The organisers of the 18th Headies Awards have unveiled the nominees for the 2026 edition, with Fola, Shoday, Mavo, Fido and Llona shortlisted for the coveted Next Rated category.

The nominees were announced on Tuesday ahead of the awards ceremony, which is scheduled to hold in Canada. The Next Rated award recognises emerging artistes who have made a significant impact on the Nigerian music scene over the past year.

Fola received multiple nominations at this year’s Headies, including Afrobeats Single of the Year and Best Recording of the Year for You. He was also nominated for Best R&B Album for Catharsis and Digital Artiste of the Year.

Shoday earned a Next Rated nomination after gaining widespread attention with Hey Jago, his collaboration with Poco Lee and Rahman Jago, which also received a Song of the Year nomination.

Mavo was also recognised in the Next Rated category and secured a nomination for Digital Artiste of the Year, reflecting his growing influence in the music industry.

Fido continued his impressive rise with nominations for Next Rated, Song of the Year for Joy Is Coming, and Afrobeats Single of the Year for Fun. Llona completed the five-man shortlist after building a strong following with his music.

Among the other major categories, Song of the Year features Arike by Kunmie, Hey Jago by Poco Lee, Shoday and Rahman Jago, Ayra Starr’s Hot Body, Fido’s Joy Is Coming, MMS by Asake and Wizkid, and With You by Davido and Omah Lay.

The Afrobeats Single of the Year category includes songs by Rema, Asake and Wizkid, Shallipopi, Davido and Omah Lay, Fola, and Burna Boy, while the Best R&B Album category features projects by Kunmie, Fola, Qing Madi, Tems, Tay Iwar and Tiwa Savage.

The Digital Artiste of the Year nominees include Asake, Ayra Starr, BNXN, Chella, Fola, Mavo, Seyi Vibez and Wizkid.

The 18th Headies Awards will celebrate outstanding achievements across Nigeria’s music industry when it holds in Canada later this year.