The 17th Headies Awards, held on April 27, 2025, at the Landmark Event Centre in Lagos, turned out to be a night of controversy, with rapper Shallipopi making headlines for his scathing reaction.
The annual event, which celebrates excellence in Nigerian music, attracted artists, executives, media personalities, and celebrities from across the entertainment industry. However, what should have been a night of glamour was marred by reports of poor organisation, delayed award presentations, and a noticeable lack of professionalism.
One of the night’s top performers, Shallipopi who took home the Best Rap Song award for his hit single ‘Cast’ featuring OdumoduBlvck didn’t hold back his feelings. Taking to his X account shortly after the event, the Benin City native wrote, “The next one if una see me make I bend,” signaling his decision to boycott future editions.
In another post, Shallipopi further distanced himself from his award win, stating he doesn’t even want the Best Rap Single trophy and suggesting the Headies should instead give it to “those considered rappers.”
Shallipopi, who was also nominated for the Next Rated category, was among the biggest stars present, but his dissatisfaction has once again reignited conversations about the declining prestige of the Headies.
The 17th edition, themed “Back to Base,” marked the awards’ return to Nigeria after two years in the United States. Performances on the night came from Next Rated winner OdumoduBlvck, Special Recognition recipient KCEE, Lifetime Achievement awardee Flavour, rising stars Qing Madi and Ayo Maff, Tanzanian sensation Juma Jux, and DR Congo’s Innoss B.
Despite the star-studded performances, Shallipopi’s outburst has thrown a major spotlight on the growing frustrations surrounding the once-revered ceremony.
