“Back our own honors,” Nigeria’s Grammy obsession is criticized by the Headies creator.
Ayo Animashaun, the creator of The Headies awards, has expressed concern about Nigerians’ increasing fixation on the Grammy Awards and called for more funding for regional music venues.
“Grammy is more popular on the streets of Lagos in Nigeria than it is now in America,” Animashaun said in a Wednesday interview on Channels Television. Kilode gan, for heaven’s sake, we have our own.
“We genuinely believe they care about us, but wake up—they don’t,” Animashaun continued. Now that we’re popular, they’re nominating us, and everyone in the nation is talking about it.
“I didn’t attend the Grammys this year. I attended the American Music Awards, BET, World Music Awards, Oscars, MTV—you name it, I’ve been there many times.
Some of the people I speak with in those cities are unaware that the events are taking place. However, we in Nigeria are more familiar with their honors than they are. We continue to hype things that aren’t ours. We will continue to promote their industry and honors, and they will support theirs. Who will back ours, then? Furthermore, I’m not merely referring to the Headies here.
While global recognition is important, he emphasized that local industry stakeholders should put more emphasis on showcasing and supporting domestic talent and programs like the Headies.
“We continue to embrace things that are not ours while ignoring our own. He added, “Bring theirs and place it next to ours and see if it’s less valuable. The Headies plaque is 21-karat gold-plated with copper.”
Animashaun also talked about the difficulties in managing the prizes, emphasizing the lack of corporate and governmental backing.
He was upbeat, nevertheless, about the government’s and the newly appointed Minister of Creative Economy’s growing interest in Nigeria’s creative industry.
Originally known as the Hip Hop World Awards in 2006, the Headies have developed into one of Nigeria’s most well-known music awards ceremonies.
The 2025 edition will take place in December of this year, while the 2024 edition will take place in April.
Temilade Openiyi, a Nigerian artist better known by her stage name Tems, took home the 2025 Grammy Award for Best African Music Performance.
In 2024, the Best African Music Performance category was created.
