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Lastest News Nigeria, Politics, Business, Sport, Interview
Lastest News Nigeria, Politics, Business, Sport, Interview
|By Chinwendu Nwani and Comfort Awaji-ikanminsan
Headies Awards organisers have confirmed that the ceremony will leave Nigeria once again, with Canada set to host the 18th edition. The announcement marks another international shift for one of Africa’s biggest music award platforms.
The Headies Awards first moved outside Nigeria in 2022, when the 15th edition was held in Atlanta, United States. However, the ceremony returned to Lagos in 2025 for its 17th edition, restoring its local presence briefly before the latest decision.
Speaking on Monday at “The Big Announcement” event held at Eko Hotels and Suites in Lagos, Headies founder Ayo Animashaun explained that the move to Toronto is driven by cost considerations and strategic planning for the future of the awards.
He said the organisers must make practical decisions to sustain the Headies Awards, stressing that funding remains a major challenge. According to him, the ceremony cannot continue without exploring more economical hosting options abroad.
Animashaun added that although the main event will take place in Toronto, a simultaneous watch party will be held in Lagos. This, he said, will allow Nigerian fans to participate in real time and share in the global celebration of the Headies Awards.
He stated: “So how do we fund it? We will have a watch party in Lagos.” The dual-format approach is expected to bridge the gap between international expansion and local engagement.
Industry stakeholders say the decision reflects the growing global ambition of the awards, even as questions remain about its long-term base.
