Nigerian singer Shallipopi has taken to social media to express his frustration with the organizers of the 17th edition of the Headies Awards, following an incident where he was given only a handshake on stage instead of the expected award plaque. This incident came after Shallipopi won the prestigious ‘Best Rap Single of the Year’ for his hit song ‘Cast,’ but his victory was overshadowed by the lack of a physical award to commemorate his achievement.
During the award ceremony, Shallipopi, who had been nominated in several categories, including the highly contested “Next Rated” category, was disappointed to learn that the organizers had run out of award plaques. While the singer was presented with a handshake, the absence of the actual plaque, which symbolizes the acknowledgment of his achievement, led to public backlash. Shallipopi’s frustration was further heightened by the fact that he had been excited about the award and was expecting a formal recognition of his hard work.
Shallipopi, who lost the "Next Rated" category to his colleague Odumodublvck, took to his Twitter page to vent his anger over the situation. He expressed his dismay at the lack of professionalism displayed by the organizers, particularly in how they handled the award presentation. He also vowed to boycott future award ceremonies, making it clear that he did not want to be associated with such treatment. His tweet read, "The next one if una see me make I bend," signaling his frustration with the entire experience and his decision to disengage from future award events.
He continued to express his displeasure by declaring that he had no interest in the ‘Best Rap Single’ award he had won. In his tweet, Shallipopi explained that he does not consider himself a rapper and thus did not feel deserving of the recognition in the category. "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,” he stated, further distancing himself from the label of a rapper. This comment sparked mixed reactions from fans and industry professionals, with many sympathizing with his frustration while others questioned his stance on the recognition he had received.
The situation has ignited a wider conversation about the handling of awards and recognition in the Nigerian music industry. Fans of Shallipopi have expressed disappointment on his behalf, while others have taken to social media to criticize the Headies for not providing him with the appropriate accolade. Despite this, Shallipopi's comments highlight the growing trend of artists voicing their dissatisfaction with the current state of award shows, questioning their credibility and fairness in awarding deserving talent.
As Shallipopi continues to speak out about the incident, it remains to be seen whether the Headies organizers will address the matter or offer any apology for the oversight. What is clear, however, is that Shallipopi’s frustration has garnered significant attention and sparked a dialogue about the need for greater respect and professionalism in award ceremonies within the music industry.
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