Read the official statement from Headies Awards organization below...
We are proud of what we have achieved over the years. The Headies stage
has birthed the careers of many artistes who are of A-list status today.
We are also glad that we have reinstated pride and prestige into the
winning of a locally organised music awards and, we have celebrated
artistic ingenuity for 10 straight years; a feat no other group before
us was able to achieve.
Every year, the screening team collate all creative materials released
in the year in review and screen for nomination. This tedious process
goes on for at least three months before the screening team comes out
with a final list. The voting categories, such as 'Song Of The Year',
'Artist Of The Year', & 'Next-Rated' are left strictly for fans to
vote and choose the winners. We wish to say categorically that we do not
tamper with the outcome of the voting process. The limit of our
involvement in this voting process is to advice the nominees to engage
their fans and solicit for their votes. We do not accept any
responsibility for failure on the part of the nominees or their record
label, when they fail to do this.
Unfortunately, most times, Voting, Year In Review and Definitions Of
Each Category, are generally taken for granted by many artists. We can
also attest to, and hereby state categorically that, there is no
evidence that any of the artistes aggrieved and vocal about their
displeasure to the turnout of the award, voted in the 'Next-Rated'
category, as our voting process captures email addresses and phone
numbers.
We have ensured that the awards happened regardless of sponsorship, and
that it gets better with each passing year, without giving excuses about
challenges. We may not have gotten everything 100% right, but integrity
has been our watch-word. The 109 Nigerian artistes that have won can
attest to the fact that they did nothing different from those that have
not. Awards by nature, are and will always remain, controversial except
every nominee gets one.
We try to ensure that winners are within reach before announcing their
category, as the whole essence of celebrating talents will be defeated
without that.
While it is not out of place for an artiste or a party to vent their
disapproval, we strongly condemn all kinds of improper conduct and the
use of profanity on live television. In the same manner, we condemn
provocative comments. In all, we see no use or reason for a disgruntled
artiste or party to destroy valuable properties put in place to give
them extra comfort before they perform or come on stage. This is totally
unacceptable and will be addressed.
We congratulate all nominees and winners of The Headies 2015 and wish them a more successful 2016.
Headies Secretariat
