Standout moments from the 2025 Headies Awards you might have missed

The 2025 Headies Awards delivered a night filled with music, emotions, and standout moments that stole the show and got everyone talking.
The 17th edition of the prestigious Headies Awards was a night filled with unforgettable moments, emotional speeches, and history-making wins.
Held on April 27, 2025, at the Landmark Event Centre in Lagos, the event gathered Nigeria’s biggest music stars, rising talents, and entertainment personalities under one roof to celebrate the best of Afrobeat, rap, street-hop, and more.
While the night crowned winners and honored the late Mohbad with a touching tribute, several standout moments stole the show and got fans buzzing on social media.
From dramatic award presentations to heartfelt speeches and surprise performances, here are some of the most talked-about highlights you might have missed.
Davido’s dramatic ‘Next Rated’ presentation

One of the evening’s most talked-about moments came when Afrobeat superstar Davido was called on stage to present the coveted Next Rated Artist award, widely regarded as the biggest career-launching category of the night. The winner, Abuja-bred rapper Odumodublvck, stormed the stage with his entourage of over 11 people, including his visibly proud mother.
In an unexpected and heartwarming twist, Davido bypassed Odumodublvck and dramatically bowed before his mother, handing her the award instead. The symbolic gesture instantly drew cheers from the audience and became a viral moment online, with fans praising Davido’s class and the unspoken message about recognising the strength and sacrifices of mothers behind the scenes.
Odumodublvck’s defiant, emotional acceptance speech

Odumodublvck’s moment on stage didn’t end there. The rapper, known for his unapologetic street style and socially conscious lyrics, delivered a fiery acceptance speech that nearly got cut short when organizers muted his microphone mid-speech due to time constraints.
Refusing to leave the stage, Odumodublvck stood firm alongside his crew until the mic was restored. Once reconnected, he addressed the audience with a moving message about breaking barriers, staying true to one’s voice, and crediting his rise to his faith in God.
“Against all odds, I have pushed against so many barriers like this,” he declared. “Couple of years back, there were so many feelings we could not express through our music. The world would clap us down, tell us what we couldn’t be. Me standing here today is proof that those things are fallacies. It only would have been possible through my Lord and saviour, Jesus Christ, who has been there for me through thick and thin. Tonight, God has shown that God reigns.”
The speech drew a standing ovation and quickly became one of the defining moments of the night.
L.A.X’s captivating performance of ‘MVP’

Another standout of the ceremony was L.A.X, who took to the stage for a high-energy performance of MVP, a track off his recently released album. Dressed in an all-black ensemble with his signature sunglasses, L.A.X’s electrifying stage presence and sleek choreography brought a refreshing vibe to the event.
Backed by a live band and a group of hypemen, the performance was one of the night’s most streamed moments online, with fans applauding his versatility and ability to command a live audience.
Mama Tems’ proud and emotional double moment

Another heartwarming moment came when Mama Tems, the mother of global music star Tems, was invited on stage to announce the winner of an award category, a role typically reserved for industry personalities or celebrities. In a beautiful twist of fate, the winner turned out to be her own daughter, Tems.
The emotional weight of the moment was clear as the announcement drew cheers and applause from the audience. Since Tems was absent from the event, Mama Tems remained on stage, and veteran singer Seyi Sodimu graciously presented the award to her on Tems’ behalf.
Dressed elegantly and radiating quiet pride, she expressed gratitude to the organisers, Tems’ fans, and everyone who had supported her daughter’s remarkable journey. Her speech was brief but heartfelt, leaving many in the audience visibly touched.
Meanwhile, beyond these standout moments, the 2025 Headies celebrated the rich diversity of Nigeria’s music scene, with performances from new and established artists alike. The show paid tribute to late Afrobeat sensation Mohbad, featured tributes, dramatic scenes, and plenty of viral-worthy highlights.
As the dust settles, it’s clear that the 17th Headies wasn’t just an award ceremony, it was a vibrant celebration of Nigerian music culture, resilience, and community.
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