On Saturday, May 5, 2018, Nigerian entertainment scene stood still as Nigeria’s most prestigious music award ceremony ‘Headies’ took place at Eko Hotel & Suites. Recall that Headies Awards is Nigeria’s longest running,biggest and glamorous music award ceremony in Nigeria. Also note the event which was hosted by comedian Bovi and singer Seyi Shay, made a solid re-entry after a one-year hiatus. Unusual Punctuality It is no longer news that Headies has always been notorious for starting late, but this year witnessed a positive difference. The award ceremony was scheduled to start by 10:00pm and it did. This shows that punctuality was obviously a theme at the awards. They didn’t drag the event with meaningless jibes and the transitions were smooth throughout the show. Downsides Despite efforts of the organizers to ensure nominees come on time, a few of the nominees still came late for the show. In several categories, the winners were not around to take their plaques, as they hadn’t made it to the venue yet. Hopefully, Nigerian artistes will do better at the next edition. Organisers caused uproar for projecting Tiwa Savage’s name instaed of Yemi Alade as best performer. This was after the host, Ebuka Obi-Uchendu announced Yemi Alade as Best Performer of the Year while Tiwa Savage’s name appeared on the screen. Although, Yemi Alade was given the award, But could this really be a mistake? Wizkid Missing Wizkid was glaringly missing at the Headies even though he bagged two solo awards and a collabo award with Tiwa Savage. Recall that this is another high profile event Wizkid is missing within the space of a month, as he also missed Coachella Vally Music & Arts Festival in California, US where he was billed to perform alongside Beyonce and Eminem as a result of visa issues. With Star Boy being here in Nigeria, many of his fans wondered why he wasn’t around for the show. Snubs For all their hard work and effort in the year in review, the trio of Runtown, Olamide and Tekno couldn’t take home any award. Think of the smash hits these three acts have dropped within the year in review and you will be shocked that none of them won an award. Neverthless, the year in review was choked with so many great pop songs which would have made it hard for these three acts to nab any Award. Artistes Performance The performances this year were top notch as the organizers used a live band as well as DJ for performances. It was also obvious that a lot of the performers rehearsed adequately for their sets. Standout performances include Falz, Mr Real, Mad Melon & Mountain Black, and Simi. Also, the sound production was on point and the stage design is arguably the best the Headies has ever witnessed in all of its celebrated years. Bovi Subs the Okoye Brother’s (P-Square) During his hosting duties, 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. Other Notable Moments Galala-dancing RMD To Nigerians, Richard Mofe-Damijo will forever remain cool, perhaps cooler as he ages. Not one to disappoint when on a stage, the veteran actor danced galala while presenting an award and expressed his willingness to learn shaku-shaku from Osas Ighodalo but the organisers said No, do it on your own time. Davido encourage artists to help the needy Davido dedicating his Artist of the Year to his ‘assurance’ Chioma and imploring his fellow artists to help people in need was a great moment. Mayorkun mobbed by 30Billion gang When Mayorkun won the Next Rated Act category, he couldn’t give a winners speech because he was mobbed by the entire 30 Billion Gang. The crew love was epic as they raised him high. Finally Igwe 2Pac and his very efficient hypeman did their thing on stage.
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