The 2026 Headies Best Female Artiste category has been announced, bringing together six women whose music has shaped different sides of Nigeria’s fast-evolving sound. Ayra Starr, Qing Madi, Ṣẹwà, Tems, Teni and Tiwa Savage have all earned nominations, setting up a category that cuts across Afropop, R&B, alternative music and mainstream Nigerian pop.
Ayra Starr enters the race after another eventful period, with her single “Hot Body” earning nominations for Song of the Year and Headies Viewers’ Choice, and her collaboration with Rema, “Who’s Dat Girl”, recognised in the Music Video of the Year category. Qing Madi arrives as one of the younger contenders, backed by her debut album I Am the Blueprint, which earned a Best R&B Album nomination, while her song “Scumbag” was recognised for Best Vocal Performance (Female). Ṣẹwà brings an alternative sound to the category, with her project Detox nominated for Best Alternative Album and her song “Lagos Lovin” picking up nominations in Best Alternative Song, Best Vocal Performance (Female) and Best R&B Single.
Tems returns to the category with her seven-track project Love Is a Kingdom, which is nominated for both Best R&B Album and Album of the Year, while her song “What You Need” earned a Best R&B Single nomination. Teni enters the category on the back of a steady run of releases, including “Speed”, “Falling In Love” and “Zion”, alongside her 2026 release “Canada (The Headies Remix)”. Tiwa Savage rounds out the field with her 15-track album This One Is Personal, nominated for both Album of the Year and Best R&B Album, with the single “You4Me” earning nominations for Best R&B Single and Best Vocal Performance (Female).
