Founder of The Headies Awards, Ayo Animashaun has expressed disappointment with Nigeria’s fixation on the Grammy Awards.
In an interview on Channels TV, Animashaun questioned why Nigerians prioritise international recognition over supporting their music industry.
Animashaun noted that the Grammys are more popular in Lagos than in America, emphasising that Nigerians should focus on their own awards and industry.
He criticised the idea that international recognition is the ultimate validation, stating that Americans don’t care about Nigerian music as much as Nigerians think they do.
Animashaun shared his personal experience attending various international award shows, including the Grammys, American Music Awards, and Oscars.
He observed that many Americans are unaware of these events, whereas Nigerians are deeply invested in them.
He argued that this obsession with international awards comes at the expense of supporting Nigeria’s own music industry.
Animashaun then went ahead to urge Nigerians to prioritise their own awards and initiatives.
He said: “Grammy is more popular on the streets of Lagos in Nigeria than it is now in America. We have our own for God’s sake, kilode gan?
“We actually think they care about us, but wake up—they don’t. We’re popping now, so they’re giving us one nomination, and the whole country is making noise about it.
“This year, I didn’t go for the Grammys. I was there last year and have attended several others—American Music Awards, BET, World Music Awards, Oscars, MTV—you name it, I’ve been there many times.
“When I talk to people in those cities, some don’t even know the events are happening. But in Nigeria, we know more about their awards than they do. We keep hyping what’s not ours. They’ll support their own awards and industry, and we’ll keep supporting theirs. So, who will support our own? And I’m not just talking about the Headies here.
“We keep supporting what’s not ours and neglect our own. The Headies plaque is 21-karat gold-plated with copper—bring theirs and put it beside ours and see if it’s less valuable,” he said.
Credit: thenationonlineng.net
