Nigerian Afrobeat sensation Shallipopi has taken a strong swipe at the organizers of the 17th Headies Awards after what many fans described as a snub on the grand stage.
The artist, who won Best Rap Single of the Year for his track “Cast,” walked onto the Headies stage expecting the usual fanfare that comes with such a win. Instead, he was met with a handshake from the organizers, no award plaque, no celebration.
According to reports, the Headies team informed him they had “run out of plaques.” This revelation sparked outrage both from the artist and fans online, with many questioning how such a prestigious award show could be so poorly coordinated.
Shallipopi didn’t take the moment lightly. Taking to his Twitter page, the visibly upset artist blasted the organizers and revealed his true feelings about the award:
“I nor go even lie for una sef, I nor want that award. Give the real rappers wey dey the category. Me, Shallipopi I nor be rapper.”
“The next one if una see me make I bend.”
The controversy is heightened by the fact that Shallipopi had lost the Next Rated category, arguably the most debated award of the night, to his colleague, Odumodublvck. Despite clinching a win in the rap category, Shallipopi’s discontent highlights a growing frustration among artists over how award bodies in Nigeria handle recognition and logistics.
Fans and music lovers have since taken to social media to voice their support for Shallipopi, while others call for better planning and transparency from The Headies in future editions.
