The Headies will head to Toronto for its 18th edition, marking the second time the awards leave Nigerian soil. After returning to Lagos for the 17th edition in 2025, organisers have opted for Canada, citing economic reasons for the shift. Founder Ayo Animashaun made the announcement at "The Big Announcement" event held Monday at Eko Hotels and Suites in Lagos. He defended the decision, stating the move is not about abandoning Nigeria but about sustainability. The main ceremony will take place in Toronto, but a live watch party will run simultaneously in Lagos, allowing Nigerian fans to engage in real time. Animashaun dismissed criticism, recalling a recent comment questioning the logic of taking the event abroad. He responded, "Someone said Ayo, you are taking the Headies out of the country again, he said it doesn't make sense. Tell me what makes sense. Does it make sense for us not to do it anymore?" Funding, he stressed, is central to the decision. The dual-location format aims to maintain local access while managing costs linked to hosting internationally. No details were given on ticketing, performers, or nominees for the 18th edition. The 15th edition was held in Atlanta in 2022, breaking tradition with the Nigeria-only format. The return to Lagos in 2025 was widely celebrated, making the pivot back to a foreign host notable. Animashaun did not confirm whether future editions would continue rotating outside Nigeria.
Ayo Animashaun claims the Headies must leave Nigeria to survive financially, yet still hosts a Lagos event branded as part of the awards. The ceremony's physical move to Toronto while running a parallel viewing in Lagos splits the experience rather than fully localising it. If the economics don't work in Nigeria, the model itself is being tested.
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