Headies official statement on its award show drama saga

We are proud of what we have achieved over
the years. The Headies stage has birthed the
careers of many artistes who are of A-list
status today. We are also glad that we have
reinstated pride and prestige into the winning
of a locally organised music awards and, we
have celebrated artistic ingenuity for 10 straight
years; a feat no other group before us was able
to achieve.
Every year, the screening team collate all creative
materials released in the year in review and screen
for nomination. This tedious process goes on for at
least three months before the screening team
comes out with a final list. The voting categories,
such as 'Song Of The Year', 'Artist Of The Year', &
'Next-Rated' are left strictly for fans to vote and
choose the winners. We wish to say categorically
that we do not tamper with the outcome of the
voting process. The limit of our involvement in this
voting process is to advice the nominees to engage
their fans and solicit for their votes. We do not
accept any responsibility for failure on the part of
the nominees or their record label, when they fail to
do this.
Unfortunately, most times, Voting, Year In Review
and Definitions Of Each Category, are generally
taken for granted by many artists. We can also
attest to, and hereby state categorically that, there
is no evidence that any of the artistes aggrieved
and vocal about their displeasure to the turnout of
the award, voted in the 'Next-Rated' category, as our
voting process captures email addresses and phone
numbers.
We have ensured that the awards happened
regardless of sponsorship, and that it gets better
with each passing year, without giving excuses
about challenges. We may not have gotten
everything 100% right, but integrity has been our
watch-word. The 109 Nigerian artistes that have
won can attest to the fact that they did nothing
different from those that have not. Awards by
nature, are and will always remain, controversial
except every nominee gets one.
We try to ensure that winners are within reach
before announcing their category, as the whole
essence of celebrating talents will be defeated
without that.
While it is not out of place for an artiste or a party
to vent their disapproval, we strongly condemn all
kinds of improper conduct and the use of profanity
on live television. In the same manner, we condemn
provocative comments. In all, we see no use or
reason for a disgruntled artiste or party to destroy
valuable properties put in place to give them extra
comfort before they perform or come on stage. This
is totally unacceptable and will be addressed.
We congratulate all nominees and winners of The
Headies 2015 and wish them a more successful
2016.
Headies Secretariat