Nigeria’s Most Important Music Awards – Headies Awards have been handing out trophies since 2006. The Album of the Year category was a battlefield of amazing musical bodies. From Afrobeat Bangers to Soulful Ballads, the award recognized the best albums that have broken the charts and shaped the Nigerian musical landscape.
With the 17th edition taking place in Lagos this Saturday, we look back and rank all the albums that have brought back coveted prizes so far.
Here are the best Album of the Year winners in ranked history.
16. Invasion – P-Square (2011)
Year of award: 2012
Genre: R&B, afrobeats
By 2011, P-Square had already solidified its position as Afropop’s royalty. Invasion It was proof that they were still hungry, at least before the infamous split.
This album mixes everything from R&B and reggae to high life and hip hop. It gave me hits like “Bunieya enu”, “Chop My Money” and “Beautiful Onyinye”, but it’s one of their more forgotten projects.
If you like your pop is loud, flashy and not simple, Invasion Delivery. But compared to other albums, it’s not exactly the same hit.
Heads Facts: P-Square became the first act to win This year’s album Two times. Their first was in 2006. Please square it.
15. Street OT – Olamide (2014)
Year of award: 2015
Genre: Hiphop, afrobeats
From behind two powerful albumsybnl and The worst man I’ve ever lived– Olamide fell Street OTa project that doubled with his Lagos Street King Persona.
It’s packed with energetic beats and heavy terms, Street OT It leans against the distinctive mix of grit and a ton of charm olamide. While trying to throw bones at the raphead, the album is dominated by radio-friendly bangers like “Shakichi Bobo”, “The Tale for the Gods”, and “Lagos Boys.”
It’s a fun ride, but not his most keenest project.
Heads Facts: With this victory, Olamide won first This year’s album Three times in a row.
14. Get a square – P-Square (2005)
Year of award: 2006
Genre: Contemporary pop
P-Square’s sophomore album – and their breakout moment. Please square itReleased under the family-run Square Records, it launched the duo into mainstream fame with hits such as “Get Squared”, “Temptation” and the iconic “Bizzy Body.”
With a blend of love songs, dance floor anthems and early 2000s swaggers, the album defined the Nigerian pop era. It is youthful, fun and forever linked to the Nigerian party culture.
Heads Facts: Please square it I won This year’s album At my first heady (which was then known as the Hip Hop World Awards), I bagged four other trophies that night.
13. ybnl – Olamide (2012)
Year of award: 2013
Genre: Hiphop, afrobeats
ybnl (Omitted) Yahoo Boy No laptop) It was a cultural reset. With this album, Olamide cemented his position as a street king with a crossover appeal. We balance raw street hops with catchy hooks and radio-enabled productions.
This was also a project that was launched. YBNL Nationhis current iconic record label. Bangers like “First First,” “Voices of Street,” and “Omo to Shan” have become definitive albums for a generation of young people in Lagos.
You can’t leave by name on top 5 Olamide albums ybnl Outside. Full stop.
Heads Facts: This was the first of a three-year sweep of olamide This year’s album category.
12. Unstoppable international edition – 2Baba (2010)
Year of award: 2011
Genre: R&B
This reissue of 2Face in 2008 Can’t stop I gave the album a second life. And it had a much greater impact. Using tracks like “Implication” and “Only Me,” 2Baba kept his signature AFRO-R&B style intact while delivering a mature, globally oriented sound.
The project marked a turning point in his career and cemented him as a local legend as well as an international candidate.
Heads Facts: This edition of Can’t stop I won both This year’s album and Best R&B/Pop Album At Heads in 2011.
11. Moral Lesson – Falz (2018)
Year of award: 2019
Genre: Hip hop, Afrobeat
and Moral LessonFalz traded the party’s national anthem for a strong protest. The album blends hip-hop and afrobeat to provide a social commentary on corruption, injustice and biting on Nigeria’s broken systems.
Songs like “This Is Nigeria,” “Talk,” and “The Hypocrite” didn’t just cause a fuss. They demanded change. It’s a bold, untwisted project that showed Falz wasn’t afraid to use his voice in more than entertainment.
Heads Facts: 2019, Moral Lesson I won This year’s album, The best rap albumand Best rap single– Falz clean sweep.
10. Apollo – Fireboy DML (2020)
Year of award: 2018
Genre: afrobeats
Following the success of Laughter, tears, goose skinFireboy DML is back Apollo– A project that is more vast and confident. Songs such as “New York City Girl”, “Eli” and “Tattoo” demonstrated their ability to blend emotions with melody, cementing their status as the main voice of Afrobeat.
and ApolloFireboy proved that his debut was not a fluke, sparking a conversation about the musical triplets that were made.
Heads Facts: Apollo He won the Fireboy 5 Award in one night and has been the most successful run in the Heads to date.
9. Hit Building – Pole Play (2007)
Year of award: 2007
Genre: R&B
Hit Building A master class of heartfelt songwriting and smooth R&B. With just nine tracks, Paul Play offers timeless love songs such as “Angel of My Life,” “Rain in the Rain,” and “Eternal.” The album combines traditional Nigerian sound with subtle nods and romantic melodies, demonstrating his versatility as both a singer and a producer.
The project highlighted Dailo’s position as a pioneer in modern Nigeria’s R&B.
Heads Facts: Hit Building It is the only R&B album nominated for Album of the Year at the Headies in 2007, and stands out among freestyle hip-hop and pop heavy candidates Finally free And the strange MC After the dust storm.
8. Stones – Stains (2017)
Year of award: 2018
Genre: afrobeats
Stones It’s a warm and sincere album that highlights the signature fusion of Afrobeats, R&B and Soul. With rich storytelling and relevant lyrics about love, identity and growth, she easily draws listeners into her world. The album includes outstanding tracks such as “Joromi”, “Smile for Me” and “Love Dont Care.”
Absolutely her best work organization, Stones It delivers that cold, girl-neighboring charm with true emotional depth.
Heads Facts: In addition to Album of the Year, Simi was the best R&B single at Head in 2018 and won Best Recording of the Year.
7. A new era – Kiz Daniel (2015)
Year of award: 2016
Genre: afrobeats
and A new eraKiz Daniel introduced a unique blend of smooth melodies and catchy hooks, mixing elements of afrobeat, high life and pop. From the infectious “Voj” to the laid back atmosphere of “Ray,” the album established Kiz Daniel as a rising star in Nigerian music. It was filled with tracks that marked his official entry into the mainstream and quickly became a fan favorite.
If you want to study your hit debut album after a hit, A new era It’s a perfect example.
Heads Facts: At just 22 years old, Kizz Daniel has become the youngest artist to win this year’s Headies album.
6. The worst man I’ve ever lived – Olamide (2013)
Year of award: 2014
Genre: Hiphop, afrobeats
Following the success of ybnlOlamide solidified his position as one of Nigeria’s most influential hip-hop artists. The worst man I’ve ever lived. The album expanded his sound by blending touches from Afrobeat, street hop, rap and Lagos Swagger. Tracks like “Durosoke,” “Eni Duro,” and “Turn Up” have become the national anthem and introduced the ability of Olamide to make mainstream hits beyond street music.
This album is one of his best works and a defining moment in Nigerian music. Olamide proves he is a force to consider both on the streets and on the charts.
Heads Facts: Olamide won the Best Rap Album and Album of the Year this year.
5. Made in Lagos (Deluxe Edition) – Wizkid (2021)
Year of award: 2022
Genre: Afrobeat, R&B
Made in Lagos It first dropped in 2020, promoting Withkid to global stardom. Blending Afrobeat with R&B, Reggae and Pop, the album captured Wizkid’s versatility and solidified his place as an international icon. In 2021, the Deluxe Edition took things further, adding fresh tracks and collaborations that highlighted his continued growth as an artist.
With hits like “Essence”, “Ginger” and “Smile”, Deluxe Edition featured collaborations with Burna Boy, Skepta and Justin Bieber, while also introducing new bangers like “Steady” and “Bad To Me.” This version has been promoted Made in Lagos One of Wizkid’s most successful projects.
Heads Facts: This victory made Wizkid the most decorated artist in Headies history, winning a total of 20 Headies Awards.
4. Atmosphere money – Asake (2022)
Year of award: 2023
Genre: Afrobeat, Amapiano
Released in 2022, Atmosphere money Asake had a major influence on Nigerian music. Following his breakout with hits like “Omo Ope” and “Sungba”, Asake’s debut album showed off his unique blend of Afrobeat, Amapiano and Street Vibes. Listeners were hooked from their first listen to tracks like “Sorry,” “Terminator,” and “Peace is for You.”
The album is considered the biggest debut in Nigerian music history.
Heads Facts: Asake received Headies’ next rating award in the same year.
3. Gongo Aso – 9ice (2008)
Year of award: 2009
Genre: afrobeats
and Gongo Asohis second album, 9ice, released in 2008, created one of his best works. The album was more than just a collection of songs, it provided a timeless record. The title track “Gongo Aso” became an instant anthem, plus hits such as “Street Chouritiability”, “Party Rider”, “Wedding Day” and “Photocopy”.
Gongo Aso It is considered a benchmark for Nigerian music, especially for artists who write songs in their native language.
Heads Facts: Gongo Aso It’s the first album on The Headies, featuring one music producer ID Cabasa.
2. ASA (ASHA) – ASA (2007)
Year of award: 2008
Genre: Contemporary pop
Remember the iconic ASA tracks like “Bibank”, “Jailer”, “Fire on the Mountain” and “Very Beautiful”? All of these songs are her debut album, asa (pronounced “Asha”) won Album of the Year with Heads in 2008. asa What’s special was a unique blend of Nigerian sounds, both universally appealing.
This album wasn’t just about entertainment. It was about connections and reflections. asa The type of music that remains long after you stop listening is emotionally resonant and deeply reflexive.
Heads Facts: asa This is the first debut album to win the Album of the Year category with The Headies.
1. Mushin 2 Mo’hits – One Decor (2009)
Year of award: 2010
Genre: afrobeats
One Decor’s debut album, Mushin 2 Mo’hitsproduced by Don Jazzy and released on Mo’hits Records in 2009, making it a definitive moment in Nigerian music. With hits like “Bumper to Bumper,” “You Bad,” “Who Born the Maga,” and “Ololufe,” Wande Coal brought both finesse and soul to the Mo’hits label, showing him the range of his incredible voice.
What is being made Mushin 2 Mo’hits What stands out is Wande’s ability to blend catchy hooks and extremely meaningful lyrics, making it a go-to album for both the club’s national anthem and personal moments. This album is more than just a collection of tracks. This is a template for all generations of Afrobeat artists.
Heads Facts: Wande Coal also won the award on the same night the Artist of the Year and Revelation of the Year Awards filmed this year’s album.
