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The Headies remain one of the most prestigious and reputable award shows in Nigeria. Since its inception, it has given Nigerian artists a platform to be celebrated and an opportunity to become bigger acts. A few days ago, The Headies made an announcement that this year’s edition would be held in Atlanta, US. It was a bit surprising and it triggered numerous reactions on Twitter, mostly negative reactions. Why is a Nigerian award show being held in the US? Doesn’t that defeat the purpose of growing our local scene.
Personally, I haven’t been a fan of the Headies for a while now. For some reason, the platform has been subpar and there hasn’t been anything fascinating happening with the award show. The reputation it once held has significantly reduced and people no longer have any feelings of veneration toward them. I’m unable to tell if this move of hosting the award show in the US is a smart strategy, but my fingers are crossed.
It’s no news that there are two major categories that people look out for in the Headies: Artist of the Year and Next Rated. The Next Rated category has seen the likes of Wande Coal, Wizkid, Sean Tizzle, Reekado Banks, and many other artists emerge as winners. Last year, Omah Lay picked up the award. Any artist who wins the Next Rated award usually skyrockets from that point. It has happened so many times. According to The Headies, the winner of this year’s Next Rated will win a Bentley.
This year’s Next Rated category is truly a controversial one. Every artist on that list has had an impressive run from last year. But the question remains “Who deserves the next rated award?” There’s no way to answer that plainly. At most, we can only speak based on our observations, which if we’re being honest, can sometimes be biased. So, let’s quickly do a run down of these artists, which include:
Bnxn, whose former name was Buju, has been in the game for sometime. We all believed that he had struck gold when he signed to Burna Boy’s Spaceship, but it didn’t turn out that way. Two years later, after a long hiatus from music, the singer returned to claim his throne. It started with Blaqbonez’ Bling, which featured Bnxn himself as well as Amaarae. Shortly after, his hook on Ladipoe’s Feeling had every singing along, as if a mantra. It was his first major introduction to the mainstream. And did he come correct.
Bnxn hasn’t slowed then since then. He has mapped out a place for himself in the Nigerian music industry and it doesn’t look like he’s giving up that space anytime soon. He has repeatedly proven himself on features, with songs like Timaya’s Cold Outside, Savage’s Confident. His most recent collaboration with Pheelz has thrown music listeners into a state of euphoria.
I have seen a couple of polls on Twitter and so far, Bnxn is most likely to win. That is, if the winner is going to be picked based on the number of votes. He has the discography to speak for him. Another factor to consider is that he has continually popped up in several conversations on social media. I wouldn’t be surprised if he won the award.
Zinoleesky
Zinoleesky is one artist that was on my radar for years before he signed to Marlian Music. I always had that conviction that he was going to blow up big time. And it’s amazing to see that he’s breaking all barriers. When he featured Zlatan Ibile on his single, Money, he was seeking a means to put himself in front of the audience. However, that didn’t happen until he released Ma Pariwo two years ago.
Zinoleesky’s style has left so many people in awe. As Ma Pariwo sparked the interest of music listeners in the singer, he *over-delivered* on his follow-up single, Kilofeshe. It has been touted as one of the best Nigerian Amapiano songs. And so, Zinoleesky became everyone’s sweetheart. Look at what he did on Lil Kesh’s Don’t Call Me. It was a straight hit. What you would call a bullseye.
Does Zinoleesky deserve the Next Rated award? You and I both know that saying yes to that question isn’t a far-fetched answer. He is an eligible candidate and I can’t see a reason why he shouldn’t win. Again, this is based on observations. Going by a voting system, only the numbers decide. And if the numbers tilt in his favour, he is deserving of the award
Ruger
This is where my objectivity takes a back seat. I have a personal bias for Ruger. Since he released his single, Ruger, I’ve been particularly interested in seeing how far the young bull can go. I think it’s safe to say that Bounce remains one of the biggest hits of 2021. Its replay value is simply unparalleled. Ruger is unquestionably gifted.
You would think that after releasing his critically-acclaimed debut EP Pandemic, it would be a challenge to top such a body of work. Ruger went above and beyond to put together his sophomore EP, The Second Wave. Even though my favourite song on the tape was Snapchat, Dior was the song that ended up being the one that the general audience loved.
Like I said, I have a personal bias for Ruger. So, I totally want him to win. But I know how the Nigerian audience operates. They’re usually more focused on what’s trending and we all know that Ruger hasn’t been in any conversations recently. Does he stand a chance? Maybe. I just can’t guarantee that people would vote him over the likes of Bnxn and Zinoleesky. But anything can happen and he might just surprisingly go home with the award.
Ayra Starr
I decided to put Ayra Starr last on the list because I have a few things to say concerning her. It makes me sad to see that nobody is rooting for her to win. Obviously, most of her fans are Gen Z and she is not as popular as these other guys are amongst older generations. But when you take a look at her discography, you realize that she has everything it takes to challenge these guys.
She is the only one in the list that has dropped an album. And if we’re being honest, her album was solid. Not only that, she also has a string of hits to her name including Bloody Samaritan and Beggie Beggie (featuring Ckay). She is currently one of the most unique voices of her generation and is only just at the genesis of her career.
If the winner is judged by votes, I don’t know enough about the voting power of Gen Z, so I can’t tell what her chances of winning is. What I do know is that Ayra Starr is star material and can give the other guys a run for their money. I wouldn’t bet her on winning though. That would come as a shock to everyone.
When it comes to award shows, it’s difficult to tell what their criteria is. Over the years, The Headies has seemingly judged their winners by number of votes. It’s a good idea to allow the audience decide who wins the award. But maybe it’s time to try something else. I’m curious to see how they’ll judge the winners this year. I read in the announcement that The Headies will have a panel of judges so let’s hope that the process is different this time.
But someone has to say this, and it might as well be me. Why is a Nigerian award show being held in the US? It doesn’t make any sense, if we’re being honest. Do they plan to fly all the nominees to Atlanta? That’s certainly impossible. Well, I guess we have to wait to see how they intend to make it work.
Are you already jamming Santi’s new album? How’s it sounding? How about the New Omah Lay with Justin Bieber? I watched a behind-the-scenes video which Instagram posted where Omah Lay and Justin Bieber were catching a vibe.
Expansion is a big step for any company, and I'm hoping The Headies can make theirs successful. It's no secret that The Headies has lost its luster owing to poor organization, artist feuds, low audience turnout, and other factors. I remember watching it in 2018, and it felt a little disorganized since then, i stopped watching it.
This year, let's hope they have a solid plan in place.
It's a close call in the following rated category. Even though I'm cheering for Zinoleesky, I'm confident that BXSN will win if voters recall his name change. Ayra Starr is a force to be reckoned with in her field, but as you mentioned, the voting power of Generation Z? I'd like to be surprised. Ruger, I think I'm the only one who didn't think The Second Wave was up to par with The Pandemic. People appreciate Ruger and his music, regardless of my thoughts about his EPs, but does he really have a fan following equivalent to BXSN to carry this home?
I’m still trying to catch up with new music from last week. So far, Yard by Poco lee has been ringing in my head, especially that catchy Intro. I’m not feeling Dice Ailes’ Hold me. Sungba’s video is soft. Pheelz’s Finesse is finally out after all the torture, that song is in trouble with me.
Expansion is a big step for any company, and I'm hoping The Headies can make theirs successful. It's no secret that The Headies has lost its luster owing to poor organization, artist feuds, low audience turnout, and other factors. I remember watching it in 2018, and it felt a little disorganized since then, i stopped watching it.
This year, let's hope they have a solid plan in place.
It's a close call in the following rated category. Even though I'm cheering for Zinoleesky, I'm confident that BXSN will win if voters recall his name change. Ayra Starr is a force to be reckoned with in her field, but as you mentioned, the voting power of Generation Z? I'd like to be surprised. Ruger, I think I'm the only one who didn't think The Second Wave was up to par with The Pandemic. People appreciate Ruger and his music, regardless of my thoughts about his EPs, but does he really have a fan following equivalent to BXSN to carry this home?
I’m still trying to catch up with new music from last week. So far, Yard by Poco lee has been ringing in my head, especially that catchy Intro. I’m not feeling Dice Ailes’ Hold me. Sungba’s video is soft. Pheelz’s Finesse is finally out after all the torture, that song is in trouble with me.
Hiii. So sorry my response is coming this late. Are you sure you won’t join our team like this?! I love how you express yourself really well.
Yes, Bnxn is the most likely to win. Finesse is the hottest song out right now! Not sure it’s leaving that number one spot anytime soon.
Hi Haywenzo, It's not a problem. If you'd like to have me, we can make that happen. From you? Woah, Thank you.
Ah Finesse, i totally feel the same way. I’m waiting for the song that would beat it.