FirstBank is collaborating with the Headies Awards for the 17th edition of Nigeria’s most prestigious music awards. Through its First@Arts initiative, this collaboration highlights FirstBank’s ongoing commitment to supporting creative talents and SMEs in the Nigerian music industry, providing a platform for both local and international recognition.
The Headies Awards, which has become Nigeria’s flagship music event, celebrates the outstanding achievements of artists across Nigeria and Africa. Launched in 2006, the Headies continues to recognize and reward top-tier talent, attracting millions of viewers each year. After two successful editions in Atlanta, Georgia, the Headies returns home to Nigeria this year. The 2025 ceremony is set to take place at the iconic Landmark Event Centre in Victoria Island, Lagos, on April 27.
This year marks a historic milestone, as FirstBank becomes the first financial institution to partner with The Headies. This ground-breaking collaboration reaffirms FirstBank’s unwavering dedication to nurturing the Nigerian creative industry, while reinforcing its values of innovation, excellence, and cultural empowerment.
Olayinka Ijabiyi, Ag. Group Head of Marketing and Corporate Communication at FirstBank, shared, “We are excited to partner with the Headies Awards, a dynamic platform that celebrates the best in Nigerian and African music. At FirstBank, we are committed to fostering arts and creativity. This partnership is a perfect reflection of our dedication to supporting the entire creative arts ecosystem—performing arts, visual arts, and music—while promoting national growth and unlocking new business opportunities within the sector.”
The Headies Awards has played a pivotal role in bringing Afrobeats to the global stage. By honoring the diversity and creativity of African music, the awards have established themselves as the benchmark for Afrobeats excellence. This year’s edition promises to be unforgettable, with a week-long celebration featuring keynote sessions, panel discussions, live performances, and networking opportunities—culminating in the grand awards ceremony.
Ayo Animashaun, Founder of The Headies, expressed, “The Headies has been instrumental in advancing Afrobeats, providing a global platform for African artists. Our partnership with FirstBank is a landmark achievement that will undoubtedly elevate this year’s event, further reinforcing Afrobeats as a dominant force in the global music industry. We are excited about the endless possibilities this collaboration will bring to the table.”
This partnership between FirstBank and The Headies signifies a shared vision for creative excellence, celebrating the vibrancy of Nigeria’s music industry and its growing influence worldwide.