Battle of the Albums: Who Delivered the Most Timeless Project?

As the 2025 Headies Awards rapidly approach on April 27, anticipation is sky-high—especially for one of the night’s most prestigious categories: Album of the Year. With Afrobeats now a global phenomenon, this award celebrates the best full-length body of work that not only ruled the charts but also resonated deeply with fans and critics alike.

This year’s nominated albums come from some of the genre’s most dynamic and distinct voices: Asake, Tems, Rema, Ayra Starr, and Victony. Each artist brought something unique to the table, but only one project can take home the honor.

The Nominees: Five Projects, One Golden Plaque

Tems – Born In The Wild
With her debut studio album, Born in the Wild, Tems showcases her evolution as an artist, blending Afrobeat rhythms with introspective R&B melodies. The album is a narrative of Tems’ personal and artistic journey and commercially, the album was a success. In Nigeria, Born in the Wild peaked at number three on the TurnTable Albums chart.

Rema – HEIS
HEIS marks a significant evolution in Rema’s musical journey, showcasing his growth and experimentation within the Afrobeats genre. The Album garnered international attention, earning Rema his first Grammy nomination for Best Global Music Album at the 67th Annual Grammy Awards. The album also won Album of the Year at the Trace Awards & Festival 2025, solidifying Rema’s position as a leading figure in the global music scene.

Asake – Work of Art
Following the explosive success of Mr. Money With the Vibe, Asake’s sophomore album proved he’s no one-hit wonder. Work of Art offered more refined street anthems and spiritual introspection, anchored by Amapiano, Basquiat, and Sunshine. It was both commercially successful and culturally significant, further elevating his status in the game.

Victony – Stubborn
Victony released his highly anticipated debut studio album, Stubborn, a 14-track project showcasing his evolution as an artist, blending Afropop, R&B, soul, Afrobeats, and hip-hop to create a sound that is both unique and reflective of his journey. The inclusion of diverse musical influences adds depth to the album, making it a standout in the Afrobeats genre.

Ayra Starr– The Year I Turned 21
The Year I Turned 21 marks a significant evolution in Ayra Starr’s musical journey serving as her sophomore studio album. Musically, the album showcases Ayra’s versatility, incorporating elements of dancehall, highlife, and amapiano, while maintaining her signature Afrobeats sound. Upon its release, the album debuted at number one in Nigeria and earned her a win at the 2025 MOBO Awards.

Why This Category Matters

The Album of the Year award is about more than numbers—it’s about impact, artistry, and consistency. In a singles-driven industry, these projects prove that the album format is alive and well, telling stories and shaping culture across Nigeria and beyond.

With each nominee pushing the boundaries of sound and storytelling in their own way, this year’s category isn’t just competitive—it’s historic.

Mark Your Calendar: April 27, 2025 – The Headies will crown the year’s top album.
So, which album defined your year? Let the debate and the countdown continue.