Ghanaian musicians, Amaarae, Gyakie, KiDi, and Nektunez have been nominated for the 15th Headies Awards.
Amaarae, Gyakie, and KiDi were nominated in the ‘Best West African Artiste’ category. Also making the list is the Music Producer, Nektunez who has been nominated for the Viewer’s Choice award with his viral song, ‘Ameno Amapiano’ Remix featuring Goya Menor.
Leading the nominations this year is Wizkid with 10 nominations, followed by a tie between first-time nominee, Ayra Starr and returning 2021 ‘Next Rated’ nominee, Tems, with eight nominations. DMW’s Davido follows with seven nominations, alongside former YBNL signee, Adekunle Gold. YBNL Record Label Boss and Pop singer, Olamide, his prodigy, Fireboy, and Brymo follow with six nominations. Ladipoe, Lojay, and BNXN all earned five nominations; closely followed by Vector, Sarz, A-Q and Blaqbonez who all have four nominations each.
This year, the nominations are diverse with some newbies like Portable, and Magixx making the list for the first time.
The 15th Annual Headies Music Awards will hold on September 4, 2022, at the COBB Energy Performing Arts Center in Atlanta, USA.
US Embassy celebrates Nigerian entertainers
Prior to the nomination release, the U.S. Mission in Nigeria hosted some Nigerian entertainers ahead of the 15th annual Headies Music Awards, which will be held for the first time in Atlanta later this year.
Delivering a speech at the event, the U.S Ambassador to Nigeria, Her Excellency Mary Beth Leonard, applauded the growing ties between the two countries in the creative industry. She explained that the choice of Atlanta to host the Headies symbolizes the growing relationship between the music industries in the United States and Nigeria and the growing popularity of Nigerian music in the United States.
“This year’s Headies awards will highlight the growing U.S.-Nigeria ties and the vast potential of Nigerian musicians as cultural exporters to the African continent and beyond,” Ambassador Leonard said.
Ambassador Leonard also noted that cultural exchange advances U.S.-Nigeria strategic partnership by forging lasting ties between American and Nigerian artists and shining a spotlight on the vibrant creative community in Nigeria and the United States.
“The U.S. government has long recognized the role of music in diplomacy, with its emphasis on free expression, improvisation, and democratic and collaborative teamwork. Sharing music is one of the best ways to find common ground with people on an exchange program. The appeal of music is truly universal”.
Ambassador Leonard
That notwithstanding, the acting U.S. Consul, General Brandon Hudspeth, in his welcoming remarks, noted that cultural and artistic exchanges are just one way the United States partners with the people and government of Nigeria.
“We continue to explore innovative ways to foster valuable people-to-people connections between our two countries. The U.S. Mission is honored to partner with the Headies. This year’s Headies Awards will highlight the Nigerian music industry’s creativity and growing global reach”.
General Brandon
Executive Producer of the Headies Music Awards, Ayo Animashaun, on his part noted that it’s the first year the Headies will be held outside of Nigeria. He described Atlanta as home to many prominent hip-hop and R&B artists and their record labels.
“The Headies recognizes outstanding achievements in the Nigerian music industry. Our goal is to continue to support the development of talent and nurture innovation in the music industry,” Animashaun said.
