For the first time in the history of Nigeria’s prestigious music award, The Headies, the ceremony was hosted in Atlanta, USA. While some Nigerians expressed their displeasure toward the development, the organisers of the award have explained the reason behind their decision.
A month after the 15th edition of the award ceremony, Ayo Animashaun, founder of The Headies award in an interview with CNN African Voices stated why the award ceremony was held outside the shores of Nigeria.
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He said Atlanta was particularly selected as the venue for the award ceremony because it is the “black entertainment capital of the world”.
The entertainment entrepreneur also disclosed that if The Headies ceremony went on to take place in Nigeria, several Nigerian artistes might never get the “global recognition they deserve”
Animashaun said, “The award is as big as it gets. Where we are from, we want the world to see it. If it continues to happen in our backyard, you are not going to see them(the artistes). I am scared that some of the most talented guys we have will never hit the limelight.
“Atlanta is the black entertainment capital of the world, especially in terms of recognition. We want a different space where these guys can breathe and we want a mixed audience. We are just beginning. We want to show some of them to the world for the world to see how talented Afrobeats artistes are and for them to see beyond the names they already know.”
The headies 15th edition took place on the 4th of September 2022 at Cobb Energy Performing Art Center in Atlanta, Georgia United States.
Star boy, Wizkid led the nominations with 10 followed by Tems and Ayra star with eight nominations.
