The Headies Awards, originally known as the Hip Hop World Awards, is one of Nigeria’s most prestigious music award ceremonies. Since its inception in 2006, the Next Rated category has remained one of its most anticipated and career-defining honors. This award is typically given to the most promising upcoming artist of the year under review – one expected to take the Nigerian music industry by storm. It is often seen as a crystal ball into the future of Afrobeats and Nigerian pop culture.
As of 2025, 17 talented Nigerian artists have earned the Next Rated title – including Afrobeat giants like Wizkid, Davido, Rema, and Asake. DNB Stories Africa has ranked these winners based on key factors such as commercial success, global reach, consistency, and overall influence in the music industry.
Here’s our complete ranking of all the Headies Next Rated winners – from today’s chart dominators to those who faded from the spotlight.
1. Davido (2012)
Davido tops our ranking of the most successful Headies Next Rated winners – and for good reasons. Since winning the award in 2012, he has built an unmatched legacy with albums like “A Good Time,” “A Better Time,” “Timeless,” and “5ive”. With global collaborations, chart-topping hits, and sold-out concerts, Davido has become a true Afrobeats ambassador on the world stage. He remains one of the most streamed Nigerian artists and, as of the time of writing, is the most followed African musician on Instagram.
Why Davido ranks No. 1: His consistent dominance in the Nigerian music industry, major influence on Gen Z artists, and global reach solidify his position as the most impactful Headies Next Rated winner to date.
2. Wizkid (2011)
Wizkid holds the number two spot on our list for being one of the biggest Afrobeats exports of all time. After bagging the Next Rated award in 2011, he evolved from the boy on “Holla at Your Boy” to a global music icon.
With classics like “Superstar,” “Ayo,” “Made in Lagos,” and most recently “Morayo,” Wizkid has continually redefined the sound of Nigerian music. Collaborations with global icons like Drake, Beyoncé, Justin Bieber, and Skepta have made him a key force in Afrobeats.
3. Rema (2019)
Rema claimed the Next Rated crown in 2019, and he hasn’t looked back since. With Afrobeats songs like “Dumebi,” “Calm Down,” and “DND,” Rema has carved out his place as a Gen Z Afrobeats heavyweight. His hit song “Calm Down” remix with Selena Gomez peaked at No. 3 on the Billboard Hot 100, and his sophomore album “Heis” earned him a Grammy nomination. Rema’s global success and influence place him firmly in our top 3 of the most successful Headies Next Rated winners.
4. Asake (2023)
Asake shot to fame with his energetic blend of Fuji, street hop, and Afrobeats. Known for bangers like “Organise”, “Amapiano”, and “PBUY”, he became unstoppable in the Nigerian music scene.
Since clinching the Headies Next Rated award in 2023, he has released “Work of Art”, “Lungu Boy”, and even launched his label, Giran Republic. Thanks to his fast evolution and consistent hits, Asake easily earns his spot in our top 5.
5. Omah Lay (2020)
Omah Lay entered the Nigerian music scene with his debut EP, “Get Layd,” featuring Afrobeats songs like “Bad Influence” and “You”. His win at the 2020 Headies as the Next Rated artist was a no-brainer. Omah Lay followed up with another EP, “What Have We Done,” and a powerful debut studio album, “Boy Alone”, which featured Justin Bieber and Tay Iwar. Known for his vulnerable songwriting and melodies, Omah Lay connects deeply with a generation navigating love and mental health. His impact and relatability place him firmly in the top 5 most influential Headies Next Rated winners.
6. Wande Coal (2008)
Wande Coal’s victory in 2008 came after his explosive performance on D’Banj’s “RunDown Funk U Up” album. He followed that up with the iconic “Mushin 2 Mo’ Hits”, a project still considered one of Nigeria’s greatest Afrobeats albums.
Since then, he has delivered hit songs like “Iskaba,” “Come My Way,” and his third album “Legend or No Legend” featuring Wizkid, Fireboy DML, and Olamide. Wande Coal remains a vocal powerhouse and one of the most successful Afrobeats artists to win the Headies Next Rated award.
7. Asa (2006)
Asa was the very first to win the Next Rated Award back in 2006, setting the tone for the future of The Headies. Known for soul-stirring tracks like “Fire on the Mountain,” “Jailer,” and “Ba Mi Dele,” she brought an alternative, reflective voice to the Nigerian music space.
After winning the Headies, Asa continued with masterpieces like “Bed of Stone”, “Lucid”, and “V”. Her quiet dominance and global appeal make her a legend among Headies Next Rated winners.
8. Odumodublvck (2025)
Odumodublvck made a thunderous entrance into the Nigerian rap scene with his unapologetic style and streetwise bars. Known for anthems like “Declan Rice,” “Cast” featuring Shallipopi, and “100 Million” with Tiwa Savage, he has become the face of New Gen rap.
Odumodublvck is the most recent recipient of the Headies Next Rated award. He won the award at the 2025 Headies, beating out tough contenders like Shallipopi and Qing Madi. His mixtape “EZIOKWU” and follow-up album “THE MACHINE IS COMING,” both received widespread acclaim for their originality and sonic boldness. This is why Odumodublvck is easily one of the most exciting Next Rated winners yet.
9. BNXN (2022)
BNXN (formerly Buju) earned his Next Rated crown in 2022 before making waves with “Finesse”, “Gwagwalada,” and “Kilometer (Remix).” Known for his smooth vocals and Afro-fusion brilliance, he quickly became a favorite in the Nigerian music scene.
He has since dropped “Sincerely, Benson,” and teamed up with Ruger on the joint EP, “RnB.” With features from Wizkid, Olamide, and Wande Coal, BNXN keeps building his legacy. Buju’s versatility makes him a standout among recent Headies Next Rated award winners.
10. Mr Eazi (2016)
Mr Eazi redefined fusion music with his self-styled Banku sound, a mix of Ghanaian highlife and Nigerian rhythms. After winning the Next Rated Award in 2016, he dropped the mixtape “Life Is Eazi, Vol. 1 – Accra to Lagos”, landing on Billboard’s World Albums chart.
He has since performed at Coachella, collaborated with Nicki Minaj, Major Lazer, and J Balvin, and founded emPawa Africa, a platform empowering new African talents. Mr Eazi’s vision and cultural impact have earned him a prime spot as one of the most successful Next Rated winners of all time.
11. Mayorkun (2018)
Mayorkun emerged as a crowd favorite after dropping his debut single “Eleko” under Davido Music Worldwide. He followed it up with hits like “Betty Butter” and “Che Che,” blending feel-good vibes with street credibility.
After winning the Next Rated Award in 2018, he released his debut album, “The Mayor of Lagos,” packed with chart-toppers like “Mama,” “Bobo,” and “Red Handed.” Since then, Mayorkun has remained a pop force to be reckoned with.
12. Patoranking (2014)
Patoranking bagged the Next Rated Award in 2014 and never looked back. His breakout single “Alubarika” featuring Timaya set the tone for a career that would blend dancehall, reggae, and Afrobeats.
With albums like “God Over Everything,” “Three,” and “World Best” (featuring Ludacris, Popcaan, and Kizz Daniel), he has continued to evolve and innovate. Patoranking’s consistency and cross-genre success earn him a well-deserved place in this ranking.
13. Reekado Banks (2015)
Reekado Banks won the Next Rated Award in 2015 on the heels of viral hits like “Katapot” and “Chop Am.” His debut album even landed on Billboard’s World Albums chart, signaling a bright future.
He later gave us hit songs like “Easy (Jeje),” “Ozumba Mbadiwe,” and “Like” featuring Tiwa Savage and Fiokee. While he is not as dominant in 2025, Reekado’s track record of hit songs and artistic growth secures him this spot among the Headies Next Rated winners.
14. Omawumi (2009)
Omawumi brought a refreshing voice and powerhouse vocals to the Nigerian music scene when she won Next Rated in 2009. Her second studio album “Lasso of Truth” was both commercially and critically successful.
With follow-up projects like “Timeless” and “Love Deep High Life,” she showed her commitment to meaningful, soulful music. Omawumi remains widely respected for her vocal talent and legacy. However, she ranks relatively low on our list because of her limited influence in the mainstream scene today.
15. Sean Tizzle (2013)
Sean Tizzle captured hearts with his breakout hit “Sho Lee” and followed it up with club bangers like “Mama Eh” and “Kilogbe (Remix)” featuring Olamide and Reminisce.
After winning Next Rated in 2013, he released his debut album “The Journey,” featuring Tiwa Savage and Ice Prince. His 2023 album “DUES” and EPs “Moving Forward” and “Where You Been” showed his continued commitment to the game. While Sean Tizzle had a buzzing run between 2013 and 2014, his decline in recent years places him at the 15th spot on our ranking of Headies Next Rated winners.
16. Skuki (2010)
Skuki, the dynamic brother duo of Vavavoom (Tumininu) and Peeshaun (Atewologun), won the Next Rated Award in 2010 after delivering club anthems like “Fire” and “Stamina.”
Their debut album, “B.A.N.G.E.R.”, captured their playful energy and catchy style. With follow-up hits like “Voom Va” featuring Phyno and “Gbemileke,” Skuki carved out a fun niche in the Afropop landscape. However, their moment at the top was brief. The brothers have since stopped making music together. Vavavoom now pursues a solo music career while Peeshaun has transitioned into relationship coaching. Their brief moment in the spotlight and quiet exit from music earns them a low spot on our ranking.
17. Overdose (2007)
Overdose won the Next Rated Award at the 2007 Headies, but sadly, his music journey didn’t take off as expected. Though once tipped for greatness, very little is known about his discography or current pursuits. Overdose takes the last spot in our ranking of Headies Next Rated winners for being the least active winner in the Headies Next Rated award’s history.
The Headies Next Rated Award has introduced us to some of the biggest powerhouses in Afrobeats and Nigerian pop music. From global icons to short-lived stars, each winner had their time in the spotlight – and that’s what makes this list so iconic.
DISCLAIMER: Our ranking is not intended to downplay the talent, artistry, or achievements of any Headies Next Rated winner. Every artist on this list has made valuable contributions to the Nigerian music industry. This list reflects a mix of commercial success, cultural influence, and current relevance as of 2025 — and like music itself, it’s always open to evolution and personal taste.
Who are your top 5 Headies Next Rated winners? Let us know in the comments section below.
