Organisers of The Headies announce that the 18th edition will be held in Canada, with the main ceremony taking place in Toronto. In explaining the decision, Headies founder Ayo Animashaun says the change is driven by cost considerations, describing the choice as “highly economical.” The move continues a recent pattern of the awards relocating abroad: the Headies left Nigeria in 2022 for the 15th edition in Atlanta, returned for the 17th edition in Lagos in 2025, and now again heads outside the country for the 18th edition.
Speaking during “The Big Announcement” event in Lagos at Eko Hotels and Suites on Monday, organisers say the Toronto event will run alongside a live watch party in Lagos. Animashaun indicates that Nigerian fans in Lagos will participate in the celebration and view parts of the awards as the ceremony progresses overseas. The organisers present the watch party as a way to maintain local involvement while funding and hosting the main programme abroad.
