The organisers of The Headies have dismissed claims that gospel artistes are sidelined from major award categories, insisting that faith-based musicians remain eligible to compete for mainstream honours.
In a statement shared on its official Instagram handle, Headies said its record contradicts suggestions that gospel artistes are excluded. It pointed to previous successes by musicians including Lara George, Kefee, Nikki Laoye and Timi Dakolo. The organisers also pointed to the Inspirational Single category as a dedicated platform for recognising music that promotes faith, hope and positive values.
Gaise Baba’s criticism prompts Headies response
The clarification followed an open letter by Afrogospel singer Gaise Baba. He questioned why gospel and inspirational musicians appeared to receive limited consideration in some of the award’s major categories.
Gaise Baba argued that artistes should be judged according to the quality, sound and impact of their work. He said they should not be restricted because of the religious message in their songs.
“A rap record is a rap record,” he wrote, arguing that a song should remain eligible for its appropriate genre category whether its lyrics focus on wealth, relationships, social issues or faith.
He also questioned whether commercially successful gospel songs such as “Favour” and his collaboration with Lawrence Oyor, “No Turning Back II,” were being adequately considered alongside mainstream Nigerian records.
Gaise Baba further recalled his experience as a Headies nominee. He noted that the Inspirational Music category was among those not announced during the main ceremony at one edition.
He argued that nominees invest time in publicity, preparations and attendance. Therefore, he said they should receive proper recognition when a category has been created by the organisers.
Headies cites past gospel winners
Responding to the concerns, The Headies said its history showed that gospel artistes had not only competed in mainstream categories. In fact, they had also won against some of the biggest secular acts of their respective eras.
The organisers cited Lara George, whose song “Ijoba Orun” received major recognition. They also cited Kefee, whose hit “Kokoroko,” featuring Timaya, competed across several general categories.
Timi Dakolo was also highlighted for winning three awards in one night, including Recording of the Year, Best Vocal Performance (Male) and Best R&B Single.
Nikki Laoye was similarly referenced for winning Best Vocal Performance (Female) with “Only You.”
“Gospel and inspirational artistes have not merely been nominated. They have won our major general categories,” the organisers said.
Inspirational category meant to add recognition
The Headies also defended the creation of the Best Inspirational Single category, introduced in 2022.
According to the organisers, the category was not created to remove gospel music from general competition. Instead, it was designed to guarantee faith-based and inspirational artistes an additional route to recognition.
“That is not exclusion. That is addition,” the statement said.
The organisers pointed to Kcee and Okwesili Eze Group, Neon Adejo and Mercy Chinwo among artistes who have won the category since its introduction.
The Headies maintained that gospel musicians remain eligible for other categories whenever their entries satisfy the criteria.
Headies explains nomination process
The organisers also addressed concerns about deserving songs failing to appear on final nomination lists.
According to The Headies, each category can begin with an average of about 50 eligible entries. After that, the academy screens them down to an average of six nominees.
It argued that a song failing to make the final shortlist does not mean it was ignored or prevented from competing.
The Headies said gospel and inspirational records are considered alongside other music whenever they meet the requirements of the relevant categories.
Organisers defend stage rotation
The award body also responded to Gaise Baba’s concern about some categories not being presented during the televised main ceremony.
The organisers explained that The Headies has expanded from about 22 categories in its earlier years to around 35. As a result, it is now difficult to present every award on stage without significantly extending the broadcast.
As a result, an internal rotation system determines which categories receive presentation time on the main stage at different editions.
The Headies insisted that Inspirational Music is part of that rotation and is not deliberately excluded.
The organisers said criticism of the awards remained welcome. However, they maintained that claims that gospel and inspirational music have not been recognised do not reflect the award’s history.
The exchange between Gaise Baba and The Headies has now widened the debate. Now there are questions over whether Nigeria’s growing gospel and Afrogospel movement receives enough recognition alongside mainstream genres at major music awards.
