Nigerians were apparently saddened by the fact that none of the eight Nigerian artistes nominated in different categories of the 66th Grammy Awards, which was held at the Peacock Theatre, Los Angeles, United States of America, on Sunday, February 4, 2024.
Shortly after the event, the social media space was set agog, with many Nigerians expressing divergent views about the outcome of the recognition event. This was even as many cautioned artistes to stop looking to the Grammy for validation, and make Nigerian platforms stronger.
Apparently buying that idea, the Headies, which is one of the prestigious music awards in the country, announced during the week that the event will return to Nigeria. The award was held in the USA in 2022 and 2023, and was severely criticised by many people, who felt the awards should have continued holding on Nigerian soil.
The founder and executive producer of the Headies Award, Ayo Animashaun, wrote on his Instagram page on Wednesday, February 7, 2024, “Over the past few years, afrobeats—as music and as a movement—has exploded beyond our shores and our dreams. Our songs have recorded billions of streams and sat comfortably on some of the world’s biggest charts.
“The Headies followed the music in honour of this explosion. As the event that recognised the arrival of our major music talents way before they conquered the world, we understand the importance of taking the good news of great music to new frontiers. So, the 2022 and 2023 editions of The Headies held in the US. The world got a chance to see our global stars and our future stars.
“This year 2024, we are bringing the world back home to the place that birthed the sound that has led everybody to the dance floor, and has put our continent at the centre of global pop culture.”
Meanwhile, there was also some furor as it was alleged that the federal government, through the Minister of Art, Culture and Creative Economy, Hannatu Musawa, was allegedly planning the ‘African Grammy Awards’. The minister was said to have sought the partnership of the original Grammy Awards.
However, some stakeholders in the industry were of the opinion that some believe that the move would have a negative impact on the African music industry.
The Chief Executive Officer of Trending Musik, Segun Ogunjimi, described it as a misplaced priority. He said, “This is a clear case of misplaced priorities. Instead of supporting homegrown initiatives, such as the Headies, All African Music Awards, Soundcity MVP Awards, and Trace Awards, the minister has opted to prioritise foreign involvement. This is unacceptable and should be condemned by all those who love this country and the burgeoning creative industry.”
A veteran music producer and industry consultant, Benjamin Iguebor, also stated that he and other stakeholders were ‘ready to stand and fight against’ the initiative.
He said, “Obviously, Musawa is ignorant of the workings and intricacies of the global music industry where cultural identities and products are protected and promoted for the benefits of national pride and economic security. The stakeholders in the industry are poised to call out and expose the egocentric individuals who are involved in these shenanigans of reversing the gains that have been made in the music industry and sell us out to second slavery, but we will fight it till the end.”
