Entertainment

Headies 2022: How US Event Frustrated Artistes, Others

Published

3 years ago

September 10, 2022

Mixed reactions have trailed the 2022 Headies Award ceremony held at the Energy Performing Arts Centre in Atlanta, Georgia, United States.

Unlike previous years, the organizer of the 15th edition held the show outside Nigeria. The event was hosted by American entertainer, Anthony Andersen, alongside Nigerian actress, Osas Ighodaro.

This year’s edition, titled: ‘Join the Movement’, celebrated outstanding achievements in the Nigerian music industry, but there was a general outcry regarding the hosting in the United States.

Grammy award-winning singer, Burnaboy, Wizkid and Tems were the top winners at the Headies, while BNXN FKA Buju won the Next Rated category, taking home a Bentley.

However, some Nigerians, who frowned at the decision to host the award in the US, said they could not relate with the American host, Anthony Andersen.

Others, who thought Andersen was a wrong choice, queried why other Nigerian hosts like Bovi or Basket mouth were not given the opportunity to host the prestigious award.

Here are some of the reactions as compiled by DAILY POST:

@_AsiwajuLerry on Twitter said, ”We have an outstanding and funny host like Bovi and you’re letting this dry brother host with Osas?? God will judge you Headies.”

@itzbasito, “Walahi, Bovi or Basketmouth would have done a better job than this guy. Not that he’s not good but he’s finding it hard to connect with the audience.”

@ilevs, ”It is just like saying Bovi is cracking Naija jokes to US citizens,they might not laugh because they don’t understand the type of our jokes, not that he is not funny. Every comedian knows what can make their citizens to laugh, that’s just the situation Anthony is in now.”

@DanielRegh, ”Headies’ nominees shouldn’t attend the event, anyone who’s smart will turn down the award even if they win cos attending or accepting the award is disgraceful. Imagine hosting one of Africa’s biggest Music awards in another continent. This is why foreigners keep underrating us.

@abelpter, ”Anthony Anderson and Osas Ighodaro would be hosting the 2022 Headies awards. I honestly still don’t understand why the Headies award is being hosted in the US. That’s something no other African country would do. The Nigerian Obsession with Foreign/ American validation is insane.”

@Felix_Onyemaech, ”Headies took Nigeria’s biggest music award show to Yankee. One of the most unintelligent decisions I’ve seen. This is why Burna boy say they don’t rate us.”

On why the award was taken to the US, Headies founder, Ayo Animashaun told Billboard that ”Over the years, the Afrobeats artists have grown, they’ve evolved. They’re no longer local champions. They sell out concert venues around the world, from Madison Square Garden to [Atlanta’s] State Farm Arena. Afrobeats is not just about our own music anymore.

”We need to take center stage, where there’s so many artists doing Afrobeats that nobody’s gonna see if you do not create opportunities like this. There’s so many now that a lot of people don’t know yet, and they are so talented.”

However, one of the organizers who pleaded anonymity lamented that most people who were to attend the show were frustrated.

Recall that Wizkid failed to show up at the event, alongside Burna Boy and several others.

The source told DAILY POST that some artistes were unable to attend in person because of either visa issues or other engagements.

He stated that if the event was held in Nigeria, artistes committed to other things would normally squeeze their time to attend.

”Some will have other events the same day, and will attend both, but in the case of the US event, they were unable to do that. This frustrated the event,” he said.

He added that many artists found it difficult to attend the event because of logistics issues as it is not easy spending so much for a US trip amid aviation fuel price hike.

“You know that international travels are quite expensive now. Many who should ordinarily attend couldn’t make it.

“People make events. Award plaque doesn’t make events, even journalists who were to cover the event could not make it and that was not good for the publicity,” he added.

But popular entertainment analyst and publisher of Paparazzi, Moji Danisa in reaction to the outcry, told DAILY POST that: ”The Headies which was held in the USA is not a bad idea. Nigeria music is all over the world, there is hardly a nightclub where our music is not played.

”We have Nigerians in the diaspora who will also want to witness the headies, and also there are a lot of Nigerians in the US. Music sells and the world is looking for different beats and they have embraced Nigeria, look at Burnaboy, Davido, Wizkid, Kizz Daniel, they are all doing well. It is not out of place to take it out of Nigeria. It could be taken to Germany, Uk. It is exposing our stars and music and exporting our culture, traditions and dance. I think I will like to congratulate the organizers for that initiative.”

Also, Musician and a partner of Lakreem Entertainment Inc, also Eedris Abdulkareem’s associate, Myke Pam commended the organizers for the initiative.

According to him, the Nigerian music industry will benefit from the exposure and would have opportunities for collaborations and more business.

He told DAILY POST that, ”The Headies did something quite commendable. The indigenous music industry of Nigeria is taking away the airwaves all over the world. You can see that through the recognition, through the awards and massive impact our music is making in the world.

”It is a big markup for Headies to be held in the US. It is a global brand, Afro beats as a music genre is a global brand that should be consumed, appreciated and loved by all. The US still remains the best in entertainment and if you can have a successful event there and a well-rounded media coverage, that is a big deal. I must commend the Lagos government for helping to achieve that dream, it is the beginning of a bigger picture. It is just like the thumbnail of a bigger billboard. It is wonderful.

” I know a lot of people will benefit from such exposure and have opportunities for collaborations and more business opportunities. That is good for the Nigerian economy, since some things seem not to be working in the administration, if entertainment is going to be feeding us and giving us some hope for a brighter tomorrow, it is worth celebrating.”

DAILY POST

Entertainment

How ‘I Faked Madness To Earn Public Sympathy’ – Shina Peters

Published

3 days ago

October 25, 2025

Editor

Veteran Afro-Juju legend, Sir Shina Peters, has opened up about the unusual strategy that helped reshape his image after his controversial exit from Prince Adekunle’s band.

During an appearance on The Honest Bunch Podcast, the “Ace” crooner recounted that his decision to leave the band sparked widespread backlash, with many accusing him of betraying his mentor for money.

He narrated how his team deliberately made him look like a mentally unstable person and showcased him in public to gain public sympathy.

“People protested against me when I left Prince Adekunle’s band because they believed I left my father figure for money. Then the owner of my record label and some media heads came up with an idea.

“They asked me to braid my hair for three days without loosening it, then I wore some torn up cloths. After that, they took me to Oyingbo Market to buy ewedu while recording everything. I didn’t even know what they were up to.”

The veteran singer said the stunt continued in Badagry, where he was filmed behaving like a mentally unstable person at a construction site handled by Julius Berger.

“They told me to act like a madman and eat in public. All of that was done to change people’s narratives and earn empathy from fans,” he said.

Sir Shina Peters explained that the carefully planned drama ultimately helped him win back public sympathy and rebuild his image as a solo artiste.

Entertainment

Ned Nwoko Breaks Silence, Blames Regina’s Outburst On Drug Abuse

Published

1 week ago

October 19, 2025

Editor

Senator Ned Nwoko has broken his silence following a viral video showing his wife, actress Regina Daniels, in distress, describing her recent actions as “drug-influenced” and “unprovoked carnage.”

In a lengthy post and a short video shared on his Instagram handle #princenednwoko on Sunday, Nwoko claimed the actress was battling drug and alcohol abuse, which he said was at the root of the crisis rocking their marriage.

“Regina was not always like this. Her current battle with drugs and alcohol abuse is the root of our problem.

“She must continue her rehabilitation programme, or I fear for her life and safety,” he wrote.

The senator alleged that Regina went on a violent rampage at their home in his absence, attacking staff and destroying property.

“She slapped and hit three staff in the past 48 hours and destroyed property, including cars and windows, for no just cause.

“Now she has moved to a place where she will have unrestricted access to drugs,” the senator alleged

Nwoko said he had offered his wife two rehabilitation options in Asokoro or Jordan, “where she will not have access to drugs.”

He further alleged that the scene at home was worsened by the interference of Regina’s associates, whom he described as “drug suppliers.”

“While I took Moon to the hospital, a scene of chaos unfolded at home, orchestrated by Sammy, Regina’s main drug supplier.

“Another known supplier of drugs to Regina is the tiny evil devil called Ann,” he alleged.

His post came hours after The PUNCH reported that a video of the actress, visibly agitated and shouting during a confrontation, had gone viral on Saturday, sparking widespread concern.

In the footage, Regina could be heard saying, “In Ned Nwoko’s house, I am nothing, but in my own house, I am a Queen. Not again. I can’t stand the violence, it’s too much.”

Her brother, Ojeogwu Samuel Danhillman, popularly known as Sammy West, also reacted angrily on Instagram, accusing Nwoko of assaulting his sister and vowing to defend her.

“Anywhere wey man dey beat woman, whether na my sister or not, I go fight with my blood,” he wrote.

The cause of the altercation remains unclear, as neither Regina nor her representatives have publicly responded to Nwoko’s allegations.

Regina Daniels, who married Nwoko in 2019, has often been in the public eye alongside the politician and businessman.

The couple’s marriage, marked by a 40-year age gap, has long drawn public attention and debate.

Entertainment

Annie Idibia Finds Love Again

Published

1 week ago

October 19, 2025

Editor

It appears actress Annie Idibia may not remain single for long following the reported crash of her marriage to music icon, 2Face Idibia.

Fresh reports and social media activity suggest that celebrity stylist Jeremiah Ogbodo, popularly known as Swanky Jerry, may be the new man warming Annie’s heart.

The duo, who have shared a long and sometimes dramatic friendship, recently set the internet abuzz with a series of affectionate exchanges that fans have interpreted as more than just platonic.

In a post that has since gone viral, Swanky Jerry described Annie as “the most beautiful soul I’ve ever known,” while Annie responded with a heartfelt “I love you always, my person.”

Their public display of affection comes just months after Annie and 2Face’s marriage reportedly hit the rocks, following years of speculation about infidelity and emotional strain.

The actress, who had once described her marriage as “a rollercoaster of love, pain, and grace,” has lately been posting cryptic quotes about “peace, self-love, and fresh starts”.

Fans were quick to notice that Swanky, who was previously at odds with Annie during the Young, Famous & African reality show saga, has now returned to being one of her closest companions.

Their reconciliation, which started quietly earlier this year, now appears to have blossomed into something much deeper and possibly romantic.

Many online observers have expressed excitement over the pair’s chemistry, with some calling them “a perfect match” and others urging Annie to “choose happiness this time.”

Swanky Jerry, known for styling top celebrities across Africa, including Tiwa Savage, Davido, and Bonang Matheba, has not publicly confirmed any romantic relationship with Annie.

Still, his recent posts featuring the actress in glowing admiration have only intensified rumors of a budding romance.

The once “perfect love story” that captivated Nigerians for years now seems to have faded, paving the way for a new chapter in Annie’s personal life.

Whether or not Swanky Jerry and Annie Idibia are truly in love or just sharing a deep emotional bond remains to be seen.