Nigeria: Headies unveil 2022 programme

Now in its 15th year, the annual scheme was founded by the Hip Hop World Magazine in 2006, and recognises outstanding musicians and music professionals in Nigeria’s entertainment industry.

Headies executive producer Ayo Animashaun this week announced that the main ceremony would be heading to the Cobb Energy Performing Arts Centre in Atlanta, making it the first time the event would be happening outside of Nigeria.

This year’s Headies road map includes an open call for entries that will begin on 8 March and close on 12 April 2022, following which successful nominees will be revealed.

The ceremony will present awards in more than 30 categories, including seven new awards namely, Best Afrobeat Pop Single (Nigeria), Best Afrobeat Pop Album (Nigeria), Best African Collaboration and Best International Collaboration. Other new categories comprise African Artist of the Year, International Artist of the Year and Music Executive of the Year. 

The organisers say this year’s winner of the Next Rated category will be rewarded with a 2022 Bentley. Activities curated around the 2022 Headies will include a conference and music festival, as well as the Mic Check talent show for undiscovered artists between the ages of 18 to 25. 

‘Peru’ hitmaker Fireboy DML was the biggest winner at last year’s edition, walking away with four awards, including the Best Pop Album, Best R&B Album, Headies Revelation and Best R&B Single trophies. Wizkid won the coveted Artist of the Year accolade. The musician, alongside Simi and DJ Neptune, received two awards apiece.