The 18th Headies will take place in Toronto, Canada, while a live watch party and selected award presentations happen simultaneously in Lagos.
Headies founder Ayo Animashaun announced the plan on Monday at Eko Hotels and Suites, Lagos, during an event called “The Big Announcement.” He said the organisers want to expand the awards' global reach without cutting off Nigerian fans.
“The first thing is that we’re going to Toronto for the 18th Headies. The second thing is that we’re not just going to Toronto; we’re not leaving Nigeria behind. We’re going to have a watch party, we’re going to have a watch show, between Toronto and Lagos. For the first time, we’re having a training and investment summit,” Animashaun said.
This isn't the first time the awards will leave Nigeria. The 15th edition was held in Atlanta, United States, in 2022. The 16th edition stayed in Atlanta in 2023, before the 17th edition returned to Lagos in 2025 under the theme “Back to Base.”
Animashaun also used the event to talk about how Nigerians treat local talent. He said the creative industry must value its own people more.
“Every one of you here is trying to do something as an engineer, and your neighbour, your friend, the guy next to you, thinks because you’re just an engineer, it’s not good enough. We want to patronise what is out there. Rather than look for what we’re not doing right, see the things we can do better and support us on this journey,” the 56-year-old HipTV CEO said.
For the first time, the awards will include a Headies Trade and Investment Summit. Organisers say the summit will create opportunities for collaboration between the entertainment industry, investors, businesses, and other stakeholders. They want the Headies to become a platform for both creative and economic development.
Canada’s Deputy High Commissioner to Nigeria, Carlos Rojas-Arbulu, spoke at the event and praised the decision. He said it shows how far Nigerian music has travelled.
“An example of how global Nigerian talent is. And it doesn’t come as a surprise. I say that because my dear friend told me the other day that in 2025, Canada will attract global talent. We have received so many Nigerian artists coming to our country,” Rojas-Arbulu said.
He listed artists who have performed in Canada in the last eight months: Wizkid, Davido, Burna Boy, Olamide, Reekado Banks, Shallipopi, Asake, and Ayra Starr.
Animashaun also addressed the controversy from the 17th Headies, when many winners didn't receive their plaques at the ceremony. He explained that the organisation changed its plaque supplier and was scammed. The counterfeit plaques didn't meet the required standards, so organisers couldn't hand them out. He acknowledged the disappointment and gave more details about what went wrong.
The event also featured a panel discussion titled “Afrobeats Without Borders.” Aisha Mumuni, Yinka Adebayo, and Bayo Adedeji talked about the global growth and cultural impact of Afrobeats. Rapper Magnito performed, and guests included Kcee, Yaw, Deyemi Okanlawon, Abike Dabiri-Erewa, Daddy Freeze, Candy Bleakz, and Legendary Tee A.
With Toronto confirmed as host, the organisers say the Headies will keep building its international presence while staying connected to Nigeria through local events and new industry initiatives.