The Headies Explained

The Headies
Current Awards:The Headies 2023
Awarded For:Outstanding achievements in the Nigerian music industry
Presenter:Hip Hop World Magazine
Country:Nigeria
Network:HipTV

The Headies (originally called the Hip Hop World Awards) is a music awards show established in 2006 by the Hip Hop World Magazine of Nigeria to recognize outstanding achievements in the Nigerian music industry.[1] The annual ceremony features performances by established and promising artists.[1] It is broadcast live on HipTV to viewers across Nigeria.[2] The first and second editions of The Headies were held at the Muson Center in Onikan, Lagos State. Between 2010 and 2012, the awards were held at the Eko Hotel and Suites in Victoria Island, Lagos. Several media personalities in Nigeria have hosted the annual ceremony, including Darey Art Alade, D'banj, Dakore Egbuson, Banky W., Rita Dominic, M.I, Tiwa Savage and Dr SID.

History and plaque

The image of The Headies was created by Ayo Animashaun, the founder of the awards, and drawn by Matthias Aragbada. The first Headie plaque was done by Jide Adewoye. It represents the "image and the shout of a young, vibrant individual whose talent can challenge that of renowned local and international artistes combined, but who has almost lost confidence in his abilities in the face of discouraging circumstances presented by the peculiar Nigerian environment." In 2008, the plaque was redone in the United Kingdom. It was plated with 21 carat gold. The new plaque is a mixture of resin, copper, steel, marble and gold.[3] [1]

As of 2018, The Headies is composed of 25 categories. Open voting decides majority of the awards' categories. However, the Best Recording of the Year, Best Rap Album, Best Vocal Performance (Male), Best Vocal Performance (Female), Lyricist on the Roll, and Best Performer categories are not open to public voting.

Notable moments

2000s

2006: The 1st edition of the Hip Hop World Awards was held on 10 March 2006, at the Shell Hall of the MUSON Centre in Onikan, Lagos. It was hosted by Darey Art Alade and tagged with the caption: "The Revolution is Here". DJ Jimmy Jatt, Keke Ogungbe and Dayo 'D1' Adeneye were joint winners of the Hall of Fame award. P-Square and Jude Okoye eclipsed their colleagues that year, taking home five awards.[4]

2007

The 2nd edition of the Hip Hop World Awards was hosted by D'banj and Tana. It was held on 17 March 2007, at the Muson Center for the second consecutive year. Paul Play was nominated for six awards and ended up going home with four.[5]

2008

The 3rd edition of the Hip Hop World Awards was hosted by comedian Basketmouth and Nollywood actress Dakore Egbuson. It was held on 15 March 2008, at Planet One in Maryland, Lagos.[6] The founders and promoters chose the theme "Change has to Change". The nominees' party was held at Babylon, a private beach resort. In 2008, the plaque of The Headies was plated with 21 carat gold.[7] Nigerian-French singer Aṣa won 3 awards, including Album of the Year for her eponymous debut studio album. 2face Idibia received the most nominations with six. Naeto C, Rooftop MCs, Cobhams Asuquo, Kween, Jo'zi, and P-Square all performed at the ceremony.[8] [9]

2009

The 4th edition of the Hip Hop World Awards was hosted by Banky W. and Kemi Adetiba. It took place on 16 May 2009, at the International Conference Centre in Abuja. The awards were held outside of Lagos for the first time.[10] The nominees' party for the fourth edition was hosted at Ajibogun, a village in Ogun State.[7] 9ice won a total of three awards from six nominations. Phillip Trimnell took home the Hall of Fame award.[11] [12]

2010

The 5th edition of the Hip Hop World Awards took place on 16 May 2009, at the Eko Hotel and Suites in Victoria Island, Lagos. The ceremony was conducted without a host. Wande Coal was the biggest winner of the night with five plaques, including Artiste of the Year.[13] Don Jazzy won the Producer of the Year award. Hip hop duo Skuki won the Next Rated category. Da Grin's C.E.O won for Best Rap Album in a posthumous fashion. He was also honored by General Pype during the singer's performance.[14]

2011

The 6th edition of the Hip Hop World Awards was held on 22 October 2011, at the Eko Hotel and Suites in Victoria Island, Lagos.[15] Hosted by Rita Dominic and eLDee, the award's name was officially changed to "The Headies".[16] 2face Idibia won three awards, including Artiste of the Year.[17] Darey's "The Way You Are" won for Best R&B Single and Recording of the Year. M.I and Ice Prince won two awards apiece.[18] Don Jazzy and Dr SID both took home an award. Capital Femi walked away with the Best Vocal Performance (Male) award. Wizkid won the Next Rated plaque and received a Hyundai Sonata at a later date. Waje was the only female awardee. The Hall of Fame award went to Jùjú musician Shina Peters. A total of twenty-one cart gold plaques were handed out.[19] [20]

2012

The 7th edition of The Headies was hosted by M.I and Omawumi. The ceremony took place on 20 October 2012, at the Eko Hotel and Suites in Victoria Island, Lagos.[21] [22] The aforementioned hosts thrilled fans with their song titled "The Headies". Chidinma opened the show by performing her song "Kedike".[23] The Okoye brothers (Peter, Paul, and Jude) won a total of three awards. The Artiste of the Year award went to Wizkid. Tiwa Savage and Wande Coal won the Best Male and Female Vocal Performance categories, respectively. Vector won the Best Rap Single and Lyricist on the Roll plaques for "Angeli". Davido won the Next Rated category and was later awarded a Hyundai Sonata. The Headies celebrated the reunion of prominent Nigerian musicians from the 80s and 90s, including Onyeka Onwenu, Oris Wiliki, Mike Okori, Baba Fryo, Shina Peters, Fatai Rolling Dollar and Daddy Showkey. Femi Kuti was honored with the Hall of Fame award.[24]

2013

The 8th edition of The Headies was held on 26 December 2013, at the Oriental Hotel in Lagos.[25] The show was hosted by Tiwa Savage and Dr SID. Olamide was the biggest awardee of the night, winning three awards from seven nominations. Phyno won the Best Rap Single category for his song "Man of the Year". D'Tunes, Praiz, and Blackmagic all won for the first time. Sean Tizzle won the Next Rated category and was later awarded a Hyundai Tucson.[26] Davido took home two awards, including Best R&B/Pop Album for Omo Baba Olowo. Iyanya only received one award from five nominations. Veteran Fuji artist Wasiu Ayinde Marshall was inducted into the Headies Hall of Fame.[27] 2 Face Idibia, Banky W., Waje, Nikki Laoye, Mode 9, Dr SID and Kcee all went home with a plaque. Harrysong's tribute song to Nelson Mandela, titled "Mandela", won the Most Downloaded Callertune award.[28]

2014

The 9th edition of The Headies took place on 14 December 2014, at the Eko Hotel and Suites in Victoria Island, Lagos. Themed "Feel the Passion", the show was hosted by Toke Makinwa and Basketmouth.[29] It was initially scheduled to hold on 25 October 2014.[30] Bovi was initially announced as one of the hosts, but ended up not hosting due to him being booked for another show.[31] On 30 September 2014, nominations were announced during a press briefing at the HipTV office in Allen, Lagos. Kcee, Olamide and Phyno led the nominations with five each.[32] Tiwa Savage, Oritse Femi and The Mavins followed closely with four apiece.[33] Yemi Alade was nominated for Song of the Year, Best Pop Single and Next Rated.[34] Olamide, Patoranking and Davido each took home two awards apiece. Don Jazzy won the Producer of the Year plaque, while Sir Victor Uwaifo got the Hall of Fame recognition.[35]

2015

The 10th edition of The Headies was held on 1 January 2016, at the Landmark Events Centre in Victoria Island, Lagos.[36] Themed "Flip the Script", the event was hosted by Bovi and Kaffy. It was previously scheduled to hold on 30 December 2015 but the organizers of the event postponed it to 1 January 2016 without citing any reason.[37] Olamide won a total of four awards, while Timi Dakolo won three. Wizkid was nominated seven times across the twenty-one award categories.[38] 2face Idibia was honored with the Hall of Fame award, while Don Jazzy received the Special Recognition award. Reekado Banks won the Next Rated award.[39] His win was criticized by music critics, who challenged the "fairness of the award process".[40] [41]

2016

The 11th edition of The Headies was held on 22 December 2016, at the Eko Convention Centre in Victoria Island, Lagos.[42] Themed "Think, Create, Recreate", the event was hosted by Adesua Etomi and Falz. The nominees were announced by the award's organizers in November 2016.[43] Tekno was nominated for the Next Rated award, but ended up being disqualified due to his refusal to honour the category and support the campaign.[44] Jazzman Olofin and Adewale Ayuba jointly performed the song "Raise the Roof". Aramide performed her song "Funmi Lowo" with assistance from Ras Kimono.[45] The ceremony also featured additional performances from Falz, 2Baba, Seyi Shay and Flavour. Olamide received eight nominations and won a total of four, including Best Rap Single for his single "Eyan Mayweather". Mr Eazi won the Next Rated category and was awarded a SUV at a later date. Mayorkun toppled Dice Ailes and Koker for the Rookie of the Year award.[46] Laolu Akins was honored with the Hall of Fame award, while Flavour received the Special Recognition award.[47]

2018

The 12th edition of The Headies was held on 5 May 2018, at the Eko Convention Centre in Victoria Island, Lagos.[48] Nigerian comedian Bovi and singer Seyi Shay hosted the ceremony.[49] After shortlisting thousands of entries submitted during the eligibility period, the organizers of the ceremony announced the nominees in April 2018. They also announced the addition of three categories: Viewer's Choice, Best Performer, and Industry Brand Supporter.[50] Simi led the nominations with 7, followed by Wizkid and Davido with 6 each. The ceremony featured performances from a number of artists, including Falz, Mr Real, Simi, and the Danfo Drivers. Pulse Nigeria praised the award's sound production and stage design.[51] Davido, Wizkid and Simi won the most awards with 3 each. Mayorkun won the Next Rated award, beating Dice Ailes, Maleek Berry and Johnny Drille.[52]

2019

The 13th edition of The Headies was held on 19 October 2019, at the Eko Convention Centre in Victoria Island, Lagos. Themed "Power of a Dream", the ceremony was hosted by Nigerian rapper Reminisce and actress/media personality Nancy Isime.[53] [54] After shortlisting thousands of entries submitted between January 2018 and June 2019, the organizers of the ceremony announced the nominees on 1 October 2019.[55] Burna Boy set a record for the most nominations in one night with 10 nominations.[56] Teni followed with 6 and Wizkid with 5. The ceremony featured performances from a number of artists, including Styl-Plus, Sunny Neji, Duncan Mighty, Teni and Victor AD.[57] Teni won the most awards with 4. Rema won the Next Rated award, beating Fireboy DML, Joeboy, Lyta, Victor AD and Zlatan Ibile.[58]

2020

The 14th edition of The Headies[59] was held on 21 February 2021, at the La Campagne Tropicana Beach Resort in Ibeju-Lekki. Event organizers announced that TV personality and actress Nancy Isime and comedian Bovi were the hosts. This is the fourth time Bovi has hosted the event, while Nancy has become the first female to host the event for the second time.

2023

The 16th Headies Awards took place on Sunday, September 3, 2023, at the Cobb Energy Performing Arts Center in Atlanta, Georgia. The awards ceremony was hosted by Osas Ighodaro and Terrence J. Burna Boy led the nominations with 11 nominations, followed by Rema with 9 nominations. The biggest winners of the night were Rema and Burna Boy, who each took home 3 awards. Other notable winners included Wizkid, Davido, Ayra Starr, Asake and Omah Lay. The event was also marked by the induction of Angelique Kidjo into the Headies Hall of Fame.[60]

Locations

bgcolor=#EEDD82 colspan=7 align=centerThe Headies Dates and Locations
YearDateCityVenueHost(s)Ref
1200610 MarchOnikan, LagosMUSON CentreDare Art Alade[61]
2200717 MarchTana Adelana and D'banj[62]
3200815 MarchMaryland, LagosPlanet OneBasketmouth and Dakore Egbuson[63]
4200916 MayAbuja, NigeriaAbuja International Conference CentreBanky W. and Kemi Adetiba[64]
5201029 MayVictoria Island, LagosEko Hotel and Suites[65]
6201122 OctoberRita Dominic and eLDee[66]
7201220 OctoberM.I and Omawumi[67]
8201326 DecemberOriental HotelTiwa Savage and Dr SID[68]
9201414 December Eko Hotel and SuitesToke Makinwa and Basketmouth[69]
1020151 January 2016Landmark Events CentreBovi and Kaffy[70]
11201622 DecemberEko Convention CenterFalz and Adesua Etomi[71]
2017colspan="5"
1220186 MayVictoria Island, LagosEko Convention CenterBovi and Seyi Shay[72]
13201919 October Nancy Isime and Reminisce[73]
14202021 February 2021Ibeju Lekki, LagosLa Campagne Tropicana Beach ResortBovi and Nancy Isime[74] [75]
2021colspan="5"
1520224 September 2022Atlanta, United States Cobb Energy Performing Arts CentreAnthony Anderson and Osas ighodaro[76]

Award categories

Current categories

Voting
Non-voting
Miscellaneous

Past award categories

YearRecipientResultRef
2006Take Control by Marvellous Benji[77]
2007Versatile by Baba Dee
Little Patience by Majek Fashek
Let It Go by Spy Da Man
Conscious News by Righteousman
Reflex by Azadus
Ghetto Philosophy by Streetmonks
2008True Story by Timaya[78]
Uchie by African Rockstar
Fever by African China
2009[79]
Me Musiq and I by Blackface
Ichiban by Chakka Da' Souljah
My Shine by Black Solo
2006"Street Hop" by Thoroughbreds
2007After the Storm by Weird MC
Naija is Blessed by Soul E
Free Soldierby Tony Tetuila
Mr Funky by Jazzman Olofin
Right and Wrong by Mr Raw
2007Hitsville by Paul Play
From Me to You by Darey
No Drama by OJB Jezreel
Overture by Obiwon
Expressions by Styl Plus
2011"One Day" – eLDee[80]
"If You Ask Me" by Omawumi
"Wild Wild West" by M.I
"Only Me" by 2Face Idibia
"There is a Cry" by Timi Dakolo
2012Banky W.[81]
2013"Mandela" by Harrysong[82]

Notes and References

  1. Web site: Facts About Headie. Hip hop world magazine. 6 January 2014. unfit. https://web.archive.org/web/20131212130135/http://hiphopworldmagazine.com/theheadies/headie. 12 December 2013.
  2. Web site: HIP TV TO LAUNCH 24 HOUR CHANNEL ON OCTOBER 18TH . Daily Times Nigeria . 1 October 2013 . 25 January 2014 . Olofinlua, Temitayo . https://web.archive.org/web/20140223004332/http://www.dailytimes.com.ng/article/hip-tv-launch-24-hour-channel-october-18th . 23 February 2014 . live .
  3. Web site: FAQ - The Headies . Hip Hop World Magazine . 27 March 2019 . https://web.archive.org/web/20190327223405/http://theheadies.com/faq/ . 27 March 2019 . live .
  4. Web site: Past Winners . Hip Hop World Magazine . 6 February 2014. unfit. https://web.archive.org/web/20131227045424/http://hiphopworldmagazine.com/theheadies/past-winners. 27 December 2013.
  5. Web site: Past Winners of HHWA . 14 March 2014 . dead . https://web.archive.org/web/20131227045424/http://hiphopworldmagazine.com/theheadies/past-winners . 27 December 2013 .
  6. Web site: Nigeria: Hip Hop World Awards 2008 is Here! . allAfrica.com . 26 January 2008 . 11 March 2014 . Adekunle, Ayeni . https://web.archive.org/web/20080426010056/http://allafrica.com/stories/200801280849.html . 26 April 2008 . live .
  7. Web site: About . Hip Hop World Magazine . 31 January 2014. unfit. https://web.archive.org/web/20131212152143/http://hiphopworldmagazine.com/theheadies/about-2. 12 December 2013.
  8. Web site: The Hip Hop World Awards . World Hip Hop Market . 21 March 2008 . 11 March 2014 . https://web.archive.org/web/20140312212503/http://worldhiphopmarket.com/the-hip-hop-world-awards/ . 12 March 2014 . live .
  9. Web site: Glitz and Flaws of HHWA 2008 . Modern Ghana . 11 March 2014 . https://web.archive.org/web/20160304055455/http://www.modernghana.com/movie/2152/3/the-glitz-rewards-and-flaws-of-hip-hop-world-award.html . 4 March 2016 . live .
  10. Web site: Hip Hop World Awards Moves Out Of Lagos . . 29 April 2011 . 10 March 2014 . https://web.archive.org/web/20140311030218/http://www.pmnewsnigeria.com/2011/04/29/hip-hop-world-awards-moves-out-of-lagos/ . 11 March 2014 . live .
  11. Web site: Hip Hop World Awards 2009 winners . Modern Ghana . 17 May 2009 . 10 March 2014 . https://web.archive.org/web/20110415130721/http://www.modernghana.com/movie/4826/3/hip-hop-world-awards-2009-winners.html . 15 April 2011 . live .
  12. Web site: Hip Hop World Awards Winners – Naija . Jaguda . 17 May 2009 . 10 March 2014 . https://web.archive.org/web/20140311022545/http://www.jaguda.com/2009/05/17/hip-hop-world-awards-winners-naija/ . 11 March 2014 . live .
  13. Web site: Music, Glamour & Lots of Yellow as Wande Coal & Da Grin dominate the 2010 HipHop World Awards . Bellanaija . 2 June 2010 . 16 May 2014 . https://web.archive.org/web/20140517123528/http://www.bellanaija.com/2010/06/02/music-glamour-lots-of-yellow-as-wande-coal-da-grin-dominate-the-2010-hiphop-world-awards/ . 17 May 2014 . live .
  14. Web site: Hiphopworld Awards To Honour Dagrin . Nigerian Entertainment Today . 10 May 2010 . 16 May 2014 . Fagbule, Nike . Fagbule Olanike . https://web.archive.org/web/20140530064510/http://thenet.ng/2010/05/hiphopworld-awards-to-honour-dagrin/ . 30 May 2014 . live .
  15. Web site: The Headies 2011 Nominees Announced . Fab Magazine . 2 August 2011 . 28 February 2014 . Bilen-Onabanjo, Sinem . https://web.archive.org/web/20140301021524/http://fabmagazineonline.com/the-headies-2011-nominees-announced/ . 1 March 2014 . live .
  16. Web site: Rita Dominic, elDee Host The Headies . P.M. News . 22 June 2011 . 28 February 2014 . Arogundade, Funsho . https://web.archive.org/web/20140305104641/http://www.pmnewsnigeria.com/2011/06/22/rita-dominic-eldee-host-the-headies/ . 5 March 2014 . live .
  17. Web site: 24 Hours To 'The Headies': D'banj, 2Face, Whizkid, Others Battle For Honours . P.M. News . 21 October 2011 . 28 February 2014 . https://web.archive.org/web/20140305111106/http://www.pmnewsnigeria.com/2011/10/21/24-hours-to-the-headies-dbanj-2face-whizkid-others-battle-for-honours/ . 5 March 2014 . live .
  18. Web site: 2011 The Headies: 2Face, Darey, MI, Others Win Multiple Awards . . 26 October 2011 . 28 February 2014 . Arogundade, Funsho . https://web.archive.org/web/20140221154526/http://www.pmnewsnigeria.com/2011/10/26/2011-the-headies-2face-darey-mi-others-win-multiple-awards/ . 21 February 2014 . live .
  19. Web site: Who rules @ The Headies? . . 22 October 2011 . 28 February 2014 . https://web.archive.org/web/20140307075220/http://www.vanguardngr.com/2011/10/who-rules-the-headies/ . 7 March 2014 . live .
  20. Web site: The 2011 edition of the Hip-Hop World Awards – "The Headies" took place at the… . Golden Icons . 28 February 2014 . https://web.archive.org/web/20140301032335/http://www.goldenicons.com/hip-hop-world-awards/ . 1 March 2014 . live .
  21. Web site: MTN backs The Headies . . 10 October 2012 . 12 February 2014 . https://web.archive.org/web/20140222044918/http://sunnewsonline.com/new/entertainment/mtn-backs-the-headies/#!prettyPhoto . 22 February 2014 . live .
  22. Web site: MTN sponsors 2012 'Headies Award' . . 10 February 2014 . Wisdom, Patrick . https://web.archive.org/web/20140222154743/http://dailyindependentnig.com/2012/10/mtn-sponsors-2012-headies-award/ . 22 February 2014 . live .
  23. Web site: Winners emerge at MTN sponsored Headies awards . . 24 October 2012 . 12 February 2014 . dead . https://web.archive.org/web/20140222044915/http://sunnewsonline.com/new/entertainment/winners-emerge-at-mtn-sponsored-headies-awards/ . 22 February 2014 . dmy-all .
  24. Web site: Psquare, Wizkid, Vector emerge top winners at The Headies 2012 . Nigerian Entertainment Today . 21 October 2012 . 10 February 2014 . Alonge, Osagie . https://web.archive.org/web/20140214004859/http://thenet.ng/2012/10/psquare-wizkid-vector-emerge-top-winners-at-the-headies-2012/ . 14 February 2014 . dead .
  25. Web site: The Headies 2013: First Photos & Full List of Winners: Olamide, Phyno, Davido, Sean Tizzle & Waje . Bella Naija . 2014-02-04 . https://web.archive.org/web/20150923225226/http://www.bellanaija.com/2013/12/27/the-headies-2013-first-photos-full-list-of-winners-olamide-phyno-davido-sean-tizzle-waje/ . 23 September 2015 . live .
  26. Web site: Olamide Heads The Headies . . 29 December 2013 . 10 February 2014 . https://web.archive.org/web/20140222071232/http://www.thisdaylive.com/articles/olamide-heads-the-headies/167539/ . 22 February 2014 . live .
  27. Web site: How Olamide, Waje, Iyanya others fared at the Headies 2013 (Full list of winners) . . 27 December 2013 . 10 February 2014 . https://web.archive.org/web/20140201130231/http://www.ynaija.com/how-olamide-waje-iyanya-others-fare-at-the-headies-2013-full-list-of-winners/ . 1 February 2014 . live .
  28. News: Olamide, Phyno, Win Big At The Headies 2013. 27 December 2013. P.M. News. 4 January 2014. https://web.archive.org/web/20140106040437/http://pmnewsnigeria.com/2013/12/27/olamide-phyno-win-big-at-the-headies-2013/. 6 January 2014. live.
  29. Web site: Bovi, Toke Makinwa to host Headies 2014 . The Nation . 17 October 2014 . Ayinla-Olasunkanmi, Dupe . https://web.archive.org/web/20141021062158/http://thenationonlineng.net/new/bovi-toke-makinwa-to-host-headies-2014/ . 21 October 2014 . live .
  30. Web site: The Headies 2014 moved to December. Daily Post Newspaper. 17 October 2014. https://web.archive.org/web/20141021191835/http://dailypost.ng/music/2014/10/15/headies-2014-moved/. 21 October 2014. live.
  31. Web site: Why Bovi Did Not Host the Headies 2014. allAfrica. Vanguard. 20 February 2015. 3 January 2015. https://web.archive.org/web/20150220064745/http://allafrica.com/stories/201501050586.html. 20 February 2015. live.
  32. Web site: KCEE, OLAMIDE, PHYNO LEAD HEADIES NOMINEES . This Day . 5 October 2014 . 17 October 2014 . dead . https://web.archive.org/web/20141205195414/http://www.thisdaylive.com/articles/kcee-olamide-phyno-lead-headies-nominees/190567/ . 5 December 2014 . dmy-all .
  33. Web site: Nigeria: Toke Makinwa, Bovi to Host Headies 2014 . Daily Independent . allAfrica.com . 27 September 2014 . 17 October 2014 . https://web.archive.org/web/20141224193747/http://allafrica.com/stories/201409290135.html . 24 December 2014 . live .
  34. Web site: The Headies unveils 2014 nominees . Business Day . 10 October 2014 . 17 October 2014 . Ochugba, Mary . https://web.archive.org/web/20141028165724/http://businessdayonline.com/2014/10/the-headies-unveils-2014-nominees/#.VECS_ildVz0 . 28 October 2014 . live .
  35. Web site: Nigeria: Headies 2014 – Davido, Olamide, Patoranking, Mavins Win Big, Wizkid Missing. allAfrica. 16 December 2014. 15 December 2014. https://web.archive.org/web/20141216235909/http://allafrica.com/stories/201412152201.html. 16 December 2014. live.
  36. News: Breaking News: The Headies moved to New Year's Day. Nigeria Entertainment Today. Ige. Victoria. 28 December 2015. 23 January 2016. https://web.archive.org/web/20160131200456/http://www.thenet.ng/2015/12/breaking-news-the-headies-moved-to-new-years-day/. 31 January 2016. live.
  37. News: The Headies Awards 2015 postponed to 2016. YNaija. Peters. Oreoluwa. 28 December 2015. 23 January 2016. https://web.archive.org/web/20160129003516/http://ynaija.com/the-headies-awards-2015-2016-postponed/. 29 January 2016. live.
  38. News: Olamide, Timi Dakolo, YCee Win Big At HEADIES 2015. Leadership Newspaper. Abulude. Samuel. 6 January 2016. 23 January 2016. https://web.archive.org/web/20160129081859/http://www.leadership.ng/entertainment/489430/olamide-timi-dakolo-ycee-win-big-headies-2015. 29 January 2016. live.
  39. Web site: Kehinde Ajose . The Headies 2015: Beyond the controversy! . Vanguard . 3 March 2019 . 9 January 2016 . https://web.archive.org/web/20180629022107/https://www.vanguardngr.com/2016/01/the-headies-2015-beyond-the-controversy/ . 29 June 2018 . live .
  40. News: DJ Timmy Blasts Headies Over Controversial 'Next Rated' Award. Naij. 23 January 2016. https://web.archive.org/web/20161009084624/https://www.naij.com/684336-famous-dj-reacts-to-controversial-headies-awards-makes-stunning-revelations.html. 9 October 2016. live.
  41. News: Pretender and the Contender Headies Next Rated Artiste 2015: The Pretender and the Contender. Info Trust News. Sofowora. Oladapo. 17 November 2015. 23 January 2016. https://web.archive.org/web/20160129002833/https://infotrust.com.ng/headies-next-rated-artiste-2015-the-pretended-and-contender/. 29 January 2016. live.
  42. Web site: Headies 2016 Awards : The winners are… . Punch . 11 March 2019 . 23 December 2016 . https://web.archive.org/web/20190404044247/https://punchng.com/headies-2016-winners/ . 4 April 2019 . live .
  43. Web site: Oludolapo Adelana . Full list of nominees for the 2016 Headies Awards . YNaija . 11 March 2019 . 9 November 2016 . https://web.archive.org/web/20170105131322/http://ynaija.com/full-list-of-nominees-for-the-2016-headies-awards/ . 5 January 2017 . live .
  44. Web site: Singer disqualified from the Headies 'Next Rated' award category . Pulse Nigeria . 11 March 2019 . 21 December 2016.
  45. Web site: Live updates from the Nigerian music awards ceremony . Pulse Nigeria . 11 March 2019 . 22 December 2016 . https://web.archive.org/web/20190529010103/https://www.pulse.ng/headies-2016-live-updates-from-the-nigerian-music-awards-ceremony/gt0kc28 . 29 May 2019 . live .
  46. Web site: Terry Apala, Dremo, Mayorkun, others nominated for Rookie of the year . Pulse Nigeria . 11 March 2019 . 20 December 2016.
  47. Web site: Full list of Headies 2016 winners . Vanguard . 11 March 2019 . 23 December 2016 . https://web.archive.org/web/20180629022023/https://www.vanguardngr.com/2016/12/full-list-headies-2016-winners/ . 29 June 2018 . live .
  48. Web site: Billy Praise . The HEADIES 2018: Full List Of Winners. . Guardian Life . 16 March 2019 . 5 May 2018 . https://web.archive.org/web/20190328042759/https://guardian.ng/life/music/the-headies-2018-full-list-of-winners/ . 28 March 2019 . live .
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