Nigerian media character Adedotun Kayode, popularly often known as Do2dtun, and The Headies founder Ayo Animashaun have exchanged accusations on social media over the music awards’ choice to carry its subsequent ceremony in Canada.
The disagreement centres on whether or not Nigerian music awards ought to stay within the nation to serve the native leisure business, with Do2dtun questioning The Headies’ transfer overseas and Animashaun alleging that the broadcaster’s criticism stems from a failed request for assist securing a United States visa.
The trade started when Do2dtun questioned why the Grammy Awards had by no means been taken exterior the United States, utilizing the worldwide ceremony to problem the choice to host The Headies overseas.
He argued that native awards ought to construct their credibility across the business they signify, pointing to the Africa Magic Viewers’ Choice Awards (AMVCA) for example of a homegrown ceremony.
“AMVCA is an example. Why hasn’t it lost its credibility? This is for why. It’s homegrown; it services the purpose for what it is for; it is built around an institution not a person and its consistent in its delivery,” he wrote.
Do2dtun added that award ceremonies ought to function independently of the private preferences of their organisers, arguing that their credibility is vital to attracting manufacturers and sustaining business help.
In response, Animashaun challenged the broadcaster to organise another awards ceremony relatively than criticise The Headies.
He additionally questioned Do2dtun’s motives, alleging that the broadcaster had beforehand contacted him privately for help with securing a United States visa to attend an occasion overseas.
“U criticise D Headies 4 goin abroad, yet slide into my DM asking me 2 help U attend Bcuz U want a visa. when I can’t help, U bcom even more bitter & criticize. So, is it really about Headies, or UR personal interests? Hypocrisy at its finest!. Awards U didn’t attend in Naij,” Animashaun wrote.
Do2dtun rejected the allegation, insisting that his criticism was concerning the music business relatively than a private grievance or an try to get hold of a visa.
He mentioned he had travelled to the United States earlier than and that his daughters had been born there. He additionally challenged Animashaun to establish the one that allegedly approached him for help.
The broadcaster maintained that his issues had been concerning the position of The Headies within the Nigerian leisure business and accused the awards founder of constructing the disagreement private.
He additional argued that criticism of the ceremony shouldn’t be interpreted as hostility in direction of its founder, insisting that the awards must be judged by their contribution to the tradition relatively than the individual organising them.
The dispute comes as The Headies prepares for its 18th version, which organisers have postponed from October 23, 2026, to April 10 and 11, 2027, in Toronto, Canada.
In a press release printed on its official Instagram web page, the organisers mentioned the revised schedule would enable them to increase actions in Nigeria and Canada forward of the principle ceremony.
The awards returned to Nigeria in 2024 after two consecutive editions within the United States. The fifteenth and sixteenth editions had been held on the Cobb Energy Performing Arts Center in Atlanta, Georgia.
Established in 2006, The Headies recognises achievements within the Nigerian music business and has turn out to be one of many continent’s distinguished music award ceremonies.
Ademide Adebayo
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