Headies founder Ayo Animashaun criticises Nigerian artistes who submit entries for international awards but neglect The Headies

The founder of The Headies Awards, Ayo Animashaun, has criticised Nigerian artistes who submit their work for international awards but fail to do the same for The Headies, only to complain when they are not nominated.

In a series of posts shared on Instagram, Animashaun questioned why some artistes prioritise foreign award bodies while failing to support local platforms.

"Tom, Dick and Harry will submit entries to foreign award bodies that don't even care about them and proudly post about it. But these same people won't submit their entries to the Headies, yet they'll complain about not being nominated. Funny!!!" he wrote.

He also addressed criticism surrounding The Headies' decisions, particularly its expansion beyond Nigeria, saying the organisers would continue to stand by their vision as long as artistes, sponsors and other stakeholders understood its importance.

Animashaun recalled attending the Grammy Awards in Los Angeles, where he claimed some people he met were unaware that the ceremony was taking place, despite the attention it received in Nigeria.

He also questioned why American artistes could publicly boycott the Grammys without attracting the same level of controversy that follows Nigerian artistes who miss The Headies for legitimate reasons.

"The toxicity and negativity we direct at our own institutions are troubling," he wrote.

He further questioned why Nigerian institutions often receive stronger support and appreciation abroad than at home, adding that local recognition sometimes increases only after they expand internationally.