HEADIES 2026: FOLA, SHODAY, MAVO, FIDO, LLONA NOMINATED FOR NEXT RATED

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By: Balogun Ibrahim

Nigerian rising artistes Fola, Shoday, Mavo, Fido and Llona have earned nominations in the Next Rated category at the 18th Headies Awards.

The nominees for the 2026 edition of the awards were announced on Tuesday, with the five artistes shortlisted for the highly competitive category, which recognises emerging talents making a significant impact on Nigeria’s music scene.

The 18th Headies Awards ceremony is scheduled to take place in Canada.

Fola has received recognition for his growing influence, earning additional nominations for Afrobeats Single of the Year and Best Recording of the Year for his song You. His album Catharsis was also nominated for Best R&B Album, while he secured another nomination for Digital Artiste of the Year.

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Shoday earned his Next Rated nomination following the growing popularity of his music, including Hey Jago, his collaboration with Poco Lee and Rahman Jago, which was also nominated for Song of the Year.

Mavo, whose real name is Marvin Ukanigbe, was recognised in the Next Rated category and also received a nomination for Digital Artiste of the Year, reflecting his growing presence in the Nigerian music industry.

Fido, one of the emerging names in the Afrobeats scene, was nominated for Next Rated as well as Song of the Year and Afrobeats Single of the Year for Joy Is Coming and Fun, respectively.

Llona completes the five-man shortlist after gaining a growing following and establishing himself as one of the emerging artistes expected to make a significant impact on the Nigerian music scene.

Beyond the Next Rated category, several leading Nigerian artistes also secured nominations across various categories, including Song of the Year, Afrobeats Single of the Year, Best R&B Album and Digital Artiste of the Year.

The 18th Headies Awards will hold in Canada and will celebrate outstanding achievements in Nigeria’s music industry.