Gone are the days when The Headies Awards (originally called the Hip Hop World Awards) meant something, not just to artistes, record labels, and the entire Nigerian music industry, but also the fans.

  Once the pinnacle of recognition in the Nigerian music industry, as it was dubbed the Nigerian version of the Grammys; it has lost its luster. What was once a celebration of prestige, competition, and excellence has devolved into an event where attendance is sparse and winners don’t even bother to acknowledge their awards.

  For instance, the ‘Next Rated’ category used to be the most anticipated. It wasn’t just an award; it was a career-defining moment for many of the winners including, OdumoduBlvck (2024), Asake (2023), BNXN (2022), Omah Lay (2020), Rema (2019), Mayorkun (2017), Mr Eazi (2016), Reekado Banks (2015), Patoranking (2014), Sean Tizzle (2013), Davido (2012), Wizkid (2011), Skuki (2010), Omawumi (2009), Wande Coal (2008), Overdose (2007), and Asa (2006).
This was why artistes, their labels, promoters, and fans would campaign aggressively for it. That’s how much it meant.

  In fact, the desperation to win it once sparked one of the most talked about moments in the Nigerian music industry history — the clash between Olamide and Don Jazzy in 2015 — when Reekado Banks, then a Mavin Records artiste, won the category over Lil Kesh, then a signee of Olamide led YBNL Records, who was seen to be the more deserving winner.

  This development saw Olamide storm the stage in protest, and Don Jazzy responded minutes later. The drama shook the industry and, according to many, marked the beginning of The Headies’ decline.

  The absence of big-name artistes such as Wizkid, Burna Boy at this year’s award —the 17th edition— with the theme ‘Back to Base’ speaks volumes. Of the ‘Big 3’, only Davido who won ‘Artiste of the Year’ was present.

   Notwithstanding his winning of the highly coveted category, he has refused to publicly acknowledge or celebrate the award on any of his social media handles. Even Chike, who won two awards on the night—the ‘Viewers’ Choice’ and ‘Best Music Video’— hasn’t mentioned the Headies at all in any of his social media posts. This has sparked conversations among Nigerians.

   Olamide, one of the most consistent hitmakers and successful label bosses in Nigeria, was absent. He was reportedly spotted at another event the same night, leaving many to wonder if he consciously chose to prioritise something else over what is supposed to be Nigeria’s ‘most prestigious music award.’

  In previous years, such victories dominated timelines and proudly showcased by the artistes. Their silence only adds to the narrative that The Headies no longer carry the prestige it once did.

  Even worse was the general attendance. An event meant to honour Nigeria’s finest in music was filled mostly with Nollywood actors, skit makers, and influencers. Of course, these people are part of pop culture, but their dominance at the music award ceremony only reinforced the growing feeling that the actual musicians no longer see The Headies as worth their time.

  Highlight of the embarrassing moments of this year’s ceremony was nominees going home without the awards they won. Shalipopi who won the ‘Best Rap Single’ category was also met with a handshake.

   The singer made a point of thanking everyone but the organisers he refused when giving his speech. Taking to his X (formerly twitter) handle the next day, he wrote: “The next one, if una see me, make I bend,” which basically means “I’m not coming to the next one.”

  The Headies decline didn’t get here overnight; the issues have been building up for years. From controversial winners and inconsistent organisation to hosting some editions in the United States, which many saw as abandoning the Nigerian audience.

  Many Nigerians are now of the opinion that The Headies may have run its course, the industry needs a new award body to take its place, a platform that artistes will actually respect and show up for. Something fresh, credible, and reflective of the growth of Nigerian music is what is needed.