The organisers of The Headies have announced that the 18th edition of Nigeria’s foremost music awards ceremony will be held in Toronto, Canada, while simultaneously staging a live watch party and selected award presentations in Lagos.
The announcement was made on Monday during “The Big Announcement” event held at Eko Hotels and Suites, Lagos, where Headies founder and HipTV Chief Executive Officer, Ayo Animashaun, unveiled plans to expand the awards’ global footprint without disconnecting from its Nigerian audience.
The Headies was first held outside Nigeria in 2022 when its 15th edition took place in Atlanta, United States. The awards returned to Atlanta in 2023 for the 16th edition, as part of efforts to spotlight the global rise of Afrobeats, before returning to Lagos for the 17th edition in 2025 under the theme “Back to Base.”
Speaking at the ‘Big Announcement’ event, Mr Animashaun said the organisers were committed to ensuring that Nigerian fans remain part of the experience despite the international venue.
“The first thing is that we’re going to Toronto for the 18th Headies. The second thing is that we’re not just going to Toronto; we’re not leaving Nigeria behind. We’re going to have a watch party, we’re going to have a watch show, between Toronto and Lagos. For the first time, we’re having a training and investment summit,” he said.
The media entrepreneur added that the Nigerian creative industry must place greater value on local talent and expertise rather than focusing solely on its shortcomings.
“Every one of you here is trying to do something as an engineer, and your neighbour, your friend, the guy next to you, thinks because you’re just an engineer, it’s not good enough. We want to patronise what is out there. Rather than look for what we’re not doing right, see the things we can do better and support us on this journey,” the 56-year-old stated.
Trade and investment summit
Beyond the awards ceremony, organisers also unveiled the Headies Trade and Investment Summit, the brand’s first-of-its-kind initiative.
The summit is expected to create opportunities for collaboration among the entertainment industry, investors, businesses, and other stakeholders, positioning The Headies as a broader platform for creative and economic development.
Talent exports
Also speaking at the event, Canada’s Deputy High Commissioner to Nigeria, Carlos Rojas-Arbulu, described the decision to host the awards in Toronto as a reflection of the growing global influence of Nigerian music.
“An example of how global Nigerian talent is. And it doesn’t come as a surprise. I say that because my dear friend told me the other day that in 2025, Canada will attract global talent. We have received so many Nigerian artists coming to our country.”
Mr Rojas-Arbulu added that, “Wizkid, Davido, Burna Boy, Olamide, Reekado Banks, Shallipopi, Asake and Ayra Starr have all been to Canada in the last eight months or so, which is, to me, a testament to that platform and that engagement.”
Mr Animashaun also addressed the controversy surrounding the shortage of award plaques during the 17th Headies ceremony, explaining that the organisation encountered problems after changing its plaque supplier.
According to him, the organisers were scammed and supplied with counterfeit plaques that failed to meet the required standards, rendering them unable to distribute them during the ceremony. The Hip TV CEO acknowledged the disappointment the incident caused and offered further clarification on the circumstances behind the mishap.
Highlights
The event also featured a panel discussion titled “Afrobeats Without Borders,” where Aisha Mumuni, Yinka Adebayo and Bayo Adedeji examined the global growth and cultural impact of Afrobeats.
Music performances, including one by rapper Magnito, entertained guests throughout the evening.
Among personalities in attendance were Kcee, Yaw, Deyemi Okanlawon, Abike Dabiri-Erewa, Daddy Freeze, Candy Bleakz, Legendary Tee A and other industry stakeholders.
With Toronto announced as the host city for the 18th edition, the organisers say the awards will continue to strengthen their international presence while maintaining strong ties to Nigeria through local participation and new industry-focused initiatives.