Do2dtun and Headies Founder Ayo Animashaun Clash Over Taking Nigerian Awards Abroad

The Headies is in the middle of a fresh debate over location after its 18th edition was postponed.

The ceremony, themed Africa to the World, was scheduled for October 2026 in Toronto, Canada, but has been moved to April 10 and 11, 2027 in Toronto [Pulse Nigeria] https://www.pulse.ng/story/do2dtun-ayo-animashaun-headies-awards-dispute-2026101615201153957

The awards were previously held twice in Atlanta, USA, before returning to Nigeria in 2024.

What each side said in public

Ayo Animashaun started the conversation on Instagram Stories on October 15, 2026. He criticised Nigerian artistes who submit to foreign award bodies that "don't even care about them" but don't submit to The Headies, then complain about not being nominated. He ended the first story with "Funny!!!"

In a second story, he defended taking The Headies abroad, saying "As long as those who benefit from what we do understand and appreciate it, the artistes understand why taking The Headies to the moon sometimes is the right move, and our sponsors see the vision, we can stand firmly by our decisions" Pulse Nigeria.

Do2dtun responded on X, focusing on location. He wrote: "Have you ever seen them take the Grammys out of America before? Let's start there" Do2dtun on X. He argued a credible awards show should be homegrown, built around an institution not a person, and cited the Africa Magic Viewers' Choice Awards (AMVCA) as an example.

Animashaun then replied on X, suggesting Do2dtun's criticism was personal: "Are you sure this has nothing to do with the fact that I couldn't help when you asked me to help you secure visa to the US using The Headies as an excuse" Ayo Animashaun on X. In another post he wrote: "U criticise D Headies 4 goin abroad, yet slide into my DM asking me 2 help U attend Bcuz U want a visa."

Do2dtun denied the visa motive, writing: "Mention the person that slid into your dm to ask for visa. Your reply is beyond little and lacks comprehension" and adding "I have always travelled to the United States. Had my two beautiful girls there. So maybe you don't get the jerk, it was never for visa but for justice" Pulse Nigeria.

Why award show location matters to fans

• Access: When awards are held in Lagos, more Nigerian fans, media, and upcoming artistes can attend physically.
• Cost and visas: Holding it in Toronto or Atlanta means visa, flight, and hotel costs that many Nigerian fans cannot afford.
• Identity: Fans see The Headies, founded in 2006 as Hip Hop World Awards, as Nigeria's biggest music award. Taking it abroad can feel like exporting a home celebration.
• Economy: Local editions support Lagos event centres, hotels, stylists, and small vendors.

The bigger question about Nigerian music pride

The clash reflects a deeper tension. Nigerian artistes now submit for the 69th Grammy Awards, including Davido, Ayra Starr, Tems, Asake and Burna Boy Pulse Nigeria, while also wanting strong home platforms.

Animashaun says taking The Headies to Toronto, where about 120,000 Nigerians live, expands Afrobeats globally and attracts sponsors.

Do2dtun argues credibility comes from consistency - the Grammys have never left America, and AMVCA has stayed rooted in Africa, so The Headies should prove its value at home first.

Both views ask the same thing: how can Nigerian music stay proud and rooted while also going global.