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The 2023 <a href="https://www.pulse.ng/entertainment/music/the-full-nomination-list-for-the-2023-headies-awards/5r1yw44">Headies nomination list</a> is out and eyes will be on the Next Rated category where Asake, Seyi Vibez, Spyro, Victony and Young Jonn will be vying for the coveted award.

A year-on-year ranking of the Headies Next Rated category since its inception | Pulse Nigeria

Adeayo Adebiyi

<h2>At the first Headies, the prize for the Next Rated category was NGN100,000 and it was won by Asa. By the third edition, a car was presented to the winner of the category, which was Wande Coal. </h2>

Since then, the award has held significant value because it serves as a recognition for a set of upcoming artists who are recognized for two reasons;

<ol><li>Their achievement over the preceding year or the year in review, or;</li><li>The greater things they could go on to achieve.</li></ol>

Of course, history has show that such projections are speculative at best, but that hasn't stopped emotions from running at fever high levels, whenever the category is announced. Controversies, outbursts, enmity and social media rants; you can name it, we've seen it all.

But a lot of that is due to the emotions that artists attach to their work, the esteem with which fans perceive the impact of newly minted stars, and the sheer competition that the category is usually associated with.

Thus, we take a look at the rich - and controversial - history of the category, and rank each year based on;

<ol><li>How keenly contested it was, based on what the nominees achieved during the year-in-review.</li><li>What the winners have gone on to achieve.</li></ol>

But because we have the benefit of hindsight, '2' is of lesser importance to '1,' as a criterion. In ranking the set of Next Rated classes since the creation of the award in 2006, factors that will be considered include success, impact, and longevity.&nbsp;

This is a year-on-year ranking of the Headies Next Rated category in descending order.&nbsp;

Nominees: Asake, Seyi Vibez, Victony, Young Jonn, Spyro

Asake was already being tipped as the next rated artist elect mid-way into his unprecedented 2022 run of hits which he capped with the release of a record-breaking debut album 'Mr. Money With The Vibe'.

Towards the latter part of 2022 amidst Asake's era-defining run, Seyi Vibez would emerge with a similar style that arrested the attention of listeners and created a sort of rivalry between the two.

Young Jonn made a full switch to becoming an artist and went on to deliver back-to-back hit records with 'Dada' feat Davido and 'Xtracool'.

Victony enjoyed impressive success with the release of his sophomore EP 'Outlaw' which delivered the international hit single 'Soweto'.

Spyro soared to the summit of the mainstream with 'Who Is Your Guy' which enjoyed massive success and extended his run after he dropped 'Billing'.

While it's relatively easy to rate the class of 2023 based on the success that earned them their respective nominations and the competitiveness of the set, it would be appropriate to wait until a winner is declared before ranking the class.

<h3>14.&nbsp;Class of 2007</h3>

Nominated: Kage, Naeto C, Overdose, Lawal Olumo, C-Mion, Gino, and Blaise.&nbsp;

How did the nominees fare during the year-in-review: While Naeto C was an IJGB, who had the swag and the freshness, Gino set the country alive with 'Farabale' (original and remix) from his classic debut album, Pain Plus Work. As a rapper of Benin origin, he stole the respect from the grasp of pop stars. Blaise hadn't released an album, but she was a wordsmith who earned respect.

Winner: Overdose took home the award beating fellow favourite Naeto C.&nbsp;

Impact, Success, and Longevity

From the 2007 class, only Naeto C can be said to have achieved considerable success, His career-defining album 'The Super C Season.' In terms of impact, Naeto C is amongst the rappers who redefined rap in Nigeria by bringing the flare and swagger that took it from hardcore to a more subtle and urban sound.&nbsp;

Of the other nominees, Overdose and Gino enjoyed some level of success However, it was short-lived. The other nominees didn't achieve any notable success and it will take a very curious reader to dig out something about their music. This consequently ranks them bottom of the list.&nbsp;

<h3>13.&nbsp;Class of 2009</h3>

Nominees: YQ, MP, Omawumi, Kel, and D'jniee.&nbsp;

How did the nominees fare during the year-in-review: In 2007, Omawumi finished as runner-up to Timi Dakolo at the West African Idols, and followed it up with a stellar introduction into the Nigerian music industry. YQ had slowly started to emerge with his blend of Rap and lamba while Kel had emerged with singles like 'Purple,' on her way to releasing her brilliant debut, The Investment. Djinee had featured on MI Abaga's 'Safe' before then, and had released 'Ego' in 2004. Perhaps, he was overqualified for that category.

A name that people might not remember is former Limelight Records act, MP, because he did not succeed like the others have. But during the year in review, he released two incredible records in 'Pasa Pasa' and 'No Dull Yourself,' and they were two of the biggest records during the year in review. He also had panache, and popularized 'Oshamo' into the Nigerian pop culture zeitgeist.

Winner: Omawumi pipped the other nominees to the award becoming the second woman to win the award. A feat that has not been repeated.&nbsp;

Aside from Omawumi and YQ the other nominees didn't quite have much of a career.&nbsp;

Omawumi will go on to become an established act enjoying success and recognition. YQ also hung around for a while. However, following the criteria, the 2009 class is a disappointing one and Omawumi's success and longevity is the only reason they aren't bottom of the list.&nbsp;

<h3>12.&nbsp;Class of 2012</h3>

Nominees: Eva Alordiah, Davido, Chuddy K, and Praiz.&nbsp;

How did the nominees fare during the year-in-review: Chuddy K was later disqualified after it was revealed he had previously released an album. Going into the show, Davido was the favourite, but Eva Alordiah had a stellar year with several Rap cuts, including 'I Don Did It,' a classic tune produced by Sossick. Then Praiz was also the talent show nut, who had released 'Rich and Famous' on Xtreme Music. It was a ripoff, but who cares, right?

Winner: Davido took home the award with his hit single 'Dami Duro.'

Aside from Davido who is one of Africa's biggest-ever artists, the other nominees didn't quite achieve much success.&nbsp;

Eva Alordiah enjoyed some time in the spotlight but her career was short-lived and uneventful. Similarly, Praiz enjoyed some success but his time in the spotlight was short-lived.&nbsp;

Save for Davido, the class of 2012 didn't quite live up to the endorsement.&nbsp;

<h3>11.&nbsp;Class of 2020</h3>

Nominees: Omah Lay, Oxlade, Tems, and Bella Shmurda

How did the nominees fare during the year-in-review: Omah Lay entered the industry guns blazing as his single 'Bad Influence' was already popular before most fans can put a face to it. With the release of the visuals for 'Lolo' Omah Lay became the new sensation with 'Get Layd' EP and the favourite to win the award.

Tems' 'Try Me' was an anthem whose popularity almost overshadowed the artist. With the single, she quickly became the new female music star on the bloc. Bella Shmurda's 'Vision 2020' announced him to the mainstream and he quickly sealed this with his 'High Tension' EP.

Oxlade's 'Away' was his most popular release yet and his 'Oxygen' EP earned him a place on the list.

Winner: Omah Lay won with his hugely successful 'Get Layd' EP.

Still in the early days of their careers, the class of 2020 has so far shown promise. Omah Lay has established himself as one of Nigeria's most exciting and promising talents.&nbsp;

Tems has enjoyed huge international success becoming the only Nigerian artist with two RIAA Platinum plaques.&nbsp;

Bella Shmurda is a recognizable name in Nigeria's street hop and his music has earned him the admiration and love of numerous fans. Oxlade has established himself as one of Nigeria's finest pop stars with a lot of promise.&nbsp;

<h3>10.&nbsp;Class of 2016</h3>

Mr Eazi, YCee, Aramide, Humblesmith, Tekno

Nominees: Ycee, Humblesmith, Tekno, Mr Eazi, and Aramide.&nbsp;

How did the nominees fare during the year-in-review: Mr. Eazi enjoyed a massive run in the lead-up to the award with his singles 'Skin Tight,' 'Holl Up,' and 'Leg Over' enjoying wide acclaim. Humblesmith scored a massive hit with Osinachi with the Davido remix further propelling it.

Aramide was a new voice in the Nigerian alternative scene whose talent caught the ears of listeners. YCee's 'Jagaban,' and 'Omo Alhaji' were huge hits that made him a strong contender for the award.

Tekno would be disqualified for the award after he failed to partake in the press rounds and build up to the award.

Winner: Mr. Eazi took home the award with his singles 'Lego Over' and 'Anointing.'

The winner Mr Eazi is credited for being one of the artists who slowed down the tempo of Nigerian songs. Since his nomination, Mr Eazi has enjoyed both domestic and international successes.&nbsp;

YCee also enjoyed success in the limelight but his career hasn't soared as many expected. Humblesmith enjoyed success with his single 'Osinachi' and that's all there's to his career. Aramide has established herself as one of Nigeria's top vocalists and alternative acts but she has so far struggled to crack the mainstream.&nbsp;

<h3>9.&nbsp;Class of 2018</h3>

Mayorkun, Maleek Berry, Zoro, Dice Ailes, Johnny Drille

Nominees: Mayorkun, Maleek Berry, Dice Ailes, Johnny Drille, and Zoro.&nbsp;

How did the nominees fare during the year-in-review: Mayorkun had a fine run with 'Eleko,' 'Love You Tire,' and 'Mama' making him a favourite. Dice Ailes had a hit with 'Otedola' and Maleek Berry's 'Kontrol' was widely popular. Johnny Drille had nice singles in 'Wait For Me' and 'Romeo &amp; Julliet.' run with was the clear favorite took home the award in what many agreed was well deserved.&nbsp;Zoro was also an Eastern sensation with 'Mbada' and 'One on One.'

Winner: Mayorkun won for his single 'Mama.'

The class of 2018 has gone on to have a decent career with Mayorkun the winner standing out. Both Maleek Berry and Dice Ailes have enjoyed some level of success albeit their time in the spotlight has been inconsistent.&nbsp;

Johnny Drille has emerged as one of Nigeria's best male vocalists while Zoro is one of the foremost rappers from the East.&nbsp;

<h3>8.&nbsp;Class of 2019&nbsp;</h3>

Nominees: Rema, Lyta, Victor AD, Fireboy DML, Joeboy, and Zlatan Ibile.

How did the nominees fare during the year-in-review: With double successful EPs 'Rema' and 'Bad Commando' Rema was placed favourite for the award. Fireboy was also a favourite with his singles 'Jeaous' and 'What If I Say.' Joeboy had a hit with 'Baby' and Victor AD got in through his hit single 'Wetin You Gain.' Lyta had a good single with 'Monalisa.'

Zlatan had 'Zanku' but chose not to particpate in that award as he believed he was superior to the category.

Winner: Rema won with his singles 'Dumebi,' 'Bad Commando,' and 'Lady.'

The Headies Next Rated class of 2019 has gone on to achieve commendable success with Rema and Fireboy leading the pack.&nbsp;

Fireboy and Rema have become Nigerian superstars who look set and ready to take Afrobeats to the next level. And Joeboy has emerged as an exciting talent who seems destined for the top.&nbsp;

Victor AD and Lyta have enjoyed moderate success but they have not been able to measure up to the level of their fellow nominees.&nbsp;

Nominees: BNXN (Buju), Ruger, Zinoleesky, Ayra Starr

How did the nominees fare during the year-in-review: The 2022 Headies Next Rated category was largely considered a 2 horse race between Dancehall sensation Ruger and Singing sensation BNXN. The rivalry between the duo also added sentimental value to the award with the likelihood of the winner being considered in some quarters to have won the battle.

BNXN has a fantastic 2021 with the release of his impressive solo efforts 'Outside' and 'Testimony'. He also delivered hit collaborations with Savage and Ladipoe before wrapping the year with his debut EP 'Sorry I'm Late'.

Ruger equally enjoyed an impressive 2021 with the release of two EPs 'Pandemic' and 'Second Wave' both of which spurned multiple hit records that rocketed him to the top of the mainstream.

Zinoleesky enjoyed an impressive singles run with 'Kilofeshe', 'Naira Marley', 'Gone Far' and 'Blessings' with Niphkeyz.

Ayra Starr also made her mark with her debut album '19 &amp; Dangerous' which delivered the hit records 'Fashion Killer' and 'Bloody Samaritan'.

Winner: BNXN - 'Outside', Ladipoe's 'Feeling'

All four nominees have continued to stake a claim at the summit of the industry with Ayra Starr rising above her peers as the female face of the Afrobeats to the World movement.

Still only a year since the award, Ayra Starr released a deluxe version of her debut album and delivered the hit record 'Rush'.

BNXN released his sophomore album 'Bad Since '97' which enjoyed decent success.

Zinoleesky released his sophomore EP 'Grit and Lust' which enjoyed impressive success.

Ruger also released the deluxe version of his deluxe EP which spurned the hit single 'Girlfriend' and since then, he has released the chart-topping smash hit 'Asiwaju'.

From all indications, the future is bright for the class of 2022.

<h3>6.&nbsp;Class of 2015</h3>

Reekado Banks, Lil Kesh, Kizz Daniel, Cynthia Morgan, Korede Bello

A year-on-year ranking of the Headies Next Rated category since its inception

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