Nigeria’s most prestigious music award, The Headies, has announced its 18th edition to be hosted in Toronto, Canada. This is yet another time the award ceremony leaves the country’s borders since the 17th edition after two previous editions were hosted in Atlanta, United States.

The announcement was made by founder Ayo Animashaun during The Headies’ Big Announcement event held at Eko Hotel and Suites, Lagos, on June 15, 2026. He revealed that the decision is aimed at positioning The Headies among the world’s top award platforms, including the Grammys, building multiple revenue streams and stronger institutional support.

As part of the schedule for The Headies Awards, Animashaun also announced plans to host official Headies Watch Parties in Nigeria alongside the Toronto ceremony.

“We are not just going to Toronto. We are not leaving Nigeria behind. We are going to have a watch party and do like 4-5 awards here in Nigeria, before going to Toronto.”

He further emphasised that the initiative aims to bring fans, industry stakeholders, and music lovers together to enjoy the awards ceremony in an engaging, interactive setting.

With a view to creating shared viewing experiences for audiences across continents, attendees in Nigeria and Toronto will both get to experience live entertainment, networking opportunities, and an immersive awards-night atmosphere.

Shout-out to the AMVCAs mehn

Na una sabi ball wella

AMVCA has never left the shores of this country yet almost every year it runs, creators in fashion industries across the UK, the US and even the kain Canada talk about it

Headies has gone 'around the world' yet that relevance… https://t.co/LLIMUZ4ShD

— Bob Ngene (@bobbyceezar) June 15, 2026

It’s incumbent on us to support the Headies Awards.

20 years running despite the ups and downs is worth celebrating and applauding.

Economic realities and the global aspirations of Nigerian music have impacted the award but we need to keep supporting it.

It takes…

— ADEAYO (@ade_adeayo) June 16, 2026

Although no official date has been announced yet, the announcement has attracted mixed reactions across social media as Nigerians anticipate the prestigious music award ceremony.