The show, tagged ‘Celebrating African Renaissance,’ is
slated for Sunday, September 3, 2023, at Cobb Energy Performing Arts Center in
Atlanta, Georgia, USA.
On Wednesday, the organizers of the award shared the
exciting news on social media alongside a video to generate buzz for the award
ceremony scheduled to take place in a few days.
In the video, Terrence J, who is set to host the show for
the first time, expressed his enthusiasm to host the show, saying, “I have done
a lot of big shows. There is a lot of red carpet, and I am excited about doing
this.”
Notably, this marks Osas Ighodaro’s second time as a host
for the ceremony after she co-anchored the event last year alongside American
actor Anthony Anderson, creating a memorable experience for the audience.
Ighodaro rose to prominence after winning the Miss Black USA
Pageant in 2010. Since then, she has established herself as a notable figure in
Nollywood, earning a place among the highest-grossing actors in 2018. Her
talent has been acknowledged through various awards and recognitions,
solidifying her status as a prominent actress.
Terrence J is widely recognized for his role in hosting
BET’s “106 & Park”. He has also made appearances in notable Hollywood
movies such as “Think Like a Man”, “The Perfect Match”, and “The Beach Bum”.
Beyond his on-screen presence, he is the author of the book “The Wealth of My
Mother’s Wisdom”.
As the 16th Headies Awards draws closer, the dynamic duo of
Osas Ighodaro and Terrence J promises to bring energy, charm, and excitement to
the event, making it an evening to remember for fans and attendees alike.
The award is set to celebrate an extraordinary list of 2023
nominees that includes: Asake, Burna Boy, Simi, Wizkid, Davido, Odumodublvck,
Adekunle Gold, Fireboy DML, Nathaniel Bassey, Mercy Chinwo, Victoria Orenze,
Simi, Guchi, Niniola, Liya, Black Sherif, Diamond Platnumz, as well as
international sensations, Black Sherif, Drake, Selena Gomez, Ed Sheeran,
Future, and many more.
The Headies Awards, originally called the Hip Hop World
Awards, were established in 2006 by the Hip Hop World Magazine of Nigeria to
recognize outstanding achievements in the Nigerian music industry.
This will mark the show’s second year at the Cobb Energy
Performing Arts Center. It was held in Lagos, Nigeria, every year from 2006 to
2021 (except 2017 and 2020, when there was no ceremony).
“We are so excited that The Headies will return to American
soil once again,” Ayo Animashaun, CEO and founder of the Headies Awards, said
in a statement.
“We know that Afrobeats connects people all around the
globe, and this year’s event exemplifies and celebrates the power of our
culture. The Headies will be an evening not only of dynamic talent but also
memorable moments that will resonate with audiences worldwide.”
The show organisers had previously unveiled the nomination
list for this year’s award ceremony in June, building anticipation for the
event. The eligibility period for nominations is January 2022 to March 2023.
They also introduced an exciting twist by announcing that
the winner of the ‘Rookie of the Year’ category will receive a solar-powered,
two-bedroom, fully furnished house.
Burna Boy is the top nominee for the 2023 Headies Awards,
which celebrate Pan-African and Afrobeats talent. He received 10 nominations,
including African Artiste of the Year, Best Afrobeats Album, Best Male Artiste,
and Song of the Year.
Asake received eight nominations. The categories include
Best Male Artiste, Best Collaboration, Best Album, Best Street Hop Artiste,
Song of the Year, Next Rated, and Headies Viewers’ Choice.
Rema, who collaborated on the global smash hit “Calm Down”
with Selena Gomez, received five nods.
. @the_headies is proud to announce its host for the 16th edition of Africa’s Global Awards for Afrobeats Music -
— IG: the_headies (@The_Headies) August 30, 2023
Osas Ighodaro (@OfficialOsas ) and Terrence J (@TerrenceJ ) pic.twitter.com/TmpnNQha7n
Similarly, Omah Lay, Victony, Simi, Kizz Daniel, and Pheelz
also received five nods. Oxlade tallied four nods, while Ruger had three.
Drake, Future, Gomez, Don Toliver, and Ed Sheeran are vying
for the International Artist of the Year category.
Sean “Love” Combs is slated to receive an International
Artiste Recognition award while Youssou N’dour will receive a Hall of Fame
award.
The show will be streamed live on YouTube (U.S.) and HipTV
(Africa) Network.