The Executive Producer of the Headies Awards, Ayo Animashaun, has expressed concerns over the growing preference for the Grammys among Nigerian music fans, stating that the global award show now enjoys more recognition in Nigeria than the local Headies Awards.
In a recent interview with Channels Television, Animashaun lamented the overwhelming attention given to the Grammys while the Headies, which has celebrated Nigerian music for nearly two decades, struggles to maintain relevance.
“The Grammys is more popular in the streets of Lagos and in Nigeria than it is in America,” he said, highlighting how Nigerians passionately support foreign awards while overlooking their own.
He also pointed out the lack of reciprocity, noting that the foreign music industry does not extend the same recognition or enthusiasm toward Nigerian award platforms.
Animashaun, who founded Hip Hop World Magazine and later established HIP TV, emphasized the need for government support to help the Nigerian creative industry reach its full potential.
The Headies’ Challenges and Its Return to Nigeria
Since its inception in 2006 as the Hip Hop World Awards, the Headies has remained a key platform for celebrating Nigerian talent. However, it has faced several challenges in recent years.
Due to financial constraints, the awards skipped its 2024 edition, and the 2022 and 2023 ceremonies were held in the United States. Animashaun admitted that hosting the event annually has become economically unsustainable, which led to a gap year.
Despite these struggles, the Headies is set to return to Nigeria for its 17th edition on April 5, 2025, following the recent announcement of its nominations list.
As the event approaches, conversations around supporting local award shows continue to gain traction, with many urging Nigerians to value and celebrate their own music industry achievements just as much as they do international ones.
