Ayo Animashaun, the creator of the Headies Award, has mocked Nigerian musicians for their fixation with international honors.
He vented on social media about how they rush to submit entries to foreign award organizations that don’t even give a damn, post about it with pride, but refuse to submit to the Headies and then whine about not getting nominated.
“They can stand firmly by their decisions as long as those who benefit from the Headies appreciate it, the artists see reasons to take it to the moon, and their sponsors see the vision,” he said.
Animashaun pointed out that while everyone has the right to express their opinions, not all of them are equally valid.
“Tom, Dick, and Harry will submit entries to foreign award bodies that don’t even care about them and proudly post about it.
“But these same people won’t submit their entries to the Headies, yet they’ll complain about not being nominated.
Funny!!!
“As long as those who benefit from what we do understand and appreciate it, the artistes understand why taking The Headies to the moon sometimes is the right move, and our sponsors see the vision, we can stand firmly by our decisions. Everyone is entitled to an opinion, but not every opinion carries equal weight.
“Posterity will be kind to those who see possibilities before they become obvious. I’ve attended the Grammys before, and people I met in LA didn’t even know the ceremony was happening.
Meanwhile, everyone back home knew about it.
“Why is it no big deal when a top US artist publicly boycotts the Grammys, yet it becomes a major controversy when a Nigerian artiste cannot attend The Headies for a legitimate reason?
“Ten toxīcity and negativity we direct at our own institutions are troubling.
Why do we often receive our strongest support and warmest reception abroad?
And why does the support from our own people seem to grow once we take what we do beyond our shores?”
Ayo Animashaun’s comments are a reminder that Nigerian artistes should support homegrown award shows like The Headies. Rather than overlooking local platforms, they should appreciate and embrace them as an important way to celebrate Nigerian music, recognise local talent and strengthen the industry.
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Rose Ajieh
