Genre-defying singer Fireboy DML was the biggest winner at Nigeria’s top music awards on Sunday, taking four gongs including Best R&B Album.
“This is huge, I have no words. Thank you so much,” he told fans from the live-streamed ceremony in Lagos.
Lockdown rules at this year’s Headies saw a more modest red carpet and an unusually quiet venue.
You could almost hear a pin drop during this performance from Fireboy DML:
Wizkid took home two prizes, Artiste of the Year and the Viewers Choice Award, following the record-breaking success of his latest album, Made in Lagos.
Relative newcomer Tems, one of his collaborators on that album, missed out on the Next Rated award which went to her touring partner Omah Lay.
Best Song of The Year and Best Pop Single went to DJ Neptune featuring Joeboy and Mr. Eazi for their song Nobody.
Other winners on the night included Niniola for Best Female Vocal Performance, veteran musician King Sunny Ade was also recognized in the Headies Hall of Fame category, while the award for Best Music Video of the year went to Davido’s 1 Milli by Director K.
Many of Nigeria’s biggest music stars, including Davido and Wizkid, joined last year’s youth-led protests against police brutality in Nigeria.
Sunday’s Headies saw a subtle nod to the #EndSARS movement, with presenter Bovi’s white shirt featuring a bloodstained flag.
