The 2023 Headies Awards, held at the Cobb Energy Performing Arts Centre in Atlanta, USA, experienced a surprising turn of events as organizers failed to reveal the winners in 13 categories. During the ceremony, co-host Osas Ighodaro abruptly announced the end of the event, leaving these categories unannounced.
Notably, no female award categories were presented before the unexpected closure of the event at approximately 2:30 am Nigerian time.
The undisclosed categories encompassed Best Female Artiste, Best Recording of The Year, Songwriter of The Year, Best RnB Single, Best Vocal Performance (Female), Headies Viewers’ Choice, Best East African Artiste of the Year, Best North African Artiste of The Year, Best Southern African Artiste of The Year, Best Central African Artiste of The Year, International Artiste Of The Year, Best Alternative Album, and Best RnB Album.
The event’s sudden conclusion triggered a variety of reactions on social media, with some speculating that time constraints at the Cobb Energy Performing Arts Centre may have prompted the premature ending.
While the organizers did not provide an official explanation for the abrupt closure, they later disclosed the unannounced award winners via social media.
Subsequently, the awards were presented as follows: Ayra Starr received the Best Female Artiste of the Year, Waje claimed the Best Vocal Performance (Female) award, and Victony & Tempoe won the Best Recording of The Year for ‘Soweto.’ Cameroon’s Libianca was recognized as the Best Central African Artiste of the Year, Morocco’s El Grande Toto secured the Best North African Artiste of The Year title, and Tanzania’s Diamond Platnumz was honored as the Best East African Artiste of the Year.
Furthermore, Burna Boy’s ‘For My Hand’ featuring Ed Sheeran was declared the Best R&B Single, Chike’s ‘The Brother’s Keeper’ was named the Best R&B Album, and Victony’s ‘Soweto’ emerged as the winner of the Viewers’ Choice award. Following the announcement of the remaining category winners, Burna Boy and Rema were tied for the most wins, with each artist receiving three awards.
Burna Boy, who had the most nominations with ten, claimed victories in three of his nominated categories.