Headies goes to USA for 15th edition

As the Afrobeats scene continues to take the centre stage in global music, organisers of the prominent national music award, The Headies, have announced that the 15th edition of the award would be hosted in Atlanta, United States.

Making the announcement, on Tuesday, at the Eko Hotels in Lagos, the organisers also said that this year the award, which would be held at the COBB Energy Performing Arts Center, on Saturday July 2, 2022, is in partnership with the US Consulate.

The United State consulate said that it takes pride in partnering with the awards platform, because it will create positive employment opportunities for Americans.

“We are very proud to see Nigeria and its relationship with the United States. This is the year for Nigeria with arts and cultures, music, film and even sports. Three Grammy winners in Nigeria… I’m sure it’s going to attract American talents as well,” a representative from the Consulate said.

This year would also see the Headies dole out a brand new 2022 Bentley Bentayga, which is valued at over N78 million, to the winner of the glamourous Next Rated category. The winners of previous editions had been gifted with SUVs, with Rema picking up the GAC Sports Utility Vehicle, last year.

Interestingly, the award also introduces new categories including Music Executive of The Year, Best Afrobeat Pop Single & Album, Best African Collaboration, Best International Collaboration, African Artiste of the Year, and International Artiste of the Year, respectively.

The Headies, originally called The Hip-Hop World Awards, began in 2006, to recognize and reward talents across Nigeria’s music industry. Broadcast live across the country, on the HipTV Platform, the Headies has helped to spotlight deserving talents, from Wizkid, to Burna Boy, to Davido, Tiwa Savage, among others, from their early breakout stages till date.