TNSOn Saturday (May 5), some corps d’elite and stakeholders of Nigerian entertainment, musicians, lovers of music and members of the press gathered en mass at the Eko Convention Centre in Lagos for the 12th edition of Nigerian music award – The Headies.
The Headies which held for the first time in 2006 is Nigeria’s longest running music award and for many years, its shortcomings have ultimately been used as case studies in the discourse of Nigerian music awards (the downside of the revered).
As the music industry evolves, there has been a damning demand on the award show to do same and after what would be a one-year hiatus, the Headies made a glorious comeback with its 2018 edition.
Upon stepping into the odeum, one could immediately deduce that the organizers have made a considerable effort to put up a great show. The stage design was an eyeful – the modestly colourful lighting and screen art reflected extreme elegance. It has been named the best Headies stage design of all time.
Although not exclusive to the Headies, the award show has had a great deal of shortcoming in regards to timeliness. It is said that the award ceremony has never kicked off on time – but this year, the organizers displayed a strong value for time. The red carpet kicked off at seven (as promised) and the ceremony was on at 10 pm (also as promised).
The event hosts (Comedian – Bovi and Singer – Seyi Shay) also brought their A-game. Frankly, some sort of doubtful statements were tossed around by attendees in this regard. “Who is hosting the show?”, a lady sitting next to me on the VIP roll inquired. “Bovi and Seyi Shay”, I responded. The look on her face denoted distaste. When I sought to know why she appeared unhappy by this news, she responded thus; “Seyi Shay is always doing too much. I think she will make the show boring”. In all honesty, something inside of me agreed with her but I quietly reverted; “I think we should give her the benefit of doubt”. Still convinced that she was in for a boring show, the lady nodded with zero excitement.
Hours into the show, I saw a wide grin on her face as Seyi Shay and Bovi mounted the podium for the third time. “What do you think about the hosts? Are they doing a fine job?”, I asked. Of course, her doubts (and mine) have been cleared. “Yes o. I like how they’re doing it”, she reverted with a big smile.
The performances were also top-notch. Save for Niniola who surprisingly put up a sub-par show, every other performer was up to par. The organizers also blessed attendees with a sufficient dose of nostalgia as old-time music groups; Danfo Drivers (Mad Melon and Mountain Black) and Zule Zoo delivered stellar performances of their classic records (Kpolongo and Kerewa).
The most entertaining performance of the night would be that of “Best Street-Hop Artiste” nominee – Mr Real. The singer mounted the sage with an array of dancers and delivered a lively rendition of his 2017 street anthem ‘Legbegbe’.
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Unforgettable was how himself and his dancers mesmerized with the buzzing shaku-shaku dance. Although he lost the award for Street Hop Artiste to Small Doctor, the singer’s performance made an impression will not be forgotten in a hurry.
Low Moments
The biggest low in this year’s award would be in regards to transitions. Blame it on the producers or whoever was responsible for the programming. It wasn’t a good look when Simi was called upon to receive an award just after her performance. Same was the case with Mayorkun who had to make a comeback for his performance right after receiving an award. This made it impossible for the singer to make a speech after collecting his “Next Rated” award.
A lot of winners were also unavailable to pick up their plaques. You could blame this on the Nigerian lateness culture but it sure wasn’t a good look. While some of these winners later showed up, some made no appearance at all. The most notable absentees are; Wizkid, Olamide, 2Baba, Don Jazzy, Iyanya and D’Banj.
Wizkid, however, sent his love to the organizers via Twitter.
Ayo Animashaun! True legend! Hero! Keep going sir! Big respect🙏🏾🌹😇❤️&Love
— Wizkid
Biggest Winners
Simi, Davido, Wizkid and Mayorkun were the biggest winners of the night.
Simi won in the; Recording Of the Year (Joromi), Best R&B Single (Smile For Me) and Album Of The Year (Simisola) category. Davido also bagged three awards in the; Song Of the Year (IF), Best Pop Single (IF) and Artiste Of the Year category which he won against Wizkid, Tiwa Savage, Olamide and Simi.
Wizkid however, made up for his loss in the gigantic Artiste Of the Year category by snatching the; Headies Viewer’s Choice, Best Music Video (Come Closer) and Best Pop Album (Sounds From the Other Side).
Mayorkun went home with the most coveted award (Next Rated) which he won against; Maleek Berry, Dice Ailes, Zoro and Johnny Drille. As winner in this category, Mayorkun will be gifted a brand new car.
Biggest Losers
The biggest losers in this year’s Headies are Olamide and Adekunle Gold who were nominated in five categories each. They both left without snatching any plaque.
Their biggest losses: Adekunle Gold lost in the Album Of The Year category to Simi while Olamide lost in the Artiste Of the Year category to Davido.
Other notable nominees who failed to leave with any plaque were; Maleek Berry, Tekno, Runtown, Johnny Drille and Burna Boy who surprisingly, has never lifted a Headies plaque.
Memorable Moments
Bovi Subs the Okoye Brother’s (P-Square)
During his hosting duty, renowned comedian Bovi threw a subtle shade in the direction of Rudeboy and Mr P (members of the defunct P-Square group). The comedian insinuated that next year, the brothers may be nominated in the next rated category – pointing to the fact that they have become rising artistes of sorts as a result of their decision to go solo. “By this time next year, we’ll have the likes of Rudeboy and Mr P in the Next Rated category”, he stated and of course, the audience responded with a resounding burst of laughter.
Davido’s Compelling Acceptance Speech
Davido who was one of the biggest winners of the night had a few things to say to his colleagues. After accepting his award for Artiste Of the Year, the singer charged his contemporaries to always lend their support to budding musicians – explaining that this is the secret behind his enviable success.
“I want to tell all the artiste here; una get money, anything una fit do for people make una do. E no go cost una anything. We rise by lifting others”, he ended. Davido is the founder of Davido Music Worldwide (a music label that has played a very significant role in providing a platform for upcoming musicians). DMW is home to Mayorkun – winner of this years Next Rated Award.
Bovi Drags Seyi Shay Over “Electric Package” Blunder
As anticipated, Bovi made sure to throw shots in the direction of his co-host Seyi Shay. Half-way into the show, the comedian reminded everyone of Seyi Shay’s infamous TV blunder when she was said during an interview that the acronym EP (which means Extended Play) stood for “Electric Package”.
Bovi subbed the singer saying; “Why did you call EP and Electric Package? Is your daddy an electrician?”
In reaction, Seyi Shay challenged Bovi to assign meanings to different acronym’s and oh well, Bovi said the acronym; POS meant ‘Money’.
Although there were many flaws especially with the nominations, the Headies has made a glorious comeback. However, whether or not the organisers will maintain and ultimately surpass the standard they have attained with this year’s ceremony remains to be seen.
This post first appeared on NET.
