Ayo Animashaun Slams Nigerian Artists for Snubbing Local Awards

Headies founder Ayo Animashaun criticises Nigerian artists for entering foreign awards while ignoring local competitions and complaining about nominations

The founder of The Headies Awards, Ayo Animashaun, has criticised Nigerian artists who submit their music to foreign award bodies but fail to enter local competitions, accusing some of complaining about nomination snubs despite not submitting their work.

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Animashaun expressed his frustration in a post on his Instagram Story, arguing that some musicians actively seek recognition from international awards while overlooking opportunities offered by Nigerian organisers.

He also faulted artists who complain about missing out on nominations for The Headies despite not submitting entries for consideration.

“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.

His comments have reignited discussion about the relationship between Nigerian musicians and local award platforms, particularly as artists increasingly seek international recognition.

Several Nigerian musicians, including Davido, Ayra Starr, Tems, Asake, Burna Boy, Rema and Victony, have reportedly submitted entries for consideration for nominations at the 2027 Grammy Awards.

However, submitting an entry does not guarantee a nomination, as award bodies determine their nominees through their respective selection processes.

Meanwhile, organisers of The Headies recently postponed the 18th edition of the ceremony, which was initially scheduled for October 23, 2026.

The event is now expected to hold on April 10 and 11, 2027, in Toronto, Canada.

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

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Animashaun’s remarks place renewed attention on the importance of participation in local award schemes as Nigerian music continues to gain international visibility.