Why Ayra Starr Isn’t Celebrating Her Headies Win – Revealing Her Discontent
Nigerian songstress Oyinkansola Sarah Aderibigbe, renowned as Ayra Starr, has openly voiced her dissatisfaction with the organizers of the Headies Awards, citing their perceived indifference towards female musicians as the cause for her disapproval.
In a stunning triumph over industry luminaries such as Tiwa Savage, Simi, and Tems, Starr clinched the coveted Best Female Artiste title at the 16th edition of the Headies Awards, which unfolded on Sunday.
Regrettably, the event took an unexpected turn as the organizers chose not to present awards in a staggering 13 categories, including the one that celebrated Starr’s own achievement. This abrupt decision was announced by the event’s host, Osas Ighodaro, effectively concluding the evening’s proceedings prematurely.
Among the unannounced categories were Best Recording of The Year, Songwriter of The Year, Best RnB Single, Best Vocal Performance (Female), Headies Viewers’ Choice, Best East African Artiste of the Year, 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.
Taking her grievance to the public on the social media platform X (formerly known as Twitter), the ’19 and Dangerous’ artist declared, “I will never be grateful for winning a category that wasn’t even deemed fit to be announced on stage!” In her message, she lauded her fellow nominees for their unwavering commitment to their craft and chastised the event’s organizers for their apparent lack of regard for female artists.
“Is being the Best Female Artist insignificant? We toil tirelessly, every one of us! I’ve witnessed Tiwa record four hit songs in a single night, and Tems lives and breathes music. We did not deserve such indifference! Nigeria, you didn’t raise me to accept mediocrity,” she passionately expressed.
Billed as “Celebrating African Renaissance,” the 2023 Headies Awards transpired at the Cobb Energy Performing Arts Center in Atlanta, United States of America.
