A public disagreement has erupted between Nigerian media personality Do2dtun and The Headies founder Ayo Animashaun over holding the Nigerian music awards abroad. The exchange has sparked debate about whether The Headies should remain rooted in Nigeria or expand internationally to promote Nigerian music on the global stage.
Nigerian entertainment industry in the spotlight as debate over The Headies’ move to Canada turns personal.
A public disagreement has erupted between popular Nigerian On-Air Personality Do2dtun and The Headies founder, Ayo Animashaun, over the decision to hold the Nigerian music awards ceremony outside the country.
The dispute began after Do2dtun questioned why The Headies should be held abroad, arguing that an award celebrating Nigerian music should maintain a strong connection with the local entertainment industry.
Taking to social media, the broadcaster compared The Headies with the Grammy Awards, asking why the prestigious American music ceremony had never been moved outside the United States.
Do2dtun also cited the Africa Magic Viewers’ Choice Awards (AMVCA) as an example of a homegrown awards platform, arguing that an award's credibility should depend on its contribution to the industry rather than the personal preferences of its organisers.
Responding to the criticism, Animashaun alleged that Do2dtun's comments were connected to a previous private request for assistance with obtaining a United States visa to attend an event abroad.
The Headies founder questioned whether the broadcaster's criticism was genuinely about the future of Nigerian music awards or motivated by personal interests.
However, Do2dtun rejected the allegation, insisting that his comments were about the Nigerian entertainment industry rather than a personal disagreement.
The broadcaster also challenged Animashaun to clarify the circumstances surrounding the alleged request, maintaining that criticism of The Headies should not be interpreted as an attack on its founder.
The controversy comes as The Headies prepares for its 18th edition in Toronto, Canada.
The ceremony, initially scheduled for October 23, 2026, has been postponed to April 10 and 11, 2027.
The decision to host the event abroad has renewed debate about whether Nigerian music awards should remain rooted in the country or expand internationally to reach wider audiences.
Supporters of international expansion argue that overseas ceremonies can create opportunities for Nigerian artistes and connect African music with global industry players. Critics, however, question whether taking the awards abroad adequately serves the local music industry.
Despite their disagreement, the central issue remains the future direction of The Headies and its role in promoting Nigerian music.
While Do2dtun maintains that the awards should prioritise the culture and industry they represent, Animashaun has defended the platform's international ambitions.
The exchange has sparked conversations about the balance between global recognition and local impact, with the debate extending beyond the two personalities to the wider Nigerian entertainment industry.
What do you think? Should The Headies remain in Nigeria or continue expanding internationally? Share your thoughts in the comments.
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