Nigerian singer, Ayra Starr has voiced her dissatisfaction with the organizers of the Headies Awards for their perceived indifference towards female musicians.
During the 2023 Headies Awards, which took place at the Cobb Energy Performing Arts Center in Atlanta, United States, Ayra Starr emerged as the winner of the Best Female Artiste category, beating industry heavyweights like Tiwa Savage, Simi, and Tems.
However, the awards ceremony failed to present awards in 13 categories, including the one Ayra Starr won, due to an abrupt announcement by the event host, Osas Ighodaro, signaling the end of the event.
These unannounced categories included Best Female Artiste, Best Recording of The Year, Songwriter of The Year, Best RnB Single, Best Vocal Performance (Female), Headies Viewers’ Choice, and Best East African Artiste of the Year.
Others include Best North African Artiste of The Year, Best Southern African Artiste of The Year, Best Central African Artiste of The Year, International Artiste Of The Year, Best Alternative Album, and Best RnB Album.
Expressing her disappointment on Twitter, Ayra Starr stated, “I will never be grateful for winning a category that wasn’t even deemed fit to be announced on stage!”
The singer praised her fellow nominees for their dedication and criticized the organizers for their perceived lack of recognition for female artists.
Using Tiwa Savage and Tems as examples of hardworking female musicians, Ayra Starr emphasized that female artists put in significant effort in the industry and deserved more recognition.
She added, “Best Female Artist na beans? We work hard, every single one of us! I’ve seen Tiwa record 4 hit songs in the same night. Tems breaths and lives for music, we didn’t deserve such nonchalance! Nigeria, you didn’t raise me to settle for less”.
KanyiDaily recalls that former Big Brother Naija housemate, Tacha Akide had also criticized the Headies Award organizers for hosting the event in the United States.
