In 2006, Nigerian hip hop was growing fast, but there were few serious awards to recognise it. Ayo Animashaun, publisher of Hip Hop World magazine, decided to create one. The Hip Hop World Awards, later renamed the Headies, became the most closely watched music awards in Nigeria. Winning a Headie, especially the Next Rated prize for new artists, is now seen as a milestone in any Nigerian musician’s career.
The founder and the categories
Ayo Animashaun founded Hip Hop World magazine and Smooth Promotions, and launched the awards to celebrate Nigerian music beyond the established genres. The awards were rebranded as the Headies, a name that became familiar to every Nigerian music fan. The awards cover categories such as Album of the Year, Song of the Year, Best Rap Single, Best R&B Single, Producer of the Year and Artiste of the Year.
The Next Rated award goes to a promising new artist. Many winners, including Wizkid, Davido and others, went on to major careers, which gave the prize a reputation for spotting future stars.
Controversies, Atlanta and the ceremony
Like most awards, the Headies have faced complaints about nominations, voting and snubs. Some artists have publicly criticised results. In 2022, the Headies held their ceremony in Atlanta in the United States, a move meant to reach the diaspora and international industry, though it drew criticism at home. The awards nights feature performances by top artists, red carpet fashion and celebrity hosts.
Winning a Headie can boost an artist’s bookings and media attention. As Afrobeats became global, the Headies grew to include more genres and artists from across Africa.
Rival awards and host cities
The Headies compete for attention with other awards, including continental ones such as the AFRIMA and international awards such as the Grammys. The magazine that gave the awards their first name chronicled Nigerian hip hop in its early years, interviewing artists who later became global stars and helping build an audience for the genre. Most ceremonies have been held in Lagos, the centre of Nigeria’s music industry, with large audiences of artists, executives and fans.
The Headies began as a hip hop magazine’s way of honouring a young genre. They now help decide which young Nigerian artists the rest of the world hears about next.
