The organizers of the Headies Awards in Nigeria have unveiled this year’s nominees ahead of the main event later this summer.
Afrobeats singer and songwriter Camidoh, afropop singer and songwriter Gyakie, and hip-hop artist Black Sherif from Ghana are up for awards after receiving nominations prior to the presentation ceremony. This follows a stellar performance in the year in review that included the release of notable crossover hits and international tours.
Black Sherif leads the Ghanaian contingent with two (2) nominations. He is nominated in the “African Artist of the Year” category for his outstanding achievement, impact, and infiltration into the international music scene. The category is keenly contested by hugely popular artists: Nigeria’s Burna Boy and Rema, Moroccan singer Mabwa Loud, and Tanzanian Bongo Flava artiste Diamond Platnumz. He is also nominated in the Best West African Artist of the Year category. His nominations comes weeks after he was announced Artiste of the Year at the 2023 Vodafone Ghana Music Awards (VGMA), in Ghana.
Camidoh and Gyakie are also nominated for the Best West African Artist of the Year category, alongside their Ghanaian counterpart Black Sherif and Liberian singer The Therapist.
Established by Hip Hop World Magazine in 2006, The Headies acknowledges absolutely stellar musicians and music professionals in Nigeria’s entertainment industry. Now in its 16th edition, this year’s celebration will honor outstanding musicians in over 30 categories, including Best West African Artiste, African Artiste of the Year, Best Female Artiste, Album of the Year, Afrobeats Single of the Year, Best Collaboration, and Best Music Video.
At this year’s edition of the scheme, multi-award-winning Senegalese singer, songwriter, and musician Youssou N’Dour will be inducted into The Headies Hall OF Fame for his “excellent and outstanding impact on the African entertainment industry, both at home and abroad.” Renowned music executive Sean “Diddy” Combs will also be honored with the “International Artist Recognition” award for his “excellent and outstanding impact on the Nigerian entertainment industry.”
At last year’s ceremony, held at Cobb Energy Performing Arts Center in Atlanta, US, Wizkid and Tems emerged as the biggest winners, each securing five awards, with three of them attributed to their collaboration on the global megahit Essence’.
