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The organisers of the Headies Awards have confirmed that the 18th edition of the prestigious music awards will be held in Canada, marking another international relocation for Nigeria’s biggest music award platform.
The announcement was made on Monday during a media event tagged “The Big Announcement” held at Eko Hotels and Suites in Lagos, where key stakeholders in the entertainment industry gathered to hear updates about the future direction of the awards.
According to the organisers, the decision to host the ceremony in Toronto, Canada, was influenced largely by financial considerations and the need to sustain the long-running award platform amid rising production costs.
The Headies, which was established to celebrate outstanding achievements in the Nigerian music industry, has in recent years expanded its reach beyond the country. The awards were previously held in Atlanta, United States, in 2022 for its 15th edition before returning to Lagos in 2025 for the 17th edition.
Explaining the rationale behind the latest move, Headies founder Ayo Animashaun said the decision was not taken lightly but was necessary to ensure the continuity and quality of the awards show.
He noted that the cost of staging a world-class production in Nigeria has become increasingly difficult, especially when compared to the level of funding and sponsorship opportunities available in international locations.
During his address, Animashaun responded to criticisms from those questioning why the awards were leaving Nigeria again.
“Someone said, Ayo, you are taking the Headies out of the country again, he said it doesn’t make sense. Tell me what makes sense. Does it make sense for us not to do it anymore?” he said.
He further explained that the financial realities behind organising such a large-scale event necessitated exploring alternative locations where logistics, sponsorship, and production support could be more feasible.
“So how do we fund it? We will have a watch party in Lagos,” he added, noting that efforts would still be made to ensure Nigerian audiences remain part of the experience despite the physical relocation of the ceremony.
The organisers also revealed that fans in Nigeria will not be completely left out, as a dedicated viewing event will be organised in Lagos, where portions of the award ceremony will be streamed live for local audiences.
This approach, they say, is aimed at maintaining engagement with the Nigerian audience while also expanding the global footprint of the Headies brand.
Over the years, the Headies Awards has grown to become one of Africa’s most recognised music award platforms, honouring top artists, producers, and industry contributors. It has played a significant role in showcasing Afrobeats to the global stage and celebrating the genre’s rapid international rise.
However, the decision to move the event abroad once again has sparked mixed reactions among fans and industry stakeholders, with some expressing concern over the growing trend of hosting major Nigerian entertainment events outside the country.
Despite the debate, organisers maintain that the move is strategic and necessary for the long-term sustainability of the awards.
The 18th edition is expected to feature top African music stars, international guests, and performances, further reinforcing the Headies’ position as a global celebration of African music excellence.
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