The 2016 edition of the Headies went down on the 23rd of December, and as usual more than enough controversies to last us another 12 months. Keep calm, we will get through it all!
First thing first a special shout to the original star boy Wizkid on a great 2016, He appeared on unforgettable songs this year, songs that will become iconic in years to come, collaborating with Drake, Chris Brown, Trey Songz, French Montana, Justine Skye and several others. its only right the ‘Baba Nla</strong>’ crooner got the ‘Artist of the year’ award, and rightly so!
Its worth mentioning that he actually showed up to the ceremony! admist rumours of a pending court case in Kenya (many nominees failed to come, some did not even send representatitves). Lets gloss over the shade Wizkid un intentionally threw to Eva’s fiance Ceasar. He stole the show with his attendance as he made his way into the Headies award ceremony at 1:05 a.m., a spontaneous applause went round the hall, interrupting AY, who was presenting the award for the Next Rated category.
Who didnt Show Up ?
YBNL Boss Olamide was a noteworthy no show at the event, as expected, nevertheless he was still able to take home 2 Headies for ‘Best street hop artist’ and ‘Best rap single’, well he didn’t take it home, and neither did Young John the wicked producer who followed in his label boss footsteps by boycotting the event (He won producer of the year). Nevertheless Baddo Sneh made history after joining Mode 9 as the artiste with the most awards in Headies history, the ‘who you epp’ crooner has won 9 awards after the 11th edition of the Headies!
Two powerhouse labels and their artists/producers decided not to show up at the event, you guessed it Mavin and YBN, no surprise after what went down at the 2015 edition of the Headies. Patoranking who won ‘Best Reggae/dancehall single’ was also absent. Oga Boss Illbliss who also won 2 controversial awards for ‘Best rap album’ and ‘lyricist on the roll’ was not in attendance.
In the build up to the Headies event it was revealed that the Headies award jury decided to withdraw Tekno’s ‘Next Rated’ nomination, apparently he failed to participate in all the required activities by the Headies leading up to the event, keep in mind this was the only category the ‘Pana’ crooner was nominated in.
The Next rated became a four horse race between Aramide, YCee, Humblesmith and Mr Eazi. In true dramatic fashion, many felt Mr Eazi should not have been in this category (not to mention winning it), and that if anything he should be first considered as the ‘Rookie of the year’ candidate, considering the fact he just became main stream less than 6 months ago.
Big Winners of the Night
Remember last year when Kiss Daniel lost out to YBNL and Mavin artists in several categories including the next rated award. 12 month later and the G- Worldwide entertainment front man went home with the most awards including; ‘Best R&B/Pop Album’ ‘Hip hop world revelation’ and ‘Album of the Year’.
Darey shocked many as he picked up ‘Best recording of the year’ and ‘Best R&B single’. Singers Simi and Shaydee won their first ever major awards at the 2016 Headies.Shaydee won the ‘Best Male Vocal Performance’ award for ‘Smile’, beating Brymo, Wande Coal, Ric Hassani, and the favorite, Darey – who was nominated for ‘Pray for Me’. Simi’s ‘Love Don’t Care<’ won her the ‘Best Female Vocal Performance’ award ahead of Seyi Shay, Aramide and Omawumi.
Phyno who showed up late and had a ceremonious entrance, was awarded the ‘Song Of The Year’ for his efforts on ‘Fada Fada’, but when he came out to receive his trophy, there was no trophy made available to him, he was made to walk back to his seat empty handed. Midway through the walk, he met up with Ayo Animashaun, the organiser of the award and laid his frustration.
Its also note worthy to mention some super stars who enjoyed a successful 2016 like; Tiwa Savage, Adekunle Gold, Yemi Alade, D’banj, YCee and Seyi Shay failed to win in any categories leaving their fans to question why this was the case.
On a brighter note, Harrysong’s Reggae Blues won the award for ‘Best pop single’ , and Kcee, who collaborated with him on the track climbed the stage to congratulate his former label mate, this comes after a recent break up with the 5 Star music family.All in all, a typical controversial edition of the Headies, just what the doctor ordered! See you next year!
P.S: Did the Headies really leave Dremo, Dice Ailes, Mayorkun, Terry Apala and Mz Kizz hanging by not announcing a winner for the ‘Rookie of the Year’ category?
