The Headies award show took place yesterday night and there it was quite ‘interesting.’ As The Herald was live at the event, here are some ups and downs from the 2015 edition of the Headies:
Highs:
Impressive hosts
Comedian Bovi and popular dance choreographer Kaffy were the official hosts for the night and they did a good job. Bovi particularly stood out as he doled out jokes after jokes. He also came out at one point dressed as TV personality Denrele – High heels and all. Kaffy and her dancers too put on a good show.
Eva Alordiah Got Engaged on Stage … or Not?
While performing alongside Victoria Kimani, female rapper Eva Alordiah was surprised by her boyfriend (or not) who got down on one knee to propose. Due to her surprise and excitement, Eva could not even stand still for him to put the ring on her finger. Still, congrats to her.
2Face inducted into the Headies Hall of Fame
Veteran musician 2face Idibia was honoured with the legendary award plaque. It was given in recognition of his immense contribution to the Nigerian music industry. The award was presented by Senator Ben Murray Bruce.
Simi and Falz’s performance
Performing Simi’s hit tack ‘Jamb Question’, Simi and Falz put together a performance that could be considered ‘the best of the night.’ What stood out was the chemistry the duo exhibited on stage. Their Salsa dance did not hurt too.
Harry Songz announced he is now an ambassador for Gala!
When Harry Songz included the line “Share the Gala, Share the booze” in his popular ‘Reggae Blues’ song, most thought it was wack. But that wack line probably contributed to him being named the first ambassador for UAC foods flagship product Gala. Congrats to him.
Agbada Galore
I don’t know what bug bit half of the men that attended the Headies yesterday night. Vector, Reminisce, Lil Kesh, Olamide and even Di’Ja were some of the acts that turned up in Agbada.
Awards were given to those who truly deserved them
The Headies in recent times have been dogged by allegations of bias when it came to handing out awards. The 2016 version took notice of this and gave out awards (in my opinion) were truly deserved. I see you Vector!
Reekado Banks wins the Next Rated category amidst ‘controversy’
‘Reeky Tom Tom’ aka Reekado Banks joined the exclusive club that includes the likes of Asa, Sean Tizzle and Wande Coal. He won the next rated category and went home with a brand new Hyundai iX35 jeep. Fans and critics alike were of the opinion that Lil Kesh was more deserving of the award but the organisers thought differently.
Majek Fashek’s Performance
Everyone was glad to see the Rainmaker back on stage and he delivered!
YCEE wins his first award ever
Crowning the phenomenal 2015 YCEE had, he worked home with the rookie of the year award.
Lows:
Olamide Expletive filled ‘Speech’
This was a shock!!!! Adekunle Gold won the award for best alternative song and after he delivered his speech, YBNL CEO Olamide launched into an expletive filled speech stating that “Lil Kesh is our own next rated, f*** anybody, iyalaya anybody.”
Don Jazzy’s rebuttal
Don Jazzy was given a special recognition award presented to him by COSON president Tony Okoroji. But that was dwarfed by the speech Don Baba gave after he received the award. He started by acknowledging the fact that he doesn’t like receiving awards. He also talked about how he promised each new artiste on his label cars and he ended with the statement that practically ended the show “Oga Olamide, if you want the car, come and carry it!” is this the beginning of a war between two of Nigeria’s biggest record labels? Only time would tell.
Technical Difficulties
While I wouldn’t call them technical difficulties in the true sense of the word, but they were times when the organisers made it seem like they didn’t know what to do with the times after an award was presented. Something the organisers need to correct at the nest Headies.
Award Malfunction
When Emma Ugolee and Fade Ogunro stepped out to present the award for best Street Hop track, they were handed the envelope containing the name of the winner of the Best Pop track category. Luckily, both Emma and Fade handled it well.
Low turnout of guests
Maybe it was due to the timing or the show or the fact that Ali Baba was having his annual end of the year show across town, but the Landmark event Centre venue of the show was half full. While we kept hoping that more people will eventually turn up, sadly it wasn’t the case.