One of the downsides of #TheHeadies2016 held on the 22nd of December at the Eko Hotel Convention Centre, was the obvious boycott by some Nigerian musicians.
Most of the stars nominated for various categories didn’t show up at the event. One is tempted to think it’s an intentional option they explored.
Olamide wasn’t available to claim his award
Kiss Daniel was back stage when he won his first award for the night
Simi who was present didn’t mount the stage as a result of a wardrobe malfunction
Don Jazzy’s Mavin crew were no were to be found
Lil Kesh, Adekunle Gold and other YBNL artistes did not show up at the event
The real reasons
December ‘Fever’
In a recent tweet, Banky W gave reasons why having musical award shows in December isn’t a good idea. According to him: “I think having musical award shows in December in Nigeria is a bad idea. That’s typically when artistes are busiest and make the most money”.
Therefore, most of the artistes shunned this year’s Headies because they were booked for gigs, December being a festive period. For entertainers, December is their peak period when companies and individuals book them for gigs.
‘I no send them’ attitude
Just like Tekno, who failed to participate in The Headies 2016 even before his nomination was withdrawn, the I no send them attitude is also one of the reasons artistes shun this prestigious award.
For some celebs who have attended this event year in year out, they have gotten accustomed to the annual ‘ritual’ and they don’t just care anymore. If it doesn’t add any financial or career value to them, they most likely decide not to show up.
Fear Factor
No celebrity loves to be caught in the webs of a controversy. No one delights in being caught in camera for the wrong reasons. A vivid example is Eva Alordiah’s fiancé who got snubbed by Wizkid and was captured on camera. Many won’t forget in a hurry that Dija’s zealous jump that got her loads of social media condemnation .That picture was used in several memes.