MORGANABLE LIFE & CULTURE / MUSIC INDUSTRY
Nigerian media personality Do2dtun has questioned The Headies’ decision to hold its next awards ceremony in Canada, prompting a public exchange with the event’s founder, Ayo Animashaun.
Akure —
Nigerian media personality Do2dtun has questioned The Headies’ decision to hold its next awards ceremony in Canada, prompting a public exchange with the event’s founder, Ayo Animashaun.
The disagreement has renewed debate about whether a major Nigerian music award should remain at home or expand its international reach.
The exchange began on October 15, 2026, after Do2dtun asked why the Grammy Awards had never moved outside the United States.
Animashaun responded by questioning Do2dtun’s motives. He alleged that the broadcaster’s criticism followed a private request for help with a United States visa.
Do2dtun rejected that account and said his comments concerned the music industry, not a personal grievance.
DO2DTUN QUESTIONS THE MOVE
Do2dtun argued that awards should serve the industries and communities they represent.
He pointed to the Africa Magic Viewers’ Choice Awards as an example of a homegrown ceremony that continues to recognise local talent.
He also questioned whether an award’s credibility should depend on the preferences of one organiser. In his view, institutions need consistency and independence to earn trust from artists, audiences and sponsors.
His comments have added to a wider conversation about Nigerian entertainment events.
ANIMASHAUN DEFENDS THE AWARDS
Animashaun pushed back against Do2dtun’s criticism and challenged him to organise an alternative awards ceremony. He also questioned whether the broadcaster’s comments reflected a genuine concern about The Headies or a personal disagreement.
The awards founder alleged that Do2dtun had contacted him privately for help securing a United States visa to attend an event abroad. Animashaun suggested that the broadcaster became more critical after he could not provide that assistance.
Those claims formed part of Animashaun’s public response. They have not been independently established, so they should be treated as allegations rather than confirmed facts.
DO2DTUN REJECTS THE VISA CLAIM
Do2dtun denied that his criticism was motivated by a visa request. He said he had travelled to the United States before and that his appeal to Animashaun concerned a personal ordeal involving his children.
He also referred to entertainment figures who, he said, had contacted the Headies founder on his behalf. Do2dtun maintained that he was raising concerns about the awards’ role in Nigerian music, rather than attacking Animashaun personally.
The two men have therefore offered different accounts of their private interaction. Public posts establish what each person has said, but they do not independently prove either side’s allegations.
WHY THE TORONTO CEREMONY MATTERS
The disagreement comes as The Headies prepares for its 18th edition in Toronto. Organisers initially scheduled the ceremony for October 23, 2026, but later postponed the finale to April 10 and 11, 2027.
In an announcement published on its official website, The Headies said it would expand activities in Nigeria and Canada before the Toronto finale. The programme is expected to include workshops, seminars and industry engagements under its “Road to The Headies” initiative.
Organisers also plan to hold a Global Trade and Investment Summit alongside the awards. They say the programme will connect creative professionals, businesses and investors with international partners and potential opportunities.
The Headies said the revised schedule would allow more time to develop the programme. It apologised to guests who had already made travel plans.
The Toronto event follows earlier international editions in Atlanta, Georgia. The 15th and 16th editions took place there in 2022 and 2023, before The Headies returned to Nigeria for its 17th edition in 2025.
THE CASE FOR INTERNATIONAL EXPANSION
Supporters of the move may see Toronto as an opportunity to introduce Nigerian music to wider audiences. An international ceremony can bring artists, music executives, sponsors and media representatives together, creating room for new relationships.
It may also help Nigerian music businesses reach international partners.
However, an overseas event also brings practical challenges. Travel and accommodation costs can make attendance harder for some artists, journalists, fans and industry workers. Organisers must also coordinate venues, suppliers, sponsors and programme activities across borders.
For that reason, the success of an international ceremony cannot be measured by its location alone. Organisers must show that the event benefits Nigerian music and offers meaningful opportunities to the people who create and support it.
WHY LOCAL AWARDS STILL MATTER
Holding a major ceremony in Nigeria can make it easier for local audiences and entertainment professionals to attend. It can also direct spending towards domestic venues, production teams, suppliers and other businesses connected to live events.
Local ceremonies can give emerging artists visibility and allow fans to celebrate performers in the market where they built their careers.
Still, an overseas ceremony does not automatically mean an award has abandoned its home audience. The key question is whether organisers maintain meaningful engagement with Nigerian artists and fans before, during and after the event.
The Headies must balance its international ambitions with the expectations of the Nigerian music community. Clear communication, credible recognition and accessible local activities could help organisers maintain that connection.
WHAT HAPPENS NEXT?
The next major milestone is the revised Toronto finale on April 10 and 11, 2027. The Headies says it will announce more information about venues, activities and participation through its official channels.
The disagreement has placed the awards’ international plans under public scrutiny. However, personal allegations should not overshadow questions about access, credibility and support for Nigerian music.
The Headies will need to show that its expansion serves the artists and industry it was created to recognise through a credible ceremony, clear communication and continued engagement with Nigerian audiences.
Do2dtun has challenged the move abroad, while Animashaun has defended the awards’ direction. The event’s planning, participation and impact will show whether the Toronto strategy can strengthen The Headies’ place in Nigerian music.
