Nigerian media personality Adedotun Kayode, popularly known as Do2dtun, and The Headies founder Ayo Animashaun have exchanged accusations on social media over the music awards’ decision to hold its next ceremony in Canada.
The disagreement centres on whether Nigerian music awards should remain in the country to serve the local entertainment industry, with Do2dtun questioning The Headies’ move abroad and Animashaun alleging that the broadcaster’s criticism stems from a failed request for help securing a United States visa.
The exchange began when Do2dtun questioned why the Grammy Awards had never been taken outside the United States, using the international ceremony to challenge the decision to host The Headies abroad.
He argued that local awards should build their credibility around the industry they represent, pointing to the Africa Magic Viewers’ Choice Awards (AMVCA) as an example of a homegrown ceremony.
“AMVCA is an example. Why hasn’t it lost its credibility? This is for why. It’s homegrown; it services the purpose for what it is for; it is built around an institution not a person and its consistent in its delivery,” he wrote.
Do2dtun added that award ceremonies should operate independently of the personal preferences of their organisers, arguing that their credibility is important to attracting brands and sustaining industry support.
In response, Animashaun challenged the broadcaster to organise an alternative awards ceremony rather than criticise The Headies.
He also questioned Do2dtun’s motives, alleging that the broadcaster had previously contacted him privately for assistance with securing a United States visa to attend an event abroad.
“U criticise D Headies 4 goin abroad, yet slide into my DM asking me 2 help U attend Bcuz U want a visa. when I can’t help, U bcom even more bitter & criticize. So, is it really about Headies, or UR personal interests? Hypocrisy at its finest!. Awards U didn’t attend in Naij,” Animashaun wrote.
Do2dtun rejected the allegation, insisting that his criticism was about the music industry rather than a personal grievance or an attempt to obtain a visa.
He said he had travelled to the United States before and that his daughters were born there. He also challenged Animashaun to identify the person who allegedly approached him for assistance.
The broadcaster maintained that his concerns were about the role of The Headies in the Nigerian entertainment industry and accused the awards founder of making the disagreement personal.
He further argued that criticism of the ceremony should not be interpreted as hostility towards its founder, insisting that the awards should be judged by their contribution to the culture rather than the person organising them.
The dispute comes as The Headies prepares for its 18th edition, which organisers have postponed from October 23, 2026, to April 10 and 11, 2027, in Toronto, Canada.
In a statement published on its official Instagram page, the organisers said the revised schedule would allow them to expand activities in Nigeria and Canada ahead of the main ceremony.
The awards returned to Nigeria in 2024 after two consecutive editions in the United States. The 15th and 16th editions were held at the Cobb Energy Performing Arts Center in Atlanta, Georgia.
Established in 2006, The Headies recognises achievements in the Nigerian music industry and has become one of the continent’s prominent music award ceremonies.
Ademide Adebayo
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