Rants Corner 
Nigerians are still confused about the 2022 Headies Award, and we can’t blame them. The grand event took place in the United States of America for the first time, but the location wasn’t the only trigger for viewers. From the subpar quality of red carpet interviews to the main show, there’s a lot to unpack.
The 15th edition of the Headies Award took place in Atlanta last night, but failed to upstage previous airings. Taking an indigenous occasion of such magnitude to another country sparked complaints when announced initially. However, the lack of pizazz and underwhelming showcase of talents made it worse.
How?
Firstly, the red carpet was poorly displayed, as guests were shown on what looked like a que to be interviewed. Additionally, the audio-visual quality of the pre-event seemed pixelated and had several glitches. To top this off, the host of the carpet seemed unprofessional and unexciting, as he struggled to introduce some of the guests appropriately.
Even more unsettling, the hosts of the 2022 Headies Award Nollywood actress Osas Ighodaro, and Hollywood actor/comedian Anthony Anderson had a weird chemistry. There’s no doubt that they both soar at their fields, but the pairing was uncomfortable. Osas seemed to laugh off her co-host’s remarks about her ability to read the teleprompter correctly. Also, a number of artist’s names were mispronounced by them.
Why?
Although we’d like to give organizers of the show a pass, viewers demand better and we agree. For an event that is supposed to be the most prestigious Nigerian music award, its consistent weak delivery over the years screams underutilization of funds.
In other words, the whole production needs to be reviewed and improved on.
Some Positive News…The Winners of the Night!
To sum it up with exhilarating bits of the event, a big win for the night included BNXN FKA Buju securing the Next Rated award, taking home a Bentley.
Check out the full list of winners:
Best recording of the year:
“Celebrate Me” – Patoranking
Album of the year:
Made In Lagos (Deluxe Edition) – Wizkid
Song of the year:
“Essence” – Wizkid Feat. Tems
Best female artiste:
Tems
Best male artiste:
Burna Boy
Digital artiste of the year:
Ayra Starr
Best streethop artiste:
Goya Menor & Nektunez – “Amenor Amapiano Remix”
African Artiste of the year:
Burna Boy (Nigeria)
International artiste recognition:
Chris Brown
Best central African artiste of the year:
Innoss’b
Best West African artiste of the year:
Gyakie (Ghana)
Best North African artiste of the year:
Latifa (Tunisia)
Best Southern African artiste of the year:
Focalistic (South Africa)
Best East African artiste of the year:
Diamond Platinumz
Best vocal performance (male):
Oxlade – Ojuju
Best vocal performance (female):
Waje – “Last Time”
Lyricist on the roll:
A-Q – “The Last Cypher”
Best rap single:
“Feeling” – Ladipoe feat. Bnxn
Best music video:
“Champion” (Fireboy DML Feat. D Smoke) Directed by Tg Omori
Best rap album:
Carpe Diem – Olamide
Best reggae & dancehall album:
Three – Patoranking
Producer of the year:
Sarz – “Monalisa” By Lojay & Sarz
Best inspirational single:
“Cultural Praise” – Kcee & Okwesili Eze Group
Songwriter of the year:
Adekunle Gold – “Sinner”
Best R&B single:
“Essence” – Wizkid feat. Tems
Best Afrobeats single
“Peru” – Fireboy DML
Best alternative single:
“Doings” – Flavour
Best alternative album:
Intermission – Ibejii
Special recognition (outstanding impact on the entertainment industry):
Efe Omorogbe
Sunday Are
Bose Ogulu
Special recognition (talent):
D’banj
Headies’ viewer’s choice:
Ayra Starr – Bloody Samaritan
Next rated:
Bnxn
Best R&B album:
If Orange Was a Place – Tems
Rookie of the year:
Fave
Humanitarian award of the year:
Davido
