The Executive Producer of The Headies Awards, Ayo Animashaun, has defended the decision to stage the prestigious music awards ceremony in Toronto, Canada, saying the move is aimed at expanding the global reach of African music rather than abandoning Nigeria.
Animashaun made the clarification amid conversations surrounding the relocation of the award ceremony, stressing that The Headies remains deeply rooted in Nigeria despite its international expansion.
According to him, African music has evolved into a global cultural force and the institutions established to celebrate its achievements must also grow beyond local boundaries.
“We are taking The Headies to Toronto because African music is now a global force, and the institutions that celebrate it must grow with it,” he said.
The media entrepreneur explained that Toronto offers strategic advantages, including strong partnerships, world-class infrastructure, international visibility and economic support capable of helping the awards attain the scale that African music deserves on the global stage.
While acknowledging concerns from stakeholders and fans at home, Animashaun emphasized that Lagos remains the spiritual home of The Headies, noting that the award platform was conceived, nurtured and built in Nigeria.
“Lagos will always be home. The Headies was born in Nigeria, built in Nigeria, and its roots remain firmly planted in Nigeria,” he stated.
He added that the international expansion would ultimately benefit the Nigerian and African music industries by attracting greater global attention, investment opportunities and new markets for creatives across the continent.
“This is not about leaving Nigeria. This is about expanding Nigeria’s cultural footprint, strengthening African institutions, and ensuring that our music, our creators, and our stories continue to command their rightful place on the world stage,” he said.
Animashaun further maintained that taking the award ceremony beyond Nigeria should be viewed as a strategic move to elevate African entertainment and amplify its influence in key international markets.
Reiterating his position, he declared: “The Headies is not moving away from home. The Headies is taking home to the world.”
The statement concluded with a rallying message that reflects the vision behind the move: “Nigeria Born. Africa Loud. Toronto Proud. Africa to the World.”