The Headies (formerly known as the Hip Hop World Awards) is an annual award ceremony recognizing outstanding achievement in the Nigerian music industry. Considered to be one of Nigeria’s most prestigious awards, this year’s version will be taking place this night at the Convention Centre of Eko Hotel and Suites.
And as expected, The Herald will be reporting live from the event. Before then, here are some facts about the Headies.
- The annual ceremony features performances by established and promising artists.
- Headies is sometimes referred to as Sound Sultan after the musician of the same name. The similarity was first mentioned by Mode 9 after winning a Headie Plaque in 2006.
- Several media personalities in Nigeria have hosted the annual Music Awards, including Darey Art Alade, D’banj, Dakore Egbuson, Banky W, Rita Dominic, M.I, Tiwa Savage, Toke Makinwa, Basketmouth and Dr Sid.
- The image of the Headies was created by Ayo Animashaun, The Founder of the awards and drawn by Matthias Araogbada.
- The first Headie Plaque was done by Jide Adewoye.
- In 2008, the Plaque was redone in the United Kingdom. It was plated with 21 carat gold. The new plaque is a mixture of Resin, Copper, Steel, Marble and Gold.
- In 2006, the first Hip Hop World Awards show was held on march 10, 2006 at the Shell hall of the Muson centre in Onikan, Lagos. It was tagged “The revolution is here.” that year P-square and Jude Okoye eclipsed their colleagues, taking home five Plaques
- The second edition of the Headies also took place at the Shell hall of the Muson centre on March 17, 2007; the theme for that year was: “The Best Gets Better”. It was the year rapper Mode 9 took home two awards, making him the biggest awardee of the night.
- The Headies’ venue was changed for the very first time in 2008. The location for the prestigious awards was moved to planet 1. This was the third edition of the Headies and it took place on March 15, 2008. The theme was “Change has to change”
- For the first time in the history of the awards, the fourth edition of the Headies in 2009 took place outside the commercial nerve centre and was organized in the city of Abuja. Guests, nominees and presenters were flown and lodged for the event which was tagged “A Prize to die for”. The venue for the Ceremony was the International conference centre which was befitting for an event of the Headies’ High Standards. This was also the first time the award didn’t take place in March, but happened on the 16th of day of May instead.
- The 5th edition in 2010 was brought back to the city of Lagos and the ceremony took place at Eko Hotels and Suites.
- The theme for that edition was ‘Power, Prestige, and Pride’. It happened on the 29th day of May 2010. Wande Coal wat the Artiste of the night as he took home five Headies.
- Tagged, “Break from the norm’’, the 6th edition of the Headies also took place at Eko hotels and suites. The date for the ceremony was pushed towards the end of the year, on 22nd day of October 2011.
- The prestige and consistency of the Headies had been registered in the hearts and minds of people since inception. By 2012, the expectations and hunger for the 7th edition was high. Held at Eko hotels and suites, the theme was “step into the spotlight”
- In 2013, the 8th edition of the award, themed “It’s about to begin” took place on boxing day, the 26th December at the ground ball room, oriental hotel.
- The 9th edition of the Headies, held at the convention centre of Eko hotels and suites on December 14, 2014, tagged, feel the passion. The ceremony was hosted by Toke Makinwa and Basketmouth.
- Since inception, the Artistes with the most Headies Plaque include; Mode9 (10), P-Square (7), 2Face Idibia (6), Olamide (6), M.I. (6), 9ice (5), Davido (5), Wande Coal (5), D’Banj (5), Jude Okoye (5).
- The theme for the 10th edition of the Headies is ‘Flip the Script’
- The Dress code for the 10th edition differs from other years. No suits, no ties or 007 looks. Dress like you’re attending a Carnival or the biggest rave party ever.
- The 10th edition of the Headies is the first edition to have a nominee’s concert which held on the 28th of December, 2015 at Landmark Event Centre, Water Corporation Road Lekki peninsula, Oniru Lagos. Previous Years had the All White Party in London and the Nominee’s Party, Including the Veterans Night.
- The 10th edition of the Headies will be hosted by Ace Comedian, Bovi and Nigeria’s Queen of Dance, Kaffy.