Why I’m not appreciative of Headies’ victory Starr, Ayra

In Oyinkansola Nigerian artist Sarah Aderibigbe, better known by her stage name Ayra Starr, has taken issue with the Headies Awards organisers’ “nonchalant” approach towards female musicians.

At the 16th Headies, which took place on Sunday, Starr defeated titans of the business including Tiwa Savage, Simi, and Tems to win the Best Female Artiste title.Starr’s category was among the thirteen that the organisers sadly neglected to distribute awards for after event host Osas Ighodaro unexpectedly called the event to an end.

Best R&B Single, Best Recording of the Year, Songwriter of the Year, Best Female Artiste, Best Vocal Performance (Female), Headies Viewers’ Choice, and Best East African Artiste of the Year were among these categories.The other ones are International Artiste of the Year, Best Alternative Album, Best R&B Album, Best North African Artiste of the Year, Best Southern African Artiste of the Year, and Best Central African Artiste of the Year.

The “19 and Dangerous” singer remarked, “I will never be grateful for winning a category that wasn’t even deemed fit to be announced on stage,” on Monday on X, the former name of Twitter.

Acknowledging her fellow candidates’ commitment to the field, Starr took aim at the organisers’ perceived lack of interest in the female musicians.Top female artist, what about you?

All of us put in a lot of work! I witnessed Tiwa record four successful songs in one evening, and Tems is a music lover. We weren’t worthy of such casual attitude! You didn’t raise me to accept anything less, Nigeria,” the woman wrote.The 2023 Headies, themed “Celebrating African Renaissance,” took place in Atlanta, Georgia, at the Cobb Energy Performing Arts Centre.