The Headies is the most prestigious award show in the Nigerian Music industry, and they even call it the “Nigerian Grammy.”
And for real, it was, for many years. It was every artist’s Holy Grail. But in the past few years, the stories have been different as the show’s cred has gone downhill.
Starting in 2015, when Olamide went dramatic on The Headies stage, claiming Lil Kesh, his then protege, was supposed to win the “Next Rated” award. Don Jazzy, whose boy, Reekado Banks, won, also came to the stage returning a savage comment to Baddo. It was a crazy fight, as people, fans, took sides.
It was settled and it didn’t affect Olamide or Don Baba J, no. But in 2016, The Headies show suffered a celebrity boycott, as the most important people in the industry didn’t appear. Tekno also rejected the Next Rated nomination that year, and it all got controversial. Thanks to Wizkid and Mr Eazi, who won big, that year the show wasn’t really a big flop.
But the year that followed? Headies? Nowhere to be found. Maybe some sponsors backed out? Or something happened. Oh, no. Whatever it is, it was a disaster. A comeback in 2018 happened and although the show had low ratings, well we’re still thankful for having the Headies back.
This year, though, when the nominees’ list was announced, seemed like the most promising one. Like maybe it could be the best we’ve had in half a decade. There was Teni, Burna Boy, and then a crazy collection of mad new talents on the “Next Rated” list. Rema, Fireboy, Zlatan, Victor AD, Joeboy and Lyta seemed like quite a close fight. So, yeah, we thought this might just be the year we enjoy the Headies.
Funny thing is, the hype was up and people barely noticed that Wizkid was going to have a show, in London. Until yesterday, and we saw that all the big artists were out in O2 to support Wizkid. Not just big artists, even next rated’s.
Starboy Fest had such an ensemble cast that if it was possible, no one would attend The Headies. Olamide, Tiwa Savage, Maleek Berry, Reekado Banks, Fireboy, Terri, Oxlade, Don Jazzy, Nafe Smallz. And that’s not even all. Popular street hop artist, Naira Marley, was there, too. In short, everyone in the industry that matters was there, last night.
It’s understandable. Who doesn’t want to be part of history, as this isn’t the first time Wizkid will be having a sold-out show at O2. But, that doesn’t happen every day. Only a few have been able to pull it off, in the past. And it’s a big plus for the industry. He wasn’t going to win “Artist of the Year” at the Headies though. But he could win at something else.
He didn’t only shut down London. Durrh. He ripped off the glory of The Headies, as the show reduced to a show of Big Brother Naija Housemates and Teni. Except for the multiple awards that Teni won, and the fact that Rema emerged “Next Rated”, nothing at the Headies 2019 seems that interesting. Because of one man. Wizkid. No cap!