Headies Founder Ayo Animashaun Criticises Nigerian Artists Over Local Award Submissions

The founder of The Headies Awards, Ayo Animashaun, has criticised Nigerian musicians who submit their work to international award bodies but fail to enter local award competitions.

Animashaun expressed displeasure with artists who seek recognition from foreign awards, which he claimed showed little interest in them, while overlooking Nigerian award platforms.

He also faulted musicians who complain about being excluded from local award nominations despite not submitting their works for consideration.

In a post shared on his Instagram Story, the Headies founder wrote: “Tom, Dick and Harry will submit entries to foreign award bodies that don’t even care about them and proudly post about it. But these same people won’t submit their entries to the Headies, yet they’ll complain about not being nominated. Funny..”

His comments come amid preparations for the 2027 Grammy Awards, for which several Nigerian artists, including Davido, Ayra Starr, Tems, Asake, Burna Boy, Rema and Victony, reportedly submitted entries for consideration.

Meanwhile, organisers of The Headies Awards have postponed the 18th edition of the ceremony to April 10 and 11, 2027, in Toronto, Canada.

The event was initially scheduled to take place on October 23, 2026.

According to the organisers, the postponement will allow them to expand programmes across Nigeria and Canada, including workshops, seminars, industry engagements and a global trade and investment summit.

Animashaun’s remarks have brought renewed attention to the participation of Nigerian musicians in local award schemes and the importance of submitting eligible works for consideration.