The Headies has dismissed claims that it sidelines gospel and inspirational music, citing past winners and the introduction of the Best Inspirational Single category as evidence of its recognition of the genre.
The organisers’ response comes shortly after a Nigerian gospel act called for fair treatment of gospel and faith-based music at the award ceremony
It would be recalled that the ‘No Turning Back’ hitmaker argued that a rap song remains rap regardless of its subject matter, whether faith, money or otherwise and urged awards bodies to honour music for its craft before filtering by theme.
“A rap record is a rap record. It does not stop being rap because of what the artiste chose to rap about. Whether the record is about money, fame, sex, debauchery, or faith, the craft, pen game, cadence, delivery, and the flow are what make it a rap record, not the subject matter,” the letter added.
In response, the organisers said gospel artistes have historically competed and won in major general categories rather than being restricted to dedicated gospel awards.
They mentioned Lara George, Kefee, Nikki Laoye, and Timi Dakolo, who received nominations or won awards outside of the gospel categories.
Lara George won Best Vocal Performance (Female) in 2010 for “Keeper of My Dreams.” Kefee won Best Collaboration for “Kokoroko” with Timaya.
Timi Dakolo’s “Heaven Please” won Recording of the Year in 2010. His song “Wish Me Well” brought him three awards in 2015. Nikki Laoye won Best Vocal Performance (Female) in 2013 for “Only You.”
“Gospel and inspirational artists have not just been nominated. They have won major general categories, competing with the top mainstream artists of their time. That is the record,” the organisers said.
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The Headies explained that the Best Inspirational Single category, introduced in 2022, was meant to give more recognition, not to limit gospel artists to a separate category.
“Best Inspirational Single, introduced at the 15th Headies in 2022, was not created to put gospel music in a box. It was created to give more gospel and inspirational artists a guaranteed place on the Headies stage.”
The organisers noted that artistes remain eligible for general categories, citing Anendlessocean’s 2025 nomination for Best Vocal Performance (Male).
The Headies also defended its nomination process, saying each category begins with an average of 50 eligible entries before being reduced to about six nominees.
“Missing the final six is not evidence that a record was ignored. It is evidence that it competed,” it said.
On complaints that the inspirational category is sometimes not presented during the live broadcast, the Headies said the awards have grown from about 22 categories to 35, necessitating a rotation system for categories presented on the main stage.
“Inspirational music is part of that rotation. That is not disregard It is how a growing awards platform manages a growing number of categories.”
The organisers maintained that while the awards can improve, criticism should be based on its history.
