Do2dtun, Headies Founder Ayo Animashaun Clash Over Toronto Awards Plan

SNOW TV NEWS DESK
The dispute has reignited debate over whether Nigerian music awards should prioritize their home market or pursue greater international exposure. **

Nigerian media personality Do2dtun and Ayo Animashaun, founder of The Headies, have exchanged accusations on social media over the decision to host the awards’ 18th edition in Toronto, Canada.

The disagreement has sparked a wider conversation about the responsibility of major Nigerian music awards to support the local entertainment industry while pursuing international growth.

The controversy began after Do2dtun questioned the rationale behind moving The Headies abroad, drawing comparisons with the Grammy Awards, which have remained based in the United States.

He argued that awards ceremonies should maintain a strong connection to the industries and audiences they represent, citing the Africa Magic Viewers’ Choice Awards (AMVCA) as an example of a locally rooted platform that has sustained its identity.

“AMVCA is an example. Why hasn’t it lost its credibility? This is for why. It’s homegrown; it services the purpose for what it is for; it is built around an institution, not a person, and it’s consistent in its delivery,” he wrote.

Do2dtun also stressed the importance of institutional credibility, consistency, and accountability, arguing that these qualities are essential to attracting corporate sponsorships and maintaining the confidence of stakeholders.

Animashaun Questions Broadcaster’s Motives

Responding to the criticism, Animashaun challenged Do2dtun to establish his own awards platform rather than question the direction of The Headies.

The awards founder also alleged that the broadcaster had previously contacted him privately for assistance with obtaining a United States visa to attend an event abroad. He suggested that Do2dtun’s criticism was linked to his inability to provide the requested assistance.

“You criticize D Headies for going abroad, yet slide into my DM asking me to help you attend because you want a visa. When I can’t help, you become even more bitter & critical. So, is it really about Headies or your personal interests? Hypocrisy at its finest!. “Awards you didn’t attend in Naij,” Animashaun wrote.

Do2dtun rejected the allegation, maintaining that his criticism was driven by concerns about the Nigerian music industry rather than a personal disagreement with the Headies founder.

The broadcaster said he had travelled to the United States previously and that his daughters were born there. He also challenged Animashaun to identify the person who allegedly requested visa assistance.

Do2dtun maintained that his position concerned the institutional role of the Headies, not Animashaun personally. He argued that questioning the decision to stage the ceremony abroad should not automatically be interpreted as an attack on its founder.

He further maintained that the value of a music awards platform should be measured by its contribution to the industry and the culture it represents, rather than the personality of its organizer.

The Headies Reschedules 18th Edition to Toronto

The disagreement comes as The Headies prepares for its 18th edition, which organizers have rescheduled from October 23, 2026, to April 10 and 11, 2027, in Toronto, Canada.

In a statement published on its official Instagram page, the organizers said the revised schedule would allow them to expand activities in both Nigeria and Canada ahead of the main ceremony.

The Headies returned to Nigeria in 2024 after two consecutive editions were held in the United States. Its 15th and 16th editions took place at the Cobb Energy Performing Arts Centre in Atlanta, Georgia.

Established in 2006, The Headies recognizes outstanding achievements in the Nigerian music industry and has developed into one of Africa’s prominent music awards platforms.

SNOW TV NEWS EDITORIAL ANALYSIS
Can The Headies Expand Globally Without Losing Its Nigerian Identity?

The disagreement between Do2dtun and Animashaun highlights a fundamental question facing Nigerian entertainment institutions: how can they pursue international expansion without weakening their connection to the local industry?

Hosting The Headies in Canada could create opportunities for international exposure, diaspora engagement, commercial partnerships, and stronger relationships with global music stakeholders. Such a move could also help introduce Nigerian artistes to wider audiences and attract new investment.

However, international expansion also raises legitimate questions about accessibility, representation and the distribution of economic benefits. Taking the ceremony abroad could make attendance more difficult for some Nigerian artists, industry professionals, fans, and other stakeholders who have supported the platform over the years.

These benefits could include increased international bookings for artistes, stronger distribution opportunities, improved access to global markets, and meaningful partnerships that extend beyond the awards ceremony itself. The organizers also have an opportunity to address concerns by clearly communicating their international strategy, explaining how Nigerian artists and businesses will benefit, and maintaining substantial engagement with the home market.

Ultimately, the success of The Headies’ Toronto edition will depend not simply on where the ceremony takes place but on what it delivers for Nigerian music.

If international expansion strengthens the industry at home while opening doors abroad, it could represent a significant step forward. If the benefits remain unclear, questions about the awards’ direction are likely to persist.