Here We Go Again: Snubs, Surprises, and the Road to Reform at the 17th Headies Awards

The announcement of the 17th Headies Awards nominations has once again ignited conversations across Nigeria’s vibrant music industry. While award shows are no strangers to controversy, this year’s nominations have drawn attention for notable omissions, execution challenges, and the broader implications for the industry.

One of the primary criticisms of the 17th Headies is the omission of several high-impact songs, albums, and producers that defined the eligibility period (April 1, 2023 – July 31, 2024). Songs like Asake’s Lonely At The Top and Odumodublvck’s Blood On The Dance Floor were conspicuously absent from key categories, despite their commercial and critical success. Similarly, producers such as P. Priime and Blaise Beatz, whose work significantly shaped the soundscape of the past year, were overlooked.

The Recurring Issue of Delayed Execution

The Headies has historically struggled with maintaining a consistent calendar, often leading to complications in determining eligibility and evaluating impact. Unlike international award bodies such as the Grammys or the Billboard Music Awards, which have well-defined cycles, the Headies’ fluctuating timeline has led to confusion and, in some cases, unfair exclusions. For example, Omah Lay’s Moving received a nomination despite being released outside the eligibility window, while Phyno’s Full Time Job was initially listed but later removed following backlash. Such inconsistencies weaken the credibility of the awards and raise concerns about transparency.

Are the Right Criteria Being Applied?

A critical discussion point surrounding the Headies nominations is the selection criteria. While some categories seem to favor mainstream commercial success, others lean toward critical acclaim or industry influence. However, this inconsistency creates disparities in who gets nominated and who gets overlooked.

For instance, the Best Collaboration category included mainstream hits such as Twe Twe Remix by Kizz Daniel and Davido, but overlooked Poe by BNXN and Ruger, a song that dominated playlists and radio waves. Similarly, Kcee’s Ojapiano, one of the defining Afrobeats tracks of the year, was absent from the Afrobeats Single of the Year category, despite its massive influence on the genre’s fusion with Amapiano.

The Impact of Snubs on Artist Morale and Industry Trust

Snubs in major award categories have a significant impact not only on artists but also on their fans, record labels, and industry stakeholders. Recognition at a prestigious award show can serve as a career boost, influencing streaming numbers, booking fees, and brand endorsements. When deserving artists and projects are omitted, it raises questions about whether personal biases, industry politics, or structural inefficiencies are at play.

A prime example is the Artiste of the Year category, which included powerhouses like Davido, Rema, and Burna Boy but excluded Seyi Vibez and Kizz Daniel, two artists who dominated charts and headlined major events in Nigeria. Given that these omissions go beyond just one or two categories, they suggest systemic gaps in the nomination process that need to be addressed.

What the Headies Needs to Do Differently

1. The current system, where eligibility periods are inconsistently enforced, creates confusion and leads to the exclusion of deserving artists. A fixed calendar year approach, similar to global awards, would provide clarity and fairness.

   
   

2. The criteria for selection should be clearly communicated to artists and industry stakeholders. If commercial success, artistic quality, and cultural impact are all considered, the weighting of these factors should be made explicit.

   
   

3. The prolonged gaps between award editions affect credibility. The Headies must streamline its operations to ensure timely nomination announcements and event execution.

   
   

4. Including more industry experts from different sectors—music executives, producers, journalists, and international collaborators—would help create a well-rounded nomination process that better reflects the industry’s diversity.

   
   

5. The removal of categories such as Alternative/Traditional Song and Album is a disservice to the broad spectrum of Nigerian music. Recognizing niche genres will further promote the depth and richness of the country’s music scene.

   
   
   
   

   Let’s be clear! The Headies continued relevance depends on its ability to adapt, evolve, and address the concerns of artists and fans alike. By embracing a more structured, transparent, and inclusive approach, the Headies can elevate itself to the global standards that Nigerian music already commands. As the industry continues to grow, so too must its premier award show. The time for reform is now.