Oct 15, 2026

Headies Founder Slams Artistes Chasing Grammys Over Local Awards

By Afolabi Olaiya Idowu in entertainment

👁️ loading views...

The founder of The Headies, Ayo Animashaun, has called out Nigerian artistes for prioritizing submissions to international award bodies such as the Grammys while allegedly neglecting the country’s premier music awards.

In Instagram stories posted on Thursday, Animashaun expressed frustration at what he sees as a double standard. “Tom, Dick, and Harry will submit entries to foreign award bodies that don’t even care about them and proudly post about it,” he wrote. “But these same people won’t submit their entries to The Headies, yet they’ll complain about not being nominated. Funny.”

His comments come as several high-profile Nigerian acts, including Davido, Ayra Starr, Tems, Asake, Burna Boy, Rema, and Victony, have submitted projects for consideration at the 69th Grammy Awards scheduled for February 2027.

Davido entered his album Oriadé along with tracks such as “B4 B4” and “Nakupenda,” while others targeted categories including Best African Music Performance.

Animashaun did not name any specific artist or award body in his posts. In a follow-up message, he defended The Headies’ decisions, stating that the organizers would stand by their choices as long as the artistes and sponsors who understand and appreciate the vision continue to support them.

“Everyone is entitled to an opinion, but not every opinion carries equal weight. Posterity will be kind to those who see possibilities before they become obvious,” he added.

The remarks arrive against the backdrop of the postponement of the 18th Headies ceremony. Originally set for 23 October 2026 in Toronto, Canada, the event has been moved to 10 and 11 April 2027.

Organizers said the shift allows time to expand programmes across Nigeria and Canada, including workshops, seminars, industry engagements, and a global trade and investment summit under the theme “Africa to the World.”

Animashaun’s intervention has reignited debate about the balance between local recognition and global ambition in Nigerian music.

While many artistes continue to pursue international platforms, the Headies founder is urging greater participation in the awards that celebrate the industry at home.

The Headies, launched in 2006 as the Hip Hop World Awards, remains one of Nigeria’s most recognized music honour platforms. Whether Animashaun’s call prompts more entries for future editions remains to be seen.