Headies should be prioritized than Grammys – Lojay

Lojay performing 

Headies should be prioritized than Grammys – Lojay

* Says ‘everyone gains if The Headies becomes bigger.’

Nigerian singer and Grammy nominee, Lojay, has stirred conversation in the music industry after declaring that The Headies Awards hold more value for Nigerian artistes than the Grammys.

The “Monalisa” crooner made the statement during a recent interview with Hip TV, urging Nigerian musicians to place greater importance on local recognition.

Lojay, who won Best Male Vocal Performance at the 17th edition of The Headies, argued that while international accolades are celebrated, they do not prioritize Nigerian or African talent.

“As much as the Grammys and other international awards are sweet, as a Nigerian you can never become priority in a space that is not your own,” he said.

“Tems made one of the most beautiful R&B albums last year and they [Grammys] gave her Best African Music Performance. Why is she not in the R&B, pop, or Best Female categories? Because they prioritize their own.”

He went further to say that true progress would be seeing The Headies elevated to a global level, with international artistes traveling to Nigeria to receive awards.

“What would help me as a Nigerian artist is for The Headies to be so well recognized that American artists win and come to Nigeria to receive it. I don’t gain anything from the Grammys being bigger than The Headies. But everyone gains if The Headies becomes bigger.”

Lojay emphasized his belief in Nigeria and the global potential of its music industry.

“I believe in Nigeria being better, stronger, and our people going global. So, we should not look down on our own things.”