Everyone glows up after they japa, even the Headies. The 2022 Headies took place at the COBB Energy Performing Arts Centre in Atlanta, USA. While the awards have been dragged several times for their NTA-level production, this year’s look was slightly better, but it doesn’t mean I agree with all the winners announced.
Here are some winners I liked and hot takes nobody asked me for.
Next Rated was a big miss
Will this settle the Bnxn and Ruger beef once and for all? I doubt it.
The Headies aired Ruger, Ayra Starr, Lojay and Zinoleesky to give Bnxn the Next Rated award. I get it, we couldn’t escape Bnxn’s voice thanks to Feelings with Poe, Bling with Blaqbonez and Mood with Wizkid, but when you think about it, Bnxn is the only artist on that list without a massive solo hit — no one should mention Outside here.
They got Album of the Year right
Even though Basketmouth’s Yabasi, Ayra Starr’s 19 & Dangerous, Olamide’s Carpe Diem and The Kutis’ Legacy were solid albums, the clear winner was Wizkid’s Made in Lagos. We even named it our top album from 2021.
Special recognition for an alleged assaulter?
It’s crazy how everyone chooses to act like we weren’t all on this earth when D’banj was accused of sexual assault and using the police to intimidate his victim in 2020. Since then, I’ve watched him judge Nigerian Idol and collaborate with other artists like nothing happened.
If everyone else has forgotten, I’m just here to say I haven’t.
Burna Boy winning African Artist of the Year was on point
I mean, it’s Odogwu. What do you expect? The only thing I’m upset about is the missed opportunity to drag the Headies if they’d given this to someone else. We all know Odogwu can be very petty.
Last last sha, that Last Last song is still a bop.
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Alternative Song of the Year for Flavour? Say sike
Flavour winning Alternative Song of the Year for Doings is a crazy joke, especially when the nomination list included Made Kuti and Ibejii. I don’t think the Headies understand their own categories.
Sarz is the Producer of the Year, no cap
Sarz has said it before; he’s nobody’s mate. Monalisa has been out for a year, but somehow everyone loses their home training once it comes up.
Giving Street Hop to Ameno Amapiano is an insult to Ko Po Ke (KPK)
While everyone, including fake Mariah Carey wanted to bam bam and chill with the big boys, I don’t think Goya Menor and Nektunez’ Ameno Amapiano remix was a bigger song than Mohbad and Rexxie’s Ko Po Ke (KPK). Have you all forgotten the Bobrisky dance? What’s happening here?
Essence packing awards like wedding souvenir
Wizkid and Tems’ Essence was a big winner at the Headies, and rightfully so. Taking home awards for Collaboration of the Year and Song of the Year, Essence showed up and showed out. Even Kanye West agrees Essence has small crack in it.
#JusticeForAmaarae
Handing over the West African Artist of the Year, aka their “we love Ghana too” award to Gyakie, was a big miss for the Headies. While Gyakie took everywhere by storm with Forever in 2020, she hasn’t maintained the initial hype, unlike Amaarae, who still has everyone in a chokehold with her THE ANGEL YOU DON’T KNOW album from the same year.
Headies, “Inspirational” doesn’t automatically mean “Christian”
Once again, the Headies need to reevaluate their categories because what the hell is an Inspirational Single? The category was won by Kcee and Okwezilli Eze Group for Cultural Praise. Still, looking at other nominees like Mercy Chinwo, Timi Dakolo and Nathaniel Bassey, it’s clear this is a Christian music category.
Patoranking’s Celebrate Me winning Record of the Year doesn’t gel
I love me some Patoranking, but having Celebrate Me win Record of the Year over Wizkid’s Essence or Tiwa Savage’s Somebody’s Son doesn’t really make sense to me.
ALSO READ: These 10 Tiwa Savage Songs Are Also Gospel Songs, Let’s Explain
