Headies 2026 to hold in Canada as organisers seek global expansion

Organizers of The Headies have revealed that the 18th edition of Nigeria's foremost music awards event will be held in Toronto, Canada, representing another advancement in the event's global reach.

The announcement was made on Monday by Ayo Animashaun, the founder of Headies, during a media event in Victoria Island, Lagos.

While the specific date for the ceremony has not yet been disclosed, Animashaun verified that the travel agency Wakanow has joined forces with the organizers to improve the experience of attendees traveling from Nigeria to Canada.

"We have a partner accompanying us to provide an unprecedented experience from Lagos to Toronto, and that partner is Wakanow," he remarked.

Discussing the reasoning behind hosting the awards overseas, Animashaun emphasized the importance of The Headies diversifying its sources of revenue similar to prominent global award ceremonies.

"The major awards globally that you consider significant typically have four or five revenue streams. Here, we rely solely on sponsorship, which everyone mentions," he stated.

Making comparisons with the Grammy Awards, he noted, "They receive state support. During the pandemic, the Grammy relocated from Los Angeles to Madison Square in New York due to closures in LA.

"LA fought to bring back the Grammy because it significantly impacts their economy and is ingrained in their identity. What events would you identify as integral to our identity as Nigerians?"

This initiative marks a new phase for The Headies, which returned to Nigeria in 2024 after hosting two consecutive editions in the United States.

The 15th and 16th editions took place at the Cobb Energy Performing Arts Centre in Atlanta, Georgia.

Since its inception in 2006, The Headies has grown into one of Africa's most esteemed music awards, honoring exceptional accomplishments within the Nigerian music scene.