The 2025 awards may be over, but the surprises and conversations it triggers are still buzzing across social media.
As always, Nigeria’s biggest music night brings exciting triumphs, emotional moments and eyebrow stimulation surprises. From unexpected categories to unpleasant to animal tributes and controversial post-death honors, this year’s version is foreseeable. Fans went to X, Instagram and Tiktok to share hot spots, celebrate their favorites, and call up what they think is snubs and industry heads.
This is a big surprise failure that makes everyone talk about at the 2025 Headies Awards.
Mohbad’s 4 post-death victory: Tribute or opportunism?
One of the most surprising and emotional moments at the 17th Awards Ceremony is the deceased Mobad Sweeping 4 awards, making him the most popular artist of the night. These awards are: The Best Street Jump Artist Ask methe best cooperationpanic” and Shekaudience selection and Afrobeats throughout the year. While some see it as an early tribute to young talent, others see it as an opportunistic move that once ignored his industry.
Everyone said that if he was alive, they wouldn’t give him you probably right because all this works around the world. Toni Kross won the German Player of the Year because he retired. It’s just their honor
– 1 only – Marny (@Zharmarny1) April 29, 2025
Social media exploded in the consequences. Many fans celebrated the recognition and announced a declaration “Everyone said that if he was alive, they wouldn’t give him you might be right because all this works around the world. Toni Kross won the German player of the year because he retired. It was an honor for them.” However, there was a burst of doubt under the celebration. A X user speaks out loud. “When Una started Dey giving the sympathy award. This question is Dey’s interesting me.”
When Una began Dey offered a sympathy award. This head is interesting to me
– Demion (@demion4rmchina) April 28, 2025
The online debate reflects the painful truth about the Nigerian music industry’s tendency to respect its stars, sparking a wider dialogue about recognition and timing. Some people think that one or two awards are enough to remember his memory, and an over-the-top award feels like a gesture of performance rather than a real admission.
Popular entertainer Carter Efe openly called the fuel for the conversation. He criticized the leader in a viral video because he described chasticking, questioning why Mohabad was ignored throughout his life and was celebrated in his death. “Una won’t give it to me when the boy is still alive. He said.
“Why did the supervisor nominate Moubad as the best street hop artist? But when the boy was still alive, they didn’t award him the award.”
– carterefe pic.twitter.com/s8g3vwocct
– olamide🌸💖 (@olamide0fficial) April 28, 2025
The awards ceremony included a moving tribute section, which included a montage of Moubad’s music videos, and a solemn narrative that reflected his life and influence. Although it resonates emotionally with many viewers, it hardly makes critics feel that the awards come too late.
Fan reactions are divided. Some people felt comforted when they saw Mohabad’s widow omowunmi, accepted the award with grace and refused to speak to him “Dear Husband” And reaffirm his eternal existence through his son Liam. Her heartfelt words resonate with many people and provide a personal moment in the greater controversy.
In a tribute to his legacy, the late Mohbad was awarded the Best Street Hop Artist in the Headies Awards. pic.twitter.com/ugbx1zn6pb
– OVA TV Media (@officialovatv) April 28, 2025
However, for the audience part, the talent of the industry was reminded that night until it was too late. Tweet Like “I was surprised by all your false love for the dead” and “Why don’t you give him when you’re alive?” This view is captured perfectly.
He is still alive and has not even nominated him. All your fake love to death surprised me
– Ben (@benrmc_) April 28, 2025
They nominated Mobad’s head after their death obviously out of a pity
Why don’t you not give him when he is still alive? He did a good job on the street, but you kept ignoring him until it wasn’t right!
–🅿️Reshⓜ️Illi (@preshe_milli3) April 28, 2025
Finally, Mohabad’s posthumous victory left bittersweet. One night, a star was finally celebrated, but not without a lingering question of whether honor would come if he was still alive.
Odumodublvck’s next rated surprise: Is it too early recently?
Another surprising moment of the night was when Odumodublvck won the next rating of the artist award. Known for his gritty street jumps and powerful storytelling Osumodublvck Long considered an artist “Next Rating” category. His prominence in the Nigerian music industry is undeniable, with the top and collaborative work with A-List artists.
Many fans and critics are confused by the decision, and some believe that Odumodublvck has reached the established star level, making him a candidate in the category commonly used to rise talent. Fans suggest that the category should be reserved for UOs and famous artists like Ayo Maff, Shoday, Fola, and believe they have better demands for the next rating award.
I thought we agreed @odumodublvck_ I will leave this question award for me. Maifan “We Move”🫡I’ll have something soon🥷🔈🔉🔊
-Ayo Maff🥷🏽 (@Ayomaff) April 28, 2025
Nominee joins the drama Ayo Maff Enter social media with a relaxed poke and a commitment to his fans: “I thought we agreed that @odumodublvck_ will leave me this question award, brother is not that.
Meanwhile, in the middle of his speech, Odumodublvck’s microphone was suddenly cut off, and it immediately spread. Later, he explained this in an interview after the announcement, saying “The dem no Wan heard me talking. They cut my microphone because I’m going to say what everyone is thinking.” This will only cause more online chats about possible tensions between artists and organizers.
I’m talking about Jesus and they’re trying to get me to close.
I’m 100% sure that if I talk about his Your Excellency Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu, I wouldn’t be cut off.
I really didn’t have blood towards my head.
Instead, I’m grateful that they put my microphone…
– Industry Machine⚙️ (@odumodublvck_) April 29, 2025
Hallipopi’s award cooling and bold clapping
E REACH shalllipoppi turns won the Headies Award, Plaque Finish, Na Handshake Plutomania Collection 😭😭😭 pic.twitter.com/qggeyq0379
– Daygenius (@daygenius __) April 28, 2025
One of the biggest surprises at the 2025 awards ceremony is Bellipopiaone of Nigeria’s easiest street pop stars, was called to win the Best Rap Single for his hit track Throw He features Odumodublvck, but he’s nothing more than a handshake except on the coveted top cards. As video clips of the incident quickly spread across social media, the awkward moments left fans confused and angry.
Although Shallipoppi manages to stay calm on the stage and thanks his fans with a brief speech, he doesn’t waste any time speaking online. Shortly after the event, the Edo star expressed frustration in a series of blunt tweets. He wrote, “mtchewww,” Then add, “I don’t even lie as una sef, nor do I want that award, giving a real rapper.
His reaction is as disturbing as fans and industry observers, with many questioning why he was nominated for the rap category in the first place.
Hallipoppi’s handshake and public clapping became one of the easiest moments of the night, turning what would have been a career highlight into a keen commentary on genre classification, industry politics and credibility for awards ceremony.
Get updates when falling x and Facebook