Headies to ‘address’ destruction of valuables by Olamide’s YBNL

 

In a statement by the
Headies secretariat on Monday, the organisers said the matter would be
“addressed”, as there was “no reason for a disgruntled artiste or party
to destroy valuable properties put in place to give them extra comfort”.

Explaining how the awardees were selected, the secretariat said: “Every
year, the screening team collates all creative materials released in the
 year in review and screens for nomination.

“This tedious process goes on for at least three months before the
screening team comes out with a final list. The voting categories, such
as ‘Song Of The Year’, ‘Artist Of The Year’, & ‘Next-Rated’ are left
 strictly for fans to vote and choose the winners. We wish to say
categorically that we do not tamper with the outcome of the voting
process.

“The limit of our involvement in this voting process is to advise the
nominees to engage their fans and solicit their votes. We do not accept
any responsibility for failure on the part of the nominees or their
record label, when they fail to do this.

“Unfortunately, most times, voting, year in review and definitions of
each category, are generally taken for granted by many artists. We can
also attest to, and hereby state categorically that, there is no
evidence that any of the artistes aggrieved and vocal about their
displeasure to the turnout of the award, voted in the ‘Next-Rated’
category, as our voting process captures email addresses and phone
numbers.

“We have ensured that the awards happened regardless of sponsorship, and
 that it gets better with each passing year, without giving excuses
about challenges. We may not have gotten everything 100% right, but
integrity has been our watch-word. The 109 Nigerian artistes that have
won can attest to the fact that they did nothing different from those
that have not. Awards by nature, are and will always remain,
controversial except every nominee gets one.

“We try to ensure that winners are within reach before announcing their
category, as the whole essence of celebrating talents will be defeated
without that.”

The organisers of the Headies said those involved in the destruction
would be addressed regarding their improper conduct.

“While it is not out of place for an artiste or a party to vent their
disapproval, we strongly condemn all kinds of improper conduct and the
use of profanity on live television. In the same manner, we condemn
provocative comments.

“In all, we see no use or reason for a disgruntled artiste or party to
destroy valuable properties put in place to give them extra comfort
before they perform or come on stage. This is totally unacceptable and
will be addressed.”