Ayra Starr Slams Headies for Failing to Award ‘Best Female Artist’ on Stage
The recently concluded 2023 Headies Awards, held at the Cobb Energy Centre in Atlanta, Georgia, USA, brought together key players in the African music industry for a night of celebration and recognition of Nigerian music talent.
One of the night’s significant moments was Ayra Starr’s triumph in the Best Female Artist category. She emerged victorious over strong contenders, including Tems, Tiwa Savage, and Simi. However, the award presentation for Best Female Artist did not unfold on the main stage, prompting Ayra Starr to voice her sentiments on Twitter (X).
In her tweet, Ayra Starr expressed her discontent with receiving an award that was not deemed worthy of being presented on the main stage of the prestigious event. This move by the Headies to withhold the presentation of certain awards was evident, as not all award categories were announced during the ceremony.
“I will never be grateful for winning a category that wasn’t even deemed fit to be announced on stage! Best female artist na beans? We work hard, every single one of us! I’ve seen Tiwa record 4 hit songs in the same night, Tems breaths and lives for music, we didn’t deserve such nonchalance! Nigeria, you didn’t raise me to settle for less.”
Among the 14 awards that were withheld from the main stage presentation was the coveted Record of the Year. These awards were eventually announced following the conclusion of the event in Atlanta.
Ayra Starr’s tweet shed light on the prevailing sentiment among viewers, who regarded the decision not to present the Best Female Artist award on the main stage as disrespectful to the female segment of the music industry. Her message resonated with those who felt that such recognition should have been celebrated and acknowledged alongside other categories.
The 2023 Headies Awards showcased the wealth of talent within the Nigerian music industry and offered a platform for artists and stakeholders to come together in appreciation of their collective achievements. However, Ayra Starr’s tweet underscores the importance of equitable recognition for all categories, irrespective of gender, as the industry continues to evolve and diversify.
