The much-anticipated 17th Headies Awards have come and gone, celebrating Nigerian music’s finest with winners like Davido, the late Mohbad, Odumodublvck, Qing Madi, London, Director Pink, and more.
Yet, amidst the accolades and the other positives from the 1st Headies event held in Nigeria in three years, a recurring issue persists: the conspicuous absence of most of Nigeria’s A-list artists from the ceremony.
Established in 2006, The Headies have long been a cornerstone of Nigeria’s music industry, recognising and celebrating artistic excellence. However, recent editions have been ‘watered-down’ by many issues, including and especially the nonattendance of major artists.
At least three of the biggest musicians in the world are Nigerians, and I cannot remember the last time Burna Boy, Wizkid, and Davido were all at The Headies on the same night, especially since the Afrobeats Boom of the late 2010s.
Some of their stans and keypad warriors on social media seem to believe this is testament to the awards’ relevance, but it only raises questions about the commitment of our leading artists to the local music scene that made them. The Nigerian media that platforms them and continues to give them a voice gets the same poor treatment as do Nigerian promoters, agents, and even fans.
Charity begins at home. Why should shutting down the O2 Arena or the Stade de France and the global recognition that comes with such feats negate the importance of honouring one’s roots?
Whereas such accomplishments should, in my view, serve as opportunities to pull the industry up and work with stakeholders to build our own platforms and institutions that could end up competing with what exists elsewhere.
Since its inception, The Headies has consistently provided a platform to celebrate Nigerian music’s diversity and evolution. While they are not faultless, the organisers have made commendable efforts to elevate the awards, including hosting previous editions abroad to gain international exposure.
Yet, the essence of the Headies lies in its Nigerian identity. Bringing the ceremony back to Lagos for the 17th edition was a step in the right direction, but without the support and attendance of our top artists, the last surviving music awards risk losing its significance.
I will not be surprised if, after the embarrassing edition of Sunday, April 27, the producers decide they can no longer afford to put up a show. The collective objective should be how to make the headies better, how to resurrect the comatose ones like SMVAs, MAMAs, and others, not killing the last man standing.
It’s time for our superstar musicians and their minders to recognise the value of our own platforms and actively participate in uplifting the industry that nurtured their talents.
The Headies still matter. Let’s ensure they continue to do so by showing up, celebrating our own, and keeping the spirit of Nigerian music alive.
