Headies Makes Surprising Move as Organisers Unveil New Venue for 18th Edition
- The Headies organisers have unveiled a surprising destination for the 18th edition of Nigeria’s biggest music awards
- • Founder Ayo Animashaun explained why the prestigious ceremony is looking beyond Nigeria for its next chapter
- • A major travel brand has joined the project, with promises of a unique experience for fans and industry stakeholders
The organisers of The Headies Awards have unveiled plans to host the 18th edition of the award ceremony outside.
At a press briefing held in Victoria Island, Lagos, on Monday, June 15, the founder of The Headies, Ayo Animashaun, announced that the 18th edition of the award ceremony will take place in Toronto, Canada.
Legit.ng recalls that the awards returned to Nigeria in 2024 following two consecutive editions in the United States.
Source: Instagram
Speaking during the event, Animashaun explained that the move is part of a broader vision to position The Headies among globally recognised award platforms.
According to him, successful international award ceremonies thrive on multiple streams of revenue and strong institutional support.
He pointed to the Grammy Awards as an example, noting that host cities often compete to attract such events because of the economic benefits they bring.
“Most awards in the world that you see that are big have four or five sources of revenue. Here we have only one, everybody talks about sponsorship,” he said.
Animashaun added that events like the Grammys have become part of the cultural identity of their host cities and countries, making them valuable beyond entertainment.
The Headies founder also disclosed that travel company Wakanow has partnered with the organisers for the upcoming edition.
According to him, the collaboration will offer fans, nominees, and industry stakeholders an experience unlike anything previously seen in the history of the awards.
“We have a partner going with us to give a never-before-seen experience from Lagos to Toronto, and the partner is Wakanow,” he stated.
Although the organisers did not announce the official date for the ceremony, the revelation has already generated discussions among music enthusiasts eager to see what the Canadian edition will offer.
The award ceremony first expanded beyond Nigeria in 2022 when the 15th edition was hosted at the Cobb Energy Performing Arts Centre in Atlanta, Georgia.
The 16th edition also took place at the same venue before the organisers brought the awards back home in 2024.
Since its establishment in 2006, The Headies has evolved into one of the most influential platforms recognising excellence in Nigerian and African music.
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The highlight of Annie's presence at the Headies was during a self-introduction on stage.
The actress, in a trending video on stage, had almost introduced herself as Annie Idibia before swiftly correcting herself.
Source: Instagram
Why Ayra reportedly refused to attend Headies
Meanwhile, Legit.ng reported that Yaw recounted how Ayra Starr, also known as Sabi Girl, refused to attend the Headies Awards despite the organisers reaching out to her.
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Yaw made this known while reacting to how no Nigerian musician bagged an award at the 2024 Grammys despite attending the event.
According to Yaw, Ayra Starr was in New York when Headies boss Ayo Animashaun invited her to attend and receive her award, which she refused.
Source: Legit.ng
