Nigeria’s premier music awards ceremony, The Headies, is packing its bags for North America once again. During a star-studded press event titled “The Big Announcement” held at Eko Hotels and Suites in Lagos, the founder of the awards and CEO of HipTV, Ayo Animashaun, officially revealed that the upcoming 18th edition will take place in Toronto, Canada. The move marks the awards’ third foray outside Nigerian borders, following the 15th and 16th editions held in Atlanta, Georgia, before a brief “Back to Base” return to Lagos for the 17th edition.
Anticipating the inevitable public pushback over hosting a traditionally Nigerian celebration overseas, the organizers unveiled a strategic twist to keep local audiences tightly woven into the experience. The 18th edition will pioneer a simultaneous, interactive dual-city format. While the main stage lights up in Toronto, a live watch party and synchronized interactive show will run concurrently in Lagos, featuring select live award presentations directly from the home front to ensure local fans don’t feel sidelined.
Addressing the financial realities of the decision, Animashaun emphasized that moving international is a necessity for diversifying revenue streams, noting that global entities cannot rely on corporate sponsorships alone. To further expand its economic footprint, this year’s event will introduce the first-ever Headies Trade and Investment Summit, aimed at fostering creative collaborations and funding opportunities between international investors and Nigeria’s booming entertainment sector. Adding a major incentive for rising talent, the organizers partnered with travel company Wakanow to streamline the cross-continental journey, alongside confirmation that the highly coveted Next Rated category winner will take home a brand-new car courtesy of the Cream Platform. Canada’s Deputy High Commissioner to Nigeria, Carlos Rojas-Arbulu, also graced the event, describing the Toronto choice as a natural celebration of the historic wave of Nigerian superstars currently dominating Canadian arenas.
