa” – TG Omori
“Na Money” – Dammy Twitch
READ ALSO: Full List: Odumodublvck, Ayra Starr, Mohbad Jostle For Top Honours At 2024 Headies Awards
Afrobeats Single of the Year
“Big Baller” – Flavour — Winner
“Big Big Things” – Young Jonn (feat. Kizz Daniel and Seyi Vibez)
“Twe Twe Remix” – Kizz Daniel
“Egwu” – Chike (feat. Mohbad)
“Remember” – Asake
“Ogechi Remix” – Hyce, Boypee, and Brown Joel (feat. Davido)
Headies’ Viewers’ Choice
“Egwu” – Chike & Mohbad — Winner
“Big Baller” – Flavour
“Big Big Things” – Young Jonn (feat. Kizz Daniel and Seyi Vibez)
“Ogechi Remix” – Hyce, Boypee, and Brown Joel (feat. Davido)
“Showa” – Kizz Daniel
“Different Pattern” – Seyi Vibez
“OZEBA” – Rema
“Love Me Jeje” – Tems
“Cast” – Shallipopi (feat. Odumodublvck)
“Dealer” – Ayo Maff (feat. Fireboy DML)
Headies Next Rated
Odumodublvck — Winner
Qing Madi
Shallipopi
Ayo Maff
Nasboi
Best Digital Artiste of the Year
Davido — Winner
Ayra Starr
Rema
Shallipopi
Tems
Kizz Daniel
Asake
Best East African Artiste of the Year
Juma Jux (Tanzania) — Winner
Bien (Kenya)
Diamond Platnumz (Tanzania)
Bruce Melodie (Rwanda)
Azawi (Uganda)
Watch video below:
Entertainment
Wema Bank, Davido Push 5ive Tour Through Four Regions Ahead Of Abuja Finale

Wema Bank and Afrobeats superstar David Adeleke, popularly known as Davido, are set to conclude the Nigerian leg of the 5ive Tour in Abuja on December 14, 2025, after successfully taking the tour through four regions of the country.
The Abuja show marks the latest development in the nationwide rollout of the 5ive Tour, which has so far attracted more than 80,000 attendees across four major cities.
The Nigerian leg of the tour has already made stops in Uyo, Yola, Enugu and Ibadan, covering all four regions in what organisers described as a deliberate effort to ensure diversity, inclusion and nationwide accessibility for fans.
The homecoming tour follows a successful global run earlier in the year, when Davido embarked on the 5ive Tour to celebrate the release of his fifth studio album, 5ive. He later announced in October 2025 that the tour would return to Nigeria, continuing his long-standing partnership with Wema Bank.
READ ALSO:Davido Reacts To Kwara Church Attack, Kebbi Girls Abduction
Since its kickoff, Wema Bank has amplified the tour experience with exclusive customer access, VIP packages and premium Davido 5ive Tour merchandise that has gained nationwide popularity.
The bank’s involvement has been credited with raising the bar for entertainment collaborations, contributing to what has become one of the biggest studio tours on the continent.
The partnership, already widely recognised from previous initiatives, has once again drawn commendation from fans and industry observers, who praise Wema Bank for maintaining a strong connection with youth culture and entertainment trends.
With excitement building ahead of the Abuja finale, Wema Bank has urged fans hoping to secure free tickets or limited-edition tour merchandise to follow its social media pages on Instagram, X and Facebook for updates as the #Wema5iveAliveTour approaches its grand conclusion.
READ ALSO:I Don’t Owe Davido Apology – Ruger On Alleged Rift With Colleague
The tour featured performances in five cities across Nigeria: Akwa Ibom, Adamawa, Enugu, Ibadan, and Lagos.
As the headline sponsor, Wema Bank spearheaded the execution of the tour, which promised to deliver an unforgettable experience for attendees.
The bank launched an official hashtag, #Wema5iveAliveTour, and offered exclusive freebies and experiences to customers who sign up on the ALAT App using the code ‘Davido5iveAlive’ and remain active.
READ ALSO:Why It Would Be Difficult For Wizkid, Davido, Burna Boy To Collaborate – Music Executive
“The excitement is off the charts as Nigerians wait impatiently in anticipation of what the Bank has in store for its customers.
“Anyone interested in getting access to the freebies and exclusives Wema Bank is bringing is expected to download the ALAT App, sign up using the code ‘Davido5iveAlive,’ stay active and follow the Bank on all social media platforms.”
Entertainment
‘There Was No Blueprint For Me’ – Wizkid Claims

Nigerian singer Wizkid has sparked controversy after claiming that he had no blueprint while coming up as an artist, despite having emerged through ace singer Banky W’s imprint.
The Ojuelegba crooner made the statement in a snippet of his upcoming HBO documentary Long Live Lagos.
“There was no blueprint for me. I had to build a structure for myself,” he claimed.
His comment sparked debate on social media, with many insisting that it not only downplayed Banky W’s impact on his career but also disrespected the great Nigerian musicians who paved the way for the new generation of artists.
READ ALSO:Wizkid Is Married – DJ Tunez Reveals [VIDEO]
Wizkid, however, admitted elsewhere in the documentary that Fela Kuti inspired him to pursue music.
“Fela Kuti was instrumental to why I believe I could really make music,” he said.
Some of the reactions on X include:
Franko_Nero wrote: “I still vividly remember the day that Bankole [Banky W] announced on a show that he wants to introduce a boy wonder, a germ in the making. Today, this ungrateful child is claiming otherwise. If Banky knew that today would come, I am sure he would have chased him far away.”
READ ALSO:Why It Would Be Difficult For Wizkid, Davido, Burna Boy To Collaborate – Music Executive
Arhcent said: “This guy is erasing the role Banky W and EME played in his career. The person Banky picked from school into the studio is saying ‘I had to build a structure for myself.’ God sees all.”
Duke of Isoko wrote: “If he never built a structure, Banky probably wouldn’t have noticed him. This dude came out with his own style of music, dressing sense, etc., but I understand that English is a problem in this place.”
Sir Dickson opined: “People are debating this with reference to Banky’s impact in his life. There is no real context to that. I believe he was speaking about his style of music. He reinvented himself. Wiz has never denied Banky’s impact, nor can he. Let’s calm down.”
Entertainment
‘I Am Not Shy, I’m Just Laid Back’ – Olamide Addresses Misconception

Famous Nigerian rapper Olamide Baddo has addressed the misconception that he is shy.
Speaking in a recent interview with Ada’s Room, Baddo explained that he isn’t shy but laid back.
“One thing I wish people could understand about me is I am not shy, I am just laid back,” he said.
READ ALSO:Olamide Clarifies Seniority Debate Between Him And Wizkid In Music Industry
The host asked: “What is the difference between shy and laid back?”
Olamide responded: “Shy is when you don’t have the confidence and the charisma to stand people or look them in the eye or have conversations with them.
“But being laid back is you just don’t want to be bothered. People think I am shy but I am not.”
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