Kenya’s Bien-Aimé Baraza missed out on the Best East African Artiste of the Year award at the 2025 Headies Awards, held recently in Lagos, Nigeria.
The Grammy award-winning songwriter, known both for his solo career and his success with the band Sauti Sol, had been nominated for the prestigious regional category but lost to Tanzanian star Juma Jux.
The Headies Awards, founded by Nigeria’s Hip Hop World Magazine in 2006, is one of Africa’s most influential music honours, recognising exceptional talent from across the continent.
This year’s ceremony returned to Lagos after being hosted abroad in previous editions, bringing together a glittering array of artists, industry leaders, and fans to celebrate African music’s finest achievements.
The East African category was one of the most competitive at the awards, with other heavyweights like Diamond Platnumz, Bruce Melodie, and Azawi also vying for the title.
See the full list of winners below
Best Recording of the Year
Tems – Burning
Producer of the Year
London – Ozeba
Next Rated
Odumodublvck
Afrobeats Album of the Year
Heis – Rema
Songwriter of the Year
Qing Madi – Vision
Rookie of the Year
Zerrydl
Best Rap Single
Shallipopi feat. Odumodublvck – Cast
Best Vocal Performance (Female)
Liya – I’m Done
Music Video of the Year
Director Pink – Egwu
Best Street-Hop Artiste
Mohbad – Ask About Me
Afrobeats Single of the Year
Flavour – Big Baller
Viewers’ Choice Award
Chike & Mohbad – Egwu
Digital Artiste of the Year
Davido
Song of the Year
Lonely at the Top – Asake
Best Vocal Performance Male
Lojay — Billions
Best Movie Soundtrack
A Tribe Called Judah
Best East African Artiste
Juma Jux (Tanzania)
Best Central African Artiste
Innoss’B (DRC)
