Headies Defends Inclusion of Gospel Artists Amid Criticism

The Headies organizers addressed allegations of excluding gospel and inspirational artists from major award categories, responding to an open letter from Nigerian gospel singer Gaise Baba. Baba criticized the awards for relegating gospel artists to separate categories and noted that the winner of the Inspirational Music category was not announced on stage.

In their statement, the Headies referenced historical records showing that gospel artists like Lara George, Kefee, Timi Dakolo, and Nikki Laoye have successfully competed in mainstream categories. For instance, Lara George was nominated for Best Female Vocal Performance in 2008 and won in 2010, while Timi Dakolo won Recording of the Year in 2010 and three awards in 2015.

The Headies clarified that the Best Inspirational Single category, introduced in 2022, was meant to increase visibility for gospel artists, not to segregate them. Kcee and Okwesili Eze Group won this category in 2022, and Neon Adejo won in 2023.