Afrobeat’s Big Three, Wizkid, Davido, Burna Boy, Absent at The 15th Headies Award

Multi-award winning singers Davido, Tiwa Savage, Burna Boy and Wizkid were all absent from the 15th edition of the Headies Awards, a development that has since caused controversy among fans who question their priorities.

The ceremony took place on Sunday, September 4, in Atlanta, United States. While the big three as they are often called, Davido, Burna Boy and Wizkid, won several awards at the ceremony, they were not physically present to accept them.

Wizkid who led with four wins, making him the most awarded artist of the night, had his manager, Sunday Are present to receive the awards on his behalf.

The Grammy winner won Best Afrobeats Album for Made in Lagos, Album of the Year for Made in Lagos (Deluxe Edition), Best Collaboration for Essence feat. Tems and the best RNB Single.

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Davido followed with the award for best digital artist of the year and also won a humanitarian award.

Burna Boy won Best Male Artist and Artist of the Year awards.

Tiwa Savage, who was nominated for Best Artist and Best RNB Album, lost the award to Tems, who won in both categories. Tiwa also lost Record Artist of the Year to Patoranking.

Others absent from the ceremony are Femi Kuti, Naira Marley, Wande Coal, Simi and 2face. Celebrities attending the event include Olamide, Omawumi, Ruger, Ayra Starr, Kcee, Flavor and BNXN.

BNXN, who received the Next Rated award, dedicated it to his mother who died of cancer, fellow nominees Ruger and Ayra Starr, and Grammy winner Burna Boy.

He said, “I want to thank God that he is the reason I am here, he is the reason I made it this far. I dedicate this to my mother, she died of breast cancer, this is for you mom, this is for my family, this is for my management”.

After the ceremony, the singer formerly known as Buju thanked fans for their support and added that he also dedicates the award to Burna Boy, who emerged as Best African Artist and Best Male Artist.