Headies Awards to Celebrate 20th Anniversary in Canada

The Headies Awards is set to move to Toronto, Canada, for its 18th edition, commemorating the 20th anniversary of the awards, which first took place in 2006 as the Hip Hop World Awards. The ceremony will be held in 2026, following previous editions in Atlanta, USA, in 2015 and 2016.

The announcement was made on June 15, 2026, at the Grand Ballroom of Eko Hotel in Lagos. Animashaun, the CEO of Smooth Promotions and Hip TV, stated that the decision to host the awards in Canada is motivated by the desire to celebrate the success of the Nigerian diaspora community.

Carlo Roja Arbulu, the Deputy High Commissioner of Canada, expressed pride in the collaboration, highlighting the growth of Nigerian music on the global stage. The event aims to connect Nigerian culture with a wider audience and will include partnerships with travel companies to ensure a smooth travel experience for attendees.