The founder of The Headies Awards, Ayo Animashaun, has criticised Nigerian musicians for prioritising foreign award schemes over local recognition, despite failing to submit their works for consideration at home.
Animashaun voiced his frustration in a post on his Instagram Story on Thursday, October 15, accusing some artistes of seeking nominations from international award organisers while neglecting Nigeria’s major music awards.
He also questioned the complaints of musicians who accuse The Headies of overlooking them, despite not submitting their works for consideration.
“Tom, Dick and Harry will submit entries to foreign award bodies that don’t even care about them and proudly post about it. But these same people won’t submit their entries to the Headies, yet they’ll complain about not being nominated. Funny, ” he wrote.
His remarks come as several Nigerian artistes, including Davido, Ayra Starr, Tems, Asake, Burna Boy, Rema and Victony, have submitted their works for consideration ahead of the 2027 Grammy Awards.
The comments have renewed attention on the relationship between Nigerian musicians and local award platforms, particularly amid growing international recognition for Afrobeats and other Nigerian music genres.
Meanwhile, the organisers of The Headies have postponed the 18th edition of the awards ceremony to April 10 and 11, 2027, in Toronto, Canada.
The event was originally scheduled for October 23, 2026.
According to the organisers, the postponement will provide an opportunity to broaden activities in Nigeria and Canada, with plans for workshops, seminars, industry engagements and a global trade and investment summit.
The expanded programme is expected to strengthen industry connections and create additional opportunities for participants across both countries.
