Delayed Start, Star-Studded Red Carpet Mark 17th Headies Awards

The much-awaited 17th Headies Awards ceremony finally kicked off on Sunday night, though not without frustration from attendees.

Despite earlier announcements by the organizers, the event, which was scheduled to begin by 6 p.m., had yet to start as of 8 p.m. (WAT). Guests, including fans and celebrities, were still waiting to be admitted to the Landmark Event Center in Lagos, where the awards and other festivities were set to take place.

Reports indicate that the Red Carpet event, originally planned for 7 p.m., had not commenced as scheduled.

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A social media user on X (@UnlimitedEniola) took to the platform to express their frustration, highlighting the delay. “Everyone outside as at 7:30 as Headies organisers yet to commence event. The event was slated for 6.p.m, then 7.p.m was announced as the time to start but as at the time of reporting, red carpet is yet to commence and the celebrities are yet to be sighted. #Headies #Back2Base,” the user wrote.

Despite the delay, the ceremony, which typically lasts for about three hours, was expected to conclude around 11 p.m. Based on previous years, the awards show, which recognizes outstanding achievements in the Nigerian music industry, usually runs late into the evening.

In past editions, the Headies was held in Atlanta, Georgia, and aired live on HipTV, a channel owned by the founder and chief organizer of the Headies, who is also behind its original conception as the Hip Hop World Awards.

As the red carpet finally unfolded, newlyweds Priscilla Ojo and Tanzanian singer Juma Jux made their grand entrance. Priscilla, the daughter of popular Nollywood actress Iyabo Ojo, and her husband had already set social media alight with their fairy tale wedding earlier in the week, and they were the talk of the night on the red carpet.

The event, though delayed, featured interviews with several prominent figures, including TV hosts Frank Edoho and IK Osakioduwa, as well as veteran musician Zaki Adzee. The newlyweds, Priscilla and Juma Jux, dazzled in their outfits and were interviewed by the hosts, adding to the glitz and glamour of the evening.

Juma Jux, who has been nominated for the ‘Best East African Artiste of the Year’ at the 17th Headies Awards, was one of the key nominees in the show, which was dubbed ‘Back to Base’ by the organizers.

Also turning heads at the ceremony was Collins Enebeli Ajereh, father of renowned music mogul and Mavin Records boss Don Jazzy. Dressed in a sharp blue tuxedo, Ajereh’s appearance added a touch of elegance to the event, drawing admiration from both the crowd and fans.

The Headies Awards, known for honoring excellence in Nigerian music, returned to Nigeria after a two-year hiatus with a star-studded crowd in attendance.

This year’s ceremony featured 31 categories, including coveted awards like Artiste of the Year, Song of the Year, and the highly anticipated Next Rated Award.