It seems Nigerian Afrobeats star, David Adeleke, popularly known as Davido, is less excited about winning an award at the 17th Headies held at the Landmark Centre, Victoria Island, Lagos.
Unlike Tochukwu Gbubemi Ojogwu, known professionally as Odumodublvck, who has celebrated winning the Next Rated artiste at the Headies, Davido is yet to drop a post about the Headies award or mention the award both on his Instagram page, Insta story, or on X, 24 hours after winning the Digital Artiste of the Year, to show his international audience the importance of the Headies.
Chike Ezekpeazu Osebuka, better known as Chike, is also yet to post about the award after winning double on Sunday, April 26, 2025, night. Chike’s ‘Egwu’ won two prizes: Viewers Choice prize of the Year and Best Music Video.
Nigerian artistes including Davido, Wizkid, and Burnaboy are fond of posting winning the MOBO, BET award, Grammy nomination, but when it comes to indigenous awards, these artistes are often seen not being appreciative or celebrating.
In the aftermath of the recent Grammy Awards, the Nigerian music industry found itself grappling with a mix of frustration and defiance. A record number of Nigerian artistes, such as Burna Boy, Davido, Tems, Asake, Olamide, and Ayra Starr, bagged nominations, marking a significant milestone for Nigerian representation on the global stage.
The celebration was, however, short-lived as each nominee left the ceremony without a trophy. Burna Boy, leading the pack with four nominations, Davido with three, and the rest with one each, all faced the glaring reality of Grammy disappointment.
The sting of this defeat was particularly heartbreaking for Davido, whose remarkable comeback with a touching album came after enduring personal loss. Despite the commercial success and critical acclaim, the Grammy proved elusive. It stirred a collective frustration for Nigerians who anticipated a moment of triumph for one of their own.
The Headies Awards, now in its 17th year, has not been without its controversies. Similar to the Grammy Awards, it has faced criticism, but while the Headies allows fans to influence results through voting, the Grammy operates as a closed academy.
Calls were made to popularize the Headies which has moved from being a Nigerian music award to global recognition, but much has not been achieved as the reality was evident in the last Headies tagged Back to Base.
In the journey toward global recognition, setbacks are unavoidable, but the strength and spirit of the Nigerian music industry remains unshaken. Perhaps, with each disappointment, there emerges a stronger resolve to elevate the craft, indigenous awards, and prove that Nigerian music and awards deserve a place among the world’s musical elite and recognition.
