Events

Headies 2026 Moves to Toronto in Bold Global Expansion

Published

3 months ago

June 16, 2026

Headies 2026 Toronto Host confirmed as organisers move awards to Canada, unveiling global expansion plans and Nigeria watch party plans

The organisers of The Headies Awards, led by founder Ayo Animashaun, have announced that the 18th edition of the prestigious music awards will be held in Toronto, Canada, marking a significant step in the programme’s international expansion on Monday in Lagos.

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The announcement was made during a special unveiling event tagged “The Big Announcement” at Eko Hotels and Suites, Lagos, where key figures in Nigeria’s entertainment industry, including music executives, artists, and stakeholders, gathered to receive updates on the upcoming edition.

The decision confirms the Host plan, as organisers say the move is aimed at strengthening the global visibility of African music and expanding the awards’ international footprint.

Ayo Animashaun, founder of The Headies, explained that the relocation to Toronto is part of a broader strategy to position African music on a global stage while building stronger international partnerships within the entertainment industry.

He noted that the Headies cannot achieve sustained growth without adequate financial backing and sponsorship, stressing that funding remains a key factor in determining the host location for future editions.

According to him, organisers are also working to ensure that Nigerian audiences remain fully engaged despite the overseas venue. Plans are underway for a local watch party in Nigeria alongside a joint broadcast linking audiences in Lagos and Toronto during the ceremony.

The decision has already sparked conversations within the entertainment industry, particularly around the balance between global expansion and maintaining local cultural presence.

Animashaun further stated that without strong sponsorship support, it would be difficult to maintain production quality and continue scaling the awards to compete on an international level.

The organisers, however, have yet to announce an official date for the 18th edition of the awards, with further details expected to be released in the coming months.

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The Headies, regarded as one of Nigeria’s most influential music awards platforms, continues to play a major role in recognising and celebrating African music talent both at home and abroad.

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Culture

WAKE UP! Art Exhibition Returns for a Second Act

Published

2 weeks ago

August 27, 2026

Mariam Balogun

The contemporary art and photography exhibition “Wake Up!” is back again for a second edition.

Curated by Awele Onwordi, Wake Up! 2 exhibition pays homage to the Nigerian youth and burgeoning street culture which many of its contributing artists reference in their works.

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Titled “Young, Wild, Free”, the exhibition celebrates the creativity, resilience, freedom and cultural influence found in Nigerian youth.

Taking aim at societal issues and economic concerns, the exhibit reflects the youth and their refusal to compromise or bow despite all the challenges stacked against them while charting youth culture through art, music, fashion, skateboarding, photography and community.

The exhibition will be held, once again, at the Angel and Muse Gallery at 25 Sumbo Jibowu street off Ribadu Road off Awolowo Road in Ikoyi.

It will open on Saturday 5 September 2026 and will run until 11 September 2026
This second edition which focuses on celebrating, nurturing and exploring artistic practices rooted in youth and street culture will feature works from DENCITY and SUPERGLIDER HOUSE.

Exhibiting artists include Ajilore Kehinde – their work is deeply influenced by Nigerian street culture and works of other artists like Slawn, Peters Ejiro, etc, Chuka Onwordi – graphic designer who embodies themes of death, melancholy and beauty in his works, ZIDYEP – Abuja based creative whose works move between digital and physical spaces through art, graphic design and air brushing , Franklyn Okoye – graphic designer and artist whose works explore themes of identity and hyper-reality, Awele Onwordi – founder & curator of WAKE UP and multidisciplinary artist whose practice spans character art, creative logo design, album covers and more , Oluchi Kogolo – digital illustrator whose work explores street culture, personality and storytelling through a raw and playful visual style and Kozetuo Apeji – multidisciplinary artists who work explores experimental approaches to problem solving through both digital and traditional art forms.

Commenting on the exhibition in her curatorial statement, Awele noted that “despite economic instability, limited opportunities and socio-political challenges, Nigerian youth continue to shape culture through music, fashion, art, skateboarding, raves, photography and community.”

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Continuing and harping on the raison d’etre of the exhibition she said, “Young, Wild and Free exists to celebrate Nigerian youth while also creating a platform that supports and amplifies them.”