Seven Rising Stars Compete for Rookie of the Year at the Headies

The race for Rookie of the Year at the 2026 Headies Awards is officially underway, shining a spotlight on the emerging artists making their mark and introducing fresh energy into Nigeria’s music scene.

This year’s nominees are:

The Rookie of the Year category celebrates new artists who have achieved major breakthroughs during the year and shown strong potential to become the next big names in Nigerian music.

This year’s nominees represent the diversity of the new wave, with each artist bringing a unique sound, style, and growing fanbase to the industry. From viral moments to promising releases, these rising acts are proving that the future of Nigerian music remains filled with fresh talent.

With the competition featuring some exciting new voices, fans are already debating which newcomer deserves to take home one of the most anticipated awards of the night.

Any surprises? Who are you rooting for to win Rookie of the Year at the 2026 Headies Awards?