Headies Organisers Explain Decision to Host 18th Edition in Canada
The organisers of the Headies Awards have revealed that the 18th edition of the prestigious music awards ceremony will be held in Toronto, Canada, citing financial sustainability as a major factor behind the decision.
The announcement was made during a special event tagged “The Big Announcement,” held at Eko Hotels and Suites in Lagos, where Headies founder Ayo Animashaun addressed concerns about taking the awards ceremony outside Nigeria once again.
The Headies, widely regarded as one of Africa’s most prominent music award platforms, first staged an international edition in 2022 when its 15th ceremony was held in Atlanta, United States. The awards later returned to Lagos for the 17th edition in 2025.
Speaking at the event, Animashaun explained that the move to Canada was driven by practical considerations, particularly the need to secure adequate funding and ensure the long-term viability of the awards.
According to him, organisers have had to explore alternative approaches to sustain the platform amid increasing production costs and changing economic realities.
While the main ceremony will take place in Toronto, the organisers disclosed that Nigerian fans will not be left out of the experience. A live watch party is planned for Lagos, allowing audiences in Nigeria to follow the event in real time and participate in the celebration as winners are announced abroad.
Animashaun noted that the Lagos watch party will serve as a parallel experience, enabling local stakeholders, music enthusiasts and industry players to remain connected to the event despite its international location.
The Headies has grown significantly over the years, evolving from a local awards platform into a globally recognised event that celebrates excellence in African music and entertainment. The decision to host the ceremony in Canada reflects the organisers’ efforts to expand the awards’ international footprint while maintaining engagement with its core audience in Nigeria.
The announcement has generated mixed reactions among fans and industry observers, with some questioning the continued relocation of the event outside Nigeria, while others view it as an opportunity to further showcase African music on the global stage.
More details regarding the ceremony, nominees and accompanying events are expected to be announced in the coming months as preparations for the 18th Headies gather momentum.
