Nigerian rapper Shallipopi has made it clear he won’t be gracing future editions of the Headies Awards, following a night filled with mixed emotions and apparent frustration at the 17th edition held on April 27, 2025, at the Landmark Event Centre in Lagos.
The rapper, who took home the Best Rap Single award for his hit track “Cast” featuring Odumodublvck, aired his discontent on social media shortly after the event. In a pointed post on X (formerly Twitter), Shallipopi wrote:
“The next one, if una see me, make I bend,”
a statement many fans have taken as his official vow to never attend the Headies again.
While he didn’t specify the exact reason for his decision, Shallipopi’s tone reflected clear dissatisfaction, likely aimed at what many observers have criticized as poor organisation, technical hitches, delayed segments, and a general lack of professionalism during the ceremony.
In a follow-up post, the Benin-born star went even further, suggesting he didn’t even want the Best Rap Single award, stating that the Headies should instead “give it to those considered rappers.”
Shallipopi, who was also in the running for the Next Rated category (eventually won by Odumodublvck), was one of the biggest names at the ceremony, and his public exit from future Headies editions has reignited conversations around the show’s diminishing credibility and ongoing organisational issues.
Despite the controversy, the 17th Headies featured stellar performances from artists like Flavour, KCEE, Qing Madi, Ayo Maff, and international acts Juma Jux and Innoss B. However, with prominent voices like Shallipopi expressing disenchantment, the Headies may need a serious reset to reclaim its place as Nigeria’s most prestigious music award.
