Davido, Ayra Starr, Asake, Rema, Tems, and Burna Boy Battle for Artist of The Year

The heat is on as the 2025 Headies Awards draw near. At the center of all the buzz is the Artist of the Year category, where six of Nigeria’s most celebrated and chart-topping acts are going head-to-head. With just days to go, fans are fired up, and predictions are flying across social media.

Who Could Win the Best Artist of the Year Award?

Davido
A veteran with global reach, Davido came roaring back with his 2023 album Timeless, earning critical and commercial acclaim. Already a Headies regular with multiple wins—including previous Artist of the Year nods—Davido’s powerful comeback makes him a top contender.

Ayra Starr
From Sabi Girl to certified superstar, Ayra Starr’s meteoric rise has been impossible to ignore. With international buzz around Rush and her 2024 hit Commas, she’s not just a fan favorite—she’s a genuine threat to the more seasoned nominees. If she wins, she’ll be the youngest female to ever claim this title.

Asake
Asake’s dominance has been relentless. His album Work of Art and hits like Lonely at the Top kept him glued to the charts. Asake won Next Rated at the 2023 Headies, and this year could mark his graduation to the top tier. Industry insiders believe his momentum is strong enough for the win.

Rema
With global anthems like Calm Down (especially the Selena Gomez remix) still dominating streams, Rema has proven he’s not just local royalty—he’s an international force. This could be his year to clinch the top award.

Tems
Tems continues to thrive off the strength of her soulful voice and major global collaborations—from Wizkid and Drake to Beyoncé, her influence remains undeniable. A win would reinforce her unique lane in Afrobeats.

Burna Boy
Always a frontrunner, Burna Boy’s I Told Them… kept him in conversations around artistry and consistency. A previous Headies Artist of the Year winner and a Grammy champ, his resume speaks for itself—but will voters lean toward fresh momentum this time?

The Predictions: Who’s Taking It?

This year’s race is tight. Here are the top predictions based on streaming numbers, award history, and industry buzz:

• Front-runners: Asake and Rema. Both had monster years in terms of chart performance and global visibility.

• Dark horse: Ayra Starr. If the Headies want to make a generational statement, this could be her year.

• Veteran advantage: Davido. With Timeless, he reminded everyone why he’s a GOAT.

• Wildcard: Burna Boy. Never count him out, especially with international acclaim still at an all-time high.

 Why It Matters

The Artist of the Year category isn’t just about popularity—it’s a statement on who defined the sound, set trends, and represented Nigerian music on the world stage. With Afrobeats becoming more global than ever, this award carries serious weight.

As we count down to April 27, one thing is clear: the 2025 Headies Artist of the Year race is one of the most competitive in recent memory. Whether it’s a veteran reclaiming their throne or a new-gen star taking over, this category is guaranteed to spark conversation well beyond awards night.

Let the debates begin. Who’s your pick for Artist of the Year?