LAGOS, Nigeria(VOICE OF NAIJA)- The Headies Awards is set for another international outing after organizers confirmed that the 18th edition of the ceremony will take place in Toronto, Canada.
The announcement marks another major shift for Nigeria’s biggest music awards platform, which returned to Lagos earlier this year after previously staging its 15th edition in Atlanta, United States, in 2022.
The decision was unveiled on Monday during “The Big Announcement” event held at Eko Hotels and Suites in Lagos.
Speaking at the gathering, Headies founder Ayo Animashaun explained that financial considerations played a significant role in choosing Canada as the next host location.
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According to him, taking the awards abroad again was a practical move aimed at ensuring the sustainability of the event.
Addressing critics who questioned the decision, Animashaun defended the move, stressing that funding remains one of the biggest challenges facing the awards.
“Someone said Ayo, you are taking the Headies out of the country again, he said it doesn’t make sense. Tell me what makes sense. Does it make sense for us not to do it anymore?” he said.
However, organizers assured Nigerian fans that they will not be left out of the celebration.
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While the main ceremony will hold in Toronto, a live watch party will be organized in Lagos, allowing fans at home to participate in the event and follow key moments from the awards show in real time.
Highlighting the plan, Animashaun added, “So how do we fund it? We will have a watch Party in Lagos.”
Notably, the arrangement is expected to create a dual experience for audiences, with activities taking place simultaneously in Canada and Nigeria.
Animashaun stated that the latest development signals the Headies’ continued push for global visibility while maintaining a connection with its Nigerian audience.
