Ayo Animashaun criticizes Nigerians’ Grammy obsession, urges support for local awards
By Tosin Brown
Ayo Animashaun, founder of the Headies Awards, has claimed that the Grammy Awards are more popular on the streets of Nigeria than in the United States.
In a Wednesday interview on Channels Television, Animashaun 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?”
He urged Nigerians to shift focus from international awards to local platforms. “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,” he said.
Animashaun also mentioned attending various international events, including the American Music Awards, BET, World Music Awards, and MTV Awards.
“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. They’ll support their own awards and industry, and we’ll keep supporting theirs. So, who will support our own?”
He stressed the need to elevate local initiatives beyond just the Headies. Animashaun noted, “The Headies plaque is 21-karat gold-plated with copper—bring theirs and put it beside ours and see if it’s less valuable.”
Despite challenges, such as limited corporate and government backing, he expressed optimism about the growing interest in Nigeria’s creative industry, particularly under the newly appointed Minister of Creative Economy.
