Why Ayra Starr Blasted Headies Despite Winning Award
Despite winning the Best Female Artiste award at the just-ended Headies, Ayra Starr put the organizers of the prestigious award show on blast, and this caused hubbub on social media with fans and stakeholders sharing their opinions about the issue.
The Nigerian singer, who was born Oyinkansola Sarah Aderibigbe, voiced her disapproval of the unjust treatment female musicians receive from the Headies Award organizers. Ms Aderibigbe was honoured with the Best Female Artiste award at the 16th edition of the Headies, surpassing her colleagues Tiwa Savage, Simi, and Tems. The ceremony took place at the Cobb Energy Performing Arts Center in Atlanta, Georgia, United States of America.
Regrettably, the organizers failed to present awards in 13 categories, including the category in which Ayra Starr emerged victorious, after the event host, Osas Ighodaro, abruptly announced the conclusion of the event.
These categories comprised Best Female Artiste, Best Recording of The Year, Songwriter of The Year, Best RnB Single, Best Vocal Performance (Female), Headies Viewers’ Choice, Best East African Artiste of the Year, Best North African Artiste of The Year, Best Southern African Artiste of The Year, Best Central African Artiste of The Year, International Artiste Of The Year, Best Alternative Album, and Best RnB Album.
Subsequently, the ‘Sabi’ crooner took to her Twitter account on Monday, expressing her dissatisfaction with the organizers’ “nonchalance” towards female hit makers.
Ayra Starr wrote; “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 breathes and lives for music. We didn’t deserve such nonchalance! Nigeria, you didn’t raise me to settle for less”.
The Headies, formerly known as the Hip Hop World Awards, is a prestigious music awards show that was established in 2006 by the Hip Hop World Magazine of Nigeria. Its primary objective is to recognize and celebrate exceptional achievements in the Nigerian music industry.
The annual ceremony showcases performances by both established and up-and-coming artists and is broadcast live on HipTV to viewers across Nigeria.
The first and second editions of The Headies were held at the Muson Center in Onikan, Lagos State, while subsequent editions between 2010 and 2012 were held at the Eko Hotel and Suites in Victoria Island, Lagos. Over the years, the event has been hosted by several notable media personalities in Nigeria, including Darey Art Alade, D’banj, Dakore Egbuson, Banky W., Rita Dominic, M.I, Tiwa Savage, and Dr SID.
