Here is why the 18th edition of the prestigious Headies Awards will be held in Canada in 2026.

The organisers of the Headies have explained why the 18th edition of the awards will take place in Toronto, Canada, saying the move is aimed at expanding the platform globally while continuing to support Nigeria’s creative industry.

The announcement was made on Monday during “The Big Announcement” event at Eko Hotels and Suites in Lagos, which was attended by entertainment stakeholders, government officials and industry leaders.

Speaking at the event, Headies founder Ayo Animashaun confirmed that Toronto will host the main ceremony but stressed that Nigeria would remain an integral part of the experience through a simultaneous watch party and live show connection between Lagos and Canada.

“The first thing is that we’re going to Toronto for the 18th Headies. The second thing is that we’re not just going to Toronto; we’re not leaving Nigeria behind. We’re going to have a watch party; we’re going to have a watch party between Toronto and Lagos,” Animashaun said.

Responding to concerns over staging the awards outside Nigeria again, he argued that sustaining the event requires adequate funding and sponsorship.

“Someone said, ‘Ayo, you are taking the Headies out of the country again.’ He said it doesn’t make sense. Tell me what makes sense. Does it make sense for us not to do it anymore? So how do we fund it? I said, sponsors,” he added.

According to the organisers, taking the awards to Canada forms part of efforts to strengthen the global reach of Nigerian music and the wider creative industry. The date for the 18th Headies has yet to be announced.

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