The organisers of the Headies Awards have confirmed that the prestigious music event will once again be held outside Nigeria, with Toronto, Canada, selected as the host city for its 18th edition. During a press conference at Eko Hotels and Suites in Lagos, founder Ayo Animashaun revealed that the decision was driven by financial considerations.
This marks the second time the awards will be held abroad, following the 15th edition in Atlanta in 2022. The 17th edition returned to Lagos in 2025, but now the ceremony is moving abroad again.
Animashaun addressed critics who questioned the move, stating that the alternative—cancelling the awards entirely—would be less sensible. To ensure Nigerian fans can still participate, a live watch party will be held simultaneously in Lagos, allowing local audiences to enjoy parts of the ceremony as it unfolds in Canada.
“How do we fund it? We will have a watch party in Lagos,” Animashaun explained, emphasizing the economic rationale behind the relocation. The hybrid format aims to maintain the awards’ connection to its Nigerian roots while leveraging international opportunities.