Davido, Wizkid and Burna Boy headline a heavyweight field at the 18th Headies Awards.

By Gladius Elizabeth
Music & Entertainment Writer, MAX 102.3 FM
Published: August 31, 2026

The 18th Headies has produced another heavyweight awards conversation, with some of Nigeria’s biggest music stars competing for major honours. Davido, Wizkid, Burna Boy, Ayra Starr, Tems, Rema and several other leading artistes feature among the nominees ahead of the ceremony in Toronto, Canada.

More importantly, the nominations have created a familiar question among music fans: which of Nigeria’s biggest stars will have the strongest night when the winners are announced?

The organisers will stage the 18th Headies in Toronto on October 23, 2026, under the theme “Africa to the World.” Consequently, the ceremony continues the awards’ international expansion while keeping Nigerian music firmly at the centre of the conversation.

Wizkid and Burna Boy both feature in the Album of the Year category. Wizkid enters the race with Morayo, while Burna Boy competes with No Sign of Weakness. They will face Fola, Omah Lay, Erigga, Odumodublvck and Tiwa Savage.

Davido, meanwhile, competes in Afrobeats Album of the Year with 5ive. He faces BNXN’s Captain, Omah Lay’s Clarity of Mind, Adekunle Gold’s Fuji, Wizkid’s Morayo and Burna Boy’s No Sign of Weakness.

Therefore, while the three established stars dominate much of the awards conversation, they have different paths to victory.

A Strong Field Across the Categories

Davido and Omah Lay’s “With You” also received nominations in several major categories, including Song of the Year, Afrobeats Single of the Year, Best Recording of the Year, Best Collaboration and Headies Viewers’ Choice.

Similarly, Burna Boy’s “Bundle by Bundle” earned an Afrobeats Single of the Year nomination, while Wizkid also appears in major categories.

Meanwhile, Ayra Starr and Tems strengthen the female category, with both nominated for Best Female Artiste. Ayra Starr also enters the Song of the Year race with “Hot Body.”

Fan Conversation

The nominations have generated significant interest across Nigerian entertainment coverage, particularly because established Afrobeats stars will compete alongside a younger generation of artistes.

However, without verified individual fan comments, it would be misleading to attribute specific reactions to supporters. The confirmed nominations remain the clearest basis for the conversation.

Ayra Starr and Tems strengthen the female representation among this year’s major nominees.

Why It Matters

The 18th Headies arrives as Nigerian music continues to command attention beyond Africa. At the same time, the nominations show how established stars now share the awards space with emerging names.

Furthermore, taking the ceremony to Toronto gives the Headies another opportunity to connect Nigerian music with international audiences. For the artistes involved, a major win could add another significant achievement to an already competitive year.

What Happens Next

The 18th Headies will take place in Toronto on October 23, 2026. Until the winners are announced, music fans will continue to debate which artiste deserves the biggest honours.

So, listeners, the nominations are out, the contenders are known, and the stage is set. Keep coming back to the MAX 102.3 FM website for more entertainment headlines, music updates and the full stories behind the biggest names shaping the Nigerian music scene.