OdumoduBlvck, Bayanni, Eltee Skhilz, Others Bag Headies Rookie Of The Year Nomination

Nominees for the 16th Headies’ Rookie of the Year were announced on Tuesday presenting an intriguing lineup of artists ready to compete for the award.

The Headies revealed the six artists vying for the award via social media. Among the nominees is OdumoduBlvck, renowned for his hit track ‘Declan Rice’ named after the captain of West Ham United.

Also in for the award are Eltee Skhillz who is known for his hyped delivery on the track ODG, and singer Bayanni the Mavin Record signee behind viral hit Tata and its remix featuring American singer Jason Derulo.

They are joined by Khaid, the face and voice behind such hits as ‘Carry Me’ (featuring Boy Spyce) and ‘Jolie’. Guchi, who is best known for ‘Speedometer’ is also in the running for Rookie of the Year as is alternative singer and pop sensation Bloody Civilian who is known for her viral song ‘I Don’t Like You’.

All six artists nominated for the Rookie of the Year award have all had a breakthrough year with no album in the year under review.

Established in 2006, the Headies Awards recognize outstanding achievements in the Nigerian music industry. Heralded by fanfare and much anticipation and hot takes, the award show features performances from top music stars and promising artists.

The nomination process for this year’s (the 16th) edition, started on May 22 and ended on June 16.

Nominees for the awards are selected based on songs released between January 2022 and March 2023.

A new category — International Artiste of the Year — was introduced this year and it features a nominee list comprising of non-African artists or groups with the most impact on Afrobeats.

Stars Beyonce, Justin Bieber, Chris Brown, Ed Sheeran, Drake, and Nas are nominated under the category.