The nominations for this year’s Headies Awards in Nigeria have been revealed ahead of the main event on July 2nd.
This year’s awards will recognize great performers in more than 30 categories, including those that have been freshly selected, such as Best Afrobeat Pop Single (Nigeria), Best Afrobeat Pop Album (Nigeria), Best African Collaboration, and Best International Collaboration. New categories include African Artist of the Year, International Artist of the Year, and Music Executive of the Year.
With the award’s expansion outside of Nigeria’s borders to one of the world’s most important music capitals, Atlanta, USA, this year’s nominees have been broadened to include additional African areas and artists. This has increased the number of Award categories from 26 to 35, with a total of 118 nominees, 27 of whom are from outside of Africa, including Benin Republic, Tanzania, Rwanda, DR Congo, Cameroon, Carpe Verde, Kenya, Egypt, Tunisia, Morrocco, Algeria, South Africa, Mali, Mozambique, Sao Tome and Principe, and Ghana.
Wizkid leads the nominations with ten, followed by a tie of eight nominations between first-time candidate Ayra Starr and returning ‘Next Rated’ nominee Tems in 2021. Davido of DMW is next with seven nominations, followed by Adekunle Gold of YBNL. With six nominations, YBNL Record Label Boss and Pop Singer Olamide, his prodigy Fireboy, and Brymo follow with YBNL Record Label Boss and Pop Singer Olamide, his prodigy Fireboy, and Brymo. Five nominations each for Ladipoe, Lojay, and BNXN. Vector, Sarz, A-Q, and Blaqbonez are all tied for second place with four nominations apiece.
Ghanaian artists Gyakie, Nektunez, and Amaarae have been nominated in the regional and continental categories.
Hip Hop World Magazine launched the yearly scheme in 2006 to honor absolutely brilliant artists and music professionals in Nigeria’s entertainment business. It is presently in its 15th year. The ceremony will be held in the Cobb Energy Performing Arts Centre in Atlanta this year, marking the first time the event has been held outside of Nigeria.