Recently, Ayra Starr publicly criticized the organizers of the Headies Award, held on September 3rd in Atlanta, Georgia. The singer, who won the Best Female Artist category, refused to accept the award because it was not presented to her on stage. She pointed out the organizers’ mistake, emphasizing that her category is equally significant as others announced on stage.
She expressed her frustration, stating, “I will never be grateful for winning a category that wasn’t even deemed fit to be announced on stage! Best female artist is important; we all work hard. I’ve seen Tiwa record 4 hit songs in one night, Tems lives for music. We didn’t deserve such negligence! Nigeria, you didn’t raise me to settle for less.”
Joey Akan also supported her on Twitter, stating, “No Nigerian female artist received recognition on the Headies 2023 stage, and Ayra Starr is right to voice her concerns publicly. I agree with her. They deserve better.”
No Nigerian woman artist climbed the Headies 2023 stage to receive a trophy or get any shine at all.
And Ayra Starr is right for using her voice and power to call this out publicly. I agree with her.
They deserve better. pic.twitter.com/wpTKMKDkD0
— Joey Akan (@JoeyAkan) September 4, 2023