The founder of The Headies Awards, Ayo Animashaun, has criticised Nigerian artistes who submit their works for international music awards but fail to enter them for local recognition, only to complain when they are not nominated.
Animashaun expressed his displeasure in a series of posts on his Instagram Story on Thursday, October 15, questioning why some musicians prioritise foreign award platforms while neglecting Nigeria’s own music awards.
“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,” he wrote.
The music executive also faulted what he described as the negative attitude often directed at local entertainment institutions, arguing that Nigerian award organisers do not always receive the same understanding and support given to international platforms.
Drawing from his experience attending the Grammy Awards in Los Angeles, Animashaun said some people he encountered were unaware that the ceremony was taking place, despite the widespread attention it receives in Nigeria.
He also questioned why international artistes can publicly boycott or miss the Grammys without attracting the same level of controversy that Nigerian artistes face when they are unable to attend The Headies for legitimate reasons.
“The toxicity and negativity we direct at our own institutions are troubling,” he stated.
Animashaun maintained that the organisers would continue to pursue their vision for The Headies, provided artistes, sponsors and other stakeholders understood and supported the direction of the awards.
His comments come amid discussions surrounding Nigerian musicians’ submissions for the 2027 Grammy Awards and the postponement of the 18th edition of The Headies, which was initially scheduled for October 23, 2026, in Toronto, Canada, but has now been moved to April 10 and 11, 2027.
The development has renewed conversations about the support given to local award platforms and the importance of recognising Nigerian music and its artistes at home while pursuing international acclaim.
